27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life(A) worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm(B) in one(C) spirit, in one accord,[a] contending together for the faith(D) of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents.(E) This is a sign of destruction for them,(F) but of your salvation(G)—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe(H) in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.

Christian Humility

If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love,(I) if any fellowship with the Spirit,(J) if any affection and mercy,(K) make my joy complete by thinking the same way,(L) having the same love,(M) united in spirit, intent on one(N) purpose.

Footnotes

  1. 1:27 Lit soul

Live worthy of the gospel

27 Most important, live together in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel. Do this, whether I come and see you or I’m absent and hear about you. Do this so that you stand firm, united in one spirit and mind as you struggle together to remain faithful to the gospel. 28 That way, you won’t be afraid of anything your enemies do. Your faithfulness and courage are a sign of their coming destruction and your salvation, which is from God. 29 God has generously granted you the privilege, not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for Christ’s sake. 30 You are having the same struggle that you saw me face and now hear that I’m still facing.

Imitate Christ

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other.