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

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel 28 and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing.(A) 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well,(B) 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.(C)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy,(D) make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.(E)