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12 (A)So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling.[a] 13 For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.(B) 14 Do everything without grumbling or questioning,(C) 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,[b] among whom you shine like lights in the world,(D) 16 as you hold on to the word of life, so that my boast for the day of Christ may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.(E) 17 But, even if I am poured out as a libation[c] upon the sacrificial service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with all of you.(F) 18 In the same way you also should rejoice and share your joy with me.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. 2:12 Fear and trembling: a common Old Testament expression indicating awe and seriousness in the service of God (cf. Ex 15:16; Jdt 2:28; Ps 2:11; Is 19:16).
  2. 2:15–16 Generation…as you hold on to…: or “…generation. Among them shine like lights in the world because you hold the word of life….”
  3. 2:17 Libation: in ancient religious ritual, the pouring out on the ground of a liquid offering as a sacrifice. Paul means that he may be facing death.