Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(A) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(B) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(C)

¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(A) on the sacrifice^(B) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^{(C) 18} So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(D) to you soon,^(E) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(F) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(G) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(H) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^{(I) 24} And I am confident^(J) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(K) and fellow soldier,^(L) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^{(M) 26} For he longs for all of you^(N) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,^(O) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.