And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.

for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Life Worthy of the Gospel

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;