Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

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.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

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,

so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

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

without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.

And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;

Following Paul’s Example

All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Final Exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Final Greetings

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.