Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

²¹ for to me, the living is Christ, and the dying^[a] is gain.

Death Would Be Much Better For Me, But I Know I Will Continue To Live For Your Sake

²² Now if it is the living in the flesh, this for me means fruit from work. And I do not know^[b] what I shall choose, ²³ but am gripped^[c] by the two— having the desire that I might depart and be with Christ, for that is better by much more, ²⁴ but the remaining in the flesh is more-necessary for your sake. ²⁵ And being confident-of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your advancement and joy of faith, ²⁶ in order that your boast may be abounding in Christ Jesus in me through my presence again with you.

But Conduct Yourselves Worthily of The Gospel, And Don’t Be Frightened

²⁷ Only be conducting-yourselves^[d] worthily of the good-news of Christ in order that whether having come and seen you or being absent, I may be hearing-of the things concerning you— that you are standing-firm in one spirit, contending-together with one soul for the faith of the good-news, ²⁸ and not being frightened^[e] in any way by the ones opposing you— which is a sign^[f] of destruction for them, but of your salvation, and this from God.

God Has Granted That We Should Both Believe In Christ And Suffer For Him

²⁹ Because to you was granted the thing^[g] for Christ’s sake— not only the believing in Him, but also the suffering for His sake, ³⁰ having the same struggle^[h] such as you saw in me and now are hearing to be in me.