Philippians 1

Thanksgiving and Prayer

1 This is Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, writing to all the saints in Philippi, along with your leaders and deacons.

2 Grace and peace to you all from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Every time I think about you all, I thank God.

4 When I pray for you, I am always praying with joy,

5 Because you all been rocking with me in spreading the gospel since day one.

6 I am confident that the One who started this good work in you will keep it going until Jesus comes back.

7 It is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I got you in my heart. Whether I am locked up or defending the gospel, we are in this grace together.

8 God knows how much I care about you all, with the same love Christ Jesus has.

9 And I am praying that your love grows more and more in knowledge and insight,

10 so you can figure out what really matters and be pure and blameless when Jesus comes back,

11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ, bringing glory and praise to God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Listen, I want you all to know that what has happened to me has actually helped spread the gospel.

13 Everybody here, even the guards, know I am locked up for Christ.

14 And because of my chains, most of the believers have gotten bolder and are speaking the Word without fear.

15 Now, some people preach Christ out of jealousy and rivalry, but others do it from good motives.

16 The ones with good motives preach out of love, knowing I am here to defend the gospel.

17 The others preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, trying to stir up trouble for me while I am locked up.

18 But what does it matter, Whether their motives are fake or real, Christ is being preached. And because of that, I am hyped. I will keep on celebrating.

To Live Is Christ

19 Because I know through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will all work out for my good.

20 My hope is that I will not be ashamed but will have the courage to honor Christ in my body, whether I live or die.

21 For me, living is Christ, and dying is gain.

22 If I keep living, I can do more work for Christ. So I do not know which one to choose.

23 I am torn. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, that is way better.

24 But for you all, it is better that I stay here.

25 I am convinced of this: I will stay and keep working with you all for your growth and joy in the faith,

26 so that when I come back to you, your joy in Christ will overflow because of me.

27 Whatever happens, live like citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come see you or hear about you from far away, I will know you all are standing firm together, united in spirit, fighting for the faith.

28 Do not trip when your enemies come at you. That is proof they are losing, and you are winning, with God’s help.

29 God blessed you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him.

30 You are in the same struggle you saw me in and now hear I am still going through.