12. And so, my most beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but even more so now in my absence: work toward your salvation with fear and trembling.
13. For it is God who works in you, both so as to choose, and so as to act, in accord with his good will.
14. And do everything without murmuring or hesitation.
15. So may you be without blame, simple sons of God, without reproof, in the midst of a depraved and perverse nation, among whom you shine like lights in the world,
16. holding to the Word of Life, until my glory in the day of Christ. For I have not run in vain, nor have I labored in vain.
17. Moreover, if I am to be immolated because of the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and give thanks with all of you.
18. And over this same thing, you also should rejoice and give thanks, together with me.
19. Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, in order that I may be encouraged, when I know the things concerning you.
20. For I have no one else with such an agreeable mind, who, with sincere affection, is solicitous for you.
21. For they all seek the things that are of themselves, not the things that are of Jesus Christ.
22. So know this evidence of him: that like a son with a father, so has he served with me in the Gospel.
23. Therefore, I hope to send him to you immediately, as soon as I see what will happen concerning me.
24. But I trust in the Lord that I myself will also return to you soon.
25. Now I have considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and co-worker, and fellow soldier, and an attendant to my needs, but your Apostle.
26. For certainly, he has desired all of you, and he was saddened because you had heard that he was sick.
27. For he was sick, even unto death, but God took pity on him, and not only on him, but truly on myself also, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.