14. Now most of the Lord's followers have become brave and are fearlessly telling the message.
15. Some are preaching about Christ because they are jealous and envious of us. Others are preaching because they want to help.
16. They love Christ and know that I am here to defend the good news about him.
17. But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.
18. But that doesn't matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad.I will keep on being glad,
19. because I know that your prayers and the help that comes from the Spirit of Christ Jesus will keep me safe.
20. I honestly expect and hope that I will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honour to Christ.
21. If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more.
22. I don't know what to choose. I could keep on living and doing something useful.
23. It is a hard choice to make. I want to die and be with Christ, because that would be much better.
24-25. But I know that all of you still need me. That's why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith.
26. Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride in Christ Jesus because of me.
27. Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honour to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
28. Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all this happen,
29. and he has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him.