7. as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have me in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace.
8. For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of Christ Jesus.
9. And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all intelligence,
10. that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ's day,
11. being complete as regards the fruit of righteousness, which is by Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise.
12. But I would have you know, brethren, that the circumstances in which I am have turned out rather to the furtherance of the glad tidings,
13. so that my bonds have become manifest as being in Christ in all the praetorium and to all others;
14. and that the most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord through my bonds, dare more abundantly to speak the word of God fearlessly.
15. Some indeed also for envy and strife, but some also for good will, preach the Christ.
16. These indeed out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings;
17. but those out of contention, announce the Christ, not purely, supposing to arouse tribulation for my bonds.
18. What is it then? at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice;
19. for I know that this shall turn out for me to salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ;
20. according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death.
21. For for me to live is Christ, and to die gain;
22. but if to live in flesh is my lot, this is for me worth the while: and what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23. But I am pressed by both, having the desire for departure and being with Christ, for it is very much better,
24. but remaining in the flesh is more necessary for your sakes;