14. Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15. that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
16. holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
17. Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
18. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.
19. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.
20. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.
21. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
22. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
23. Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me.
24. But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.
25. Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
26. since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27. For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28. Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30. because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.