For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him,

since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing.

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit, any affection or mercy,

but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature.

Indeed, he greatly missed all of you and was distressed because you heard that he had been ill.

– though mine too are significant. If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more:

Be imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and watch carefully those who are living this way, just as you have us as an example.

But our citizenship is in heaven – and we also await a savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

since we heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints.

being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might for the display of all patience and steadfastness, joyfully

that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints.

Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.

Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days –

These are all destined to perish with use, founded as they are on human commands and teachings.

When Christ (who is your life) appears, then you too will be revealed in glory with him.

But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth.

and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it.

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

I sent him with Onesimus, the faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.