But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition.

But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.

For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God?

We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.

See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.

I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you.

And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.

Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is a great help to me in ministry.

Everyone with me greets you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

I have had great joy and encouragement because of your love, for the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

I, Paul, have written this letter with my own hand: I will repay it. I could also mention that you owe me your very self.

Again he says, “I will be confident in him,” and again, “Here I am, with the children God has given me.”

As it says, “Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,”

then he says, “Here I am: I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first to establish the second.

For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession.

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Is it not from this, from your passions that battle inside you?