I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law as a Pharisee. ¹ 

The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel.

As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name,

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.

Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, ¹  so that when you see him again you can rejoice ²  and I can be free from anxiety.

For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. ¹ 

who will transform these humble bodies of ours ¹  into the likeness of his glorious body by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself.