I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.

¹ who though he existed in the form of God ²  did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped,

But these assets I have come to regard as liabilities because of Christ.

so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ,

for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.

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

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.

From Paul ¹  and Timothy, slaves ²  of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, ³  with the overseers ⁴  and deacons.

I feel torn between the two, ¹  because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far,

and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is ¹  a sign of their ²  destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which ³  is from God.

For we are the circumcision, ¹  the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, ²  exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials ³ 

And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

For ¹  it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, ²  since both in my imprisonment ³  and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace ⁴  together with me.

More than that, I now regard all things as liabilities compared to the far greater value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things – indeed, I regard them as dung! ¹  – that I may gain Christ,

Finally, brothers and sisters, ¹  whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things.