1Finally, brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome (indolent, delay, hesitate, reluctant, irksome, latin- pigrum- tiresome) for you however is sure (certain, secure, not cast down, secure because it does not totter, reliable).

2Look out for (beware of) the dogs, look out from (beware of) the malice (kakous) workers, look out for the concision (latin- concisionem, mutilators of the flesh, false circumcision, valueless circumcision). 3For we are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and do not have confidence in the flesh. 4Though I have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5As to circumcision, on the eight day, from out of the race (family, offspring, descendants) of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew from out of Hebrews; according to the Law, a Pharisee; 6According to zeal, persecuting the church; according to righteousness in the law, having become found not blameworthy.

7But rather whatever things were gain to me, these I have supposed loss (damage, detriment, a bad deal) because of Christ. 8But rather yes, I suppose all things to be loss (damage, a bad deal, detriment) because of the excelling (surpassing, superior) knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I have lost all things and suppose them rubbish (skybala- what is thrown to dogs), so that I might gain Christ, 9And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from out of the law but rather that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from out of God upon faith; 10To know Him and the power of His resurrection (to stand again, latin- resurrectionis) and the fellowship of His sufferings (greek- pathematon, latin- passionum, strong emotions), being conformed (latin-configuratus) to His death; 11If somehow I might attain unto the resurrection from out of the dead.

12Not that I have already obtained it or have already been perfected (consummated); however I am pursuing (as hunting a prize) if also I may lay hold upon that which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brothers, I do not reckon myself to have taken hold of it. However, one thing- forgetting (unnoticing, neglecting, overlooking) the things behind and reaching forward (extending on) to the things ahead (in front of, before the face), 14I pursue according to the scoped end-marker (skopon) unto the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Therefore, as many as are full-grown (mature, of full age, consummated, perfect, latin-perfecti) should be of this perspective (mind, understanding); and if you are differently minded in anything, even this God will reveal to you. 16Nevertheless, unto that which we have attained, walk the same standard (rule, regulation), think (perspective) the same.

17Be imitators together of me, brothers, and observe (scope, latin- observate) those walking thus, just as you have us for a type (greek-typos, latin-formam, model, repeated pattern). 18For many are walking, of whom I told you often, and I tell you now even weeping, as enemies of the cross of Christ; 19Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly (kiolia) and their glory is in their shame, who are minding earthly things. 20For our citizenship (form of government, state, commonwealth, the greek word politeuma may be the root of politics) exists in the heavens, from out of which also we are eagerly awaiting the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21Who will change the outward appearance (not metamorphe/transform but metaschematisei- with change of the outer shape, latin-reformabit) of our lowly (humiliation, low estate, abased) body to be conformed (symmorphon- formed together with, latin-configuratum) like unto the body of His glory, according to the working of His ability (power) even to subdue (subject, arrange under, latin- subicere) all things to Himself.