1Therefore, if there is any consolation (encouragement) in belonging to Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship together in the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2Then make my joy complete, by being agreeable, of one mind, sharing the same love, spirit, and purpose; 3Doing nothing out of selfish motives; but rather, in humility, esteeming others better than yourself. 4Each of you considering the interests of others as well as your own interests, 5Having the same attitude that was demonstrated by Christ Jesus, 6Who, being in the form and very nature of God, did not consider retaining His equality with God, the Father, something to be clutched and clung to; 7But instead, He emptied Himself of His divine privileges and status, and took upon Himself the nature of a servant, and was born in the likeness of mortal men; 8And taking the form of a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even the death of a criminal on a cross. 9Therefore, God has also highly exalted Him, and given Him a name above all other names; 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11And every tongue should confess (acknowledge) that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father.

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed - not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to prove and show the results of your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God Who works in you to both desire and to fulfill His good pleasure. 14Do all things without grumbling or arguing, 15That you may be blameless and pure, children of God, pure and innocent in a crooked and perverse world, as shining lights in a dark world, 16As you hold firmly to the word of life. Then I will be able to rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run nor labored in vain, 17Even if I am poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice with you all. 18And you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

19But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may also be cheered when I receive news about you. 20For I have no one else who is like-minded, who has genuine concern for your welfare. 21For nearly everyone looks out only for their own interests, and not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know that Timothy has proved himself; and like a son with his father, he has served with me in the ministry of the gospel. 23I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things will go with me. 24But I trust in the Lord that I, myself, may also come shortly. 25But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, companion in labor, and fellow soldier, who has served to meet my needs and also as your messenger, 26For he has been wanting to see you all, and was distressed when you had heard that he had been sick. 27He was, indeed, sick, and nearly died; but God had mercy on both him, and not only on him, but on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore, I was all the more eager to send him, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be less anxious. 29So welcome him in the Lord with all gladness; and honor people like him; 30Because he nearly died from his hard work for Christ, without regarding his own life, supplying the service and needs that you could not supply for me.