Greetings from Paul and Timothy
(Colossians 1:1–2; Philemon 1:1–3)

1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
(1 Corinthians 1:4–9; Colossians 1:3–14)

3I thank my God upon every remembrance of you? 4always, in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all, making supplication with joy? 5on account of your fellowship for the Gospel, from the first day until now; 6having become persuaded of this very thing, that He Who began in you a good work will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7even as it is right for me to think this in behalf of you all; because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, all of you being partakers with me of the grace. 8For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the tender affections of Christ Jesus. 9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all discernment; 10so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be pure and without offense to the day of Christ; 11being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which is through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel
(James 1:2–12)

12Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the things relating to me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the Gospel; 13that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest; 14and that the greater part of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15Some, indeed, preach Christ even because of envy and strife; and some also of good-will; 16the one, from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel; 17but the other proclaim Christ of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add tribulation to my bonds. 18What then? save that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19For I know that this will turn out for my salvation, through your supplication and a supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ; 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall in nothing be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life, or through death.

To Live Is Christ

21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if it be to live in flesh, this is to me a fruit of labor; and what I shall choose I know not; 23but I am constrained by the two; having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it is far better; 24but to abide in flesh is more needful for you. 25And, having become assured of this, I know that I shall abide, and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, 26that your glorying may abound in Jesus Christ in me through my presence with you again.

Worthy of the Gospel

27Only demean yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ; that, whether coming and seeing you, or being absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye are standing fast in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith of the Gospel; 28and in nothing terrified by the adversaries; which, indeed, to them is a token of destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God; 29but to you it was granted as a favor in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but in His behalf to suffer also; 30having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.