Philippians 1
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1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers{The word translated "overseers" (episkopos) can also be translated superintendents, guardians, curators, or bishops.} and deacons{Or, servants}:
1:2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1:3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,
1:4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
1:5 for your partnership{The word translated "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."} in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day until now;
1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
1:7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
1:8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
1:9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
1:10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
1:11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
1:12 Now I desire to have you know, brothers,{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Gospel;
1:13 so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
1:14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
1:16 The former insincerly preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
1:17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel.
1:18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
1:19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
1:20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1:22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.
1:23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
1:24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
1:25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
1:26 that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel;
1:28 and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
1:29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
1:30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.