Philippians 2:22-4:23

NSB(i) 22 But you know of his proven worth. It was like a son with his father that he served with me to further the good news. 23 I hope to send him as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 I trust in the Lord that I also will come shortly. 25 I find it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you. He is my brother and fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need. 26 He longed to see you and was worried because you had heard that he was sick. 27 Indeed he was sick and near to death. But God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I have sent him quickly, that, when you see him again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy. Hold such in honor 30 because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me. 3 1 Finally my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not a bother, but for you it is a safeguard. 2 Beware of the dogs (impure men) (false teachers)! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation of the body. 3 We are those with true circumcision who worship by the Spirit of God. We glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. 4 I might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks to have confidence in the flesh, I have more! 5 I was circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. 7 Things that offered gain to me I count a loss for Christ. 8 I count all things to be loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I suffered the loss of all things. Yet I count them as refuse (garbage) (dung) that I may gain Christ. 9 I want to be united with him. I no longer want a righteousness of my own that is gained by obeying the law. The righteousness from God is by faith in Christ. 10 I want to know him and the power of his resurrection. I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings and become conformed to his death. 11 I wish to attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect. But I press on, that I may obtain that for which Christ Jesus also obtained. 13 Brothers, I could not yet have obtained it. But one thing I do, I forget the things that are behind, and stretch forward to the things that are ahead. 14 I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature have this attitude. If you have a different attitude God will show you how to think. 16 However, we should be guided by what we have learned so far. 17 Brothers, be imitators of me. Pay attention to those who live by the example we have given you. 18 Many live as enemies of the stake of Christ. I often wept as I told you about them. 19 Their end is destruction. Their god is their belly. Their glory is in their shame. They set their mind on earthly things. 20 However, our citizenship is in heaven. We also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 Christ will, through his power, bring everything under his authority. He will change our humble bodies and make them like his glorified (glorious) body (literally and figuratively: body of his glory). He is able to subject all things to himself. 4 1 Therefore, my beloved brothers I long to see you. You are my joy and crown. In this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the good news, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness (mildness) (moderation) be known to all men for the Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things. 9 The things that you have learned, received, heard and saw in me; do these things and the God of peace will be with you. 10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me. You did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need; for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. 12 I know how to be poor. I also know how to live with abundance. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have abundance and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 You did well that you share with me in my affliction. 15 You also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I departed from Macedonia, no other congregation shared their money with me. Only you shared with me. 16 While I was in Thessalonica you provided for my needs twice. 17 Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that adds to your account. 18 I have all things, and prosper: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you. It is an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every holy one in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the holy ones greet you, especially they who are of Caesar's household. 23 The grace (Greek: charis: divine influence) of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Greek: pneuma: mental disposition).