Study Desk

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.Romans 12:13; 15:26; 2 Corinthians 8:1; Philippians 4:14-15;">[xr]

For it is only right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart.you have me in your heart">[fn] Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, all of you are partners with me in grace.2 Corinthians 3:2; 7:3; Ephesians 3:1; 6:20; Philippians 1:17; 4:14; Colossians 4:3,18; 2 Timothy 1:8;">[xr]

As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison because of Christ.Philippians 4:22;">[xr]

Moreover, because of my imprisonment most of the brothers have been made confident in the Lord to speak God's word more boldly and courageously than ever before.

Some are preaching Christ because of their envy and rivalry, while others do sodo so">[fn] because of their good will.Philippians 2:3;">[xr]

The latter are motivatedare motivated">[fn] by love, because they know that I have been appointed for the defense of the gospel.

But what does it matter?What then?">[fn] Just this, that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and because of this I rejoice. Yes, I will continue to rejoice,

because I know that this will result in my deliverance through your prayers and the help that comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 1:11;">[xr]

This is according to my eager expectation and hope that I will have nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, because of mywith all">[fn] boldness Christ will be exalted in my body, now as always, whether I live or die.by life or by death">[fn]Romans 5:5; 8:19; Ephesians 6:19-20;">[xr]

and that you are not intimidated by your opponents in any way. This is evidence that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved - and all because ofand that from">[fn] God.Romans 8:17; 2 Thessalonians 1:5; 2 Timothy 2:11;">[xr]

For he has been longing forlonging to see">[fn] all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.Philippians 1:3;">[xr]

What is more, I continue to consider all these things as a loss for the sake of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. It is because of him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbishdung">[fn] in order to gain ChristIsaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 9:23-24; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Colossians 2:2;">[xr]

Now I rejoice in the Lord greatly, because once again you have shown your concern for me. Of course, you were concerned for me but you did not have an opportunity to show it.to show it">[fn]2 Corinthians 11:9;">[xr]

I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in.1 Timothy 6:6,8;">[xr]

because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints,

Because they are united in love, I prayI pray">[fn] that their hearts may be encouraged by all the riches that come from a complete understanding of the full knowledge of Christ, who is the secret of God.2 Corinthians 1:6; Philippians 3:8; Colossians 1:9; 3:14;">[xr]

Even when you were dead because of your offenses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, Godhe">[fn] made you alive with him when he forgave us all of our offenses,Ephesians 2:1,5-6,11;">[xr]

All of these things will be destroyed through use because they are based on human commands and teachings.Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:9; Titus 1:14;">[xr]

It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.on the sons of disobedience">[fn]Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; Revelation 22:15;">[xr]

Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives.Proverbs 17:3; Romans 8:27; 1 Corinthians 7:25; 9:17; Galatians 1:10; 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:11-12; Titus 1:3;">[xr]