Study Desk

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God's holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.

I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill.

So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.

I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.

At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.

I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.

For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.

Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord's work.

I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that's happening here.

I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.

This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"—and I am the worst of them all.

I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon,

so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.