Philippians 1:1-30, NLT
Philippians 1
Greetings from Paul
1This 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*1:1 Or overseers, or bishops. and deacons.
2May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
7So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
9I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.
Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached
12And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters,*1:12 Greek brothers. that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
15It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.
Paul’s Life for Christ
20For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.
25Knowing 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.
Live as Citizens of Heaven
27Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.