1 ¶ Therefore, if there is any admonition let it be in Christ, if any encouragement let it be of love, if any fellowship let it be of the Spirit, with compassion and tender mercy,

2 Make my joy complete, by being of the same mind, and having the same love, being united in spirit, and in purpose.

3 Do not let yourselves be motivated by contention or self seeking; but in lowliness of mind regard others more highly than yourself.

4 Do not only look out for your own interest, but also for the interest of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being by nature God, did not see equality with God as something to be used for self-glorification:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the nature of a servant, and was born as a man:

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God has also highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth;

11 And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 ¶ Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to live out your salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure.

14 ¶ Do all things without grumbling and rationalizing:

15 So that you may be blameless and innocent, the children of God, without reproach, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;

16 As you hold out the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, or labored in vain.

17 Yea, and even if my life blood is poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad, and rejoice with you all.

18 For the same reason you should also be happy, and rejoice with me.

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may also be encouraged, when I know your situation.

20 For I do not have anyone else, who will take a genuine interest in your welfare as he will.

21 For they all look out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

22 But you know that he has proved himself, for he has served with me in the work of the gospel, like a son working with his father.

23 Therefore I hope to send him, as soon as I see how things go with me.

24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will be coming shortly.

25 However I thought it necessary to send you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

26 For he longs for all of you, and was distressed because you heard that he was sick.

27 And indeed he was sick and almost died: but God had mercy on him; and not only on him, but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I am especially eager to send him, so that when you see him again, you may be glad, and I may have less anxiety.

29 So welcome him joyfully in the Lord; and value men like him highly:

30 Because he almost died for the work of Christ, having risked his life to make up for the help you could not give me.