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1:14
And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.
1:15
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
1:16
The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
1:17
The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
1:18
What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
1:19
because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance.
1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
1:21
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1:22
But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know.
1:23
I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.
1:24
But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
1:25
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
1:26
so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.
1:27
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,
1:28
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.
1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
1:30
since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.