Philippians 1:1-30 MEV

[1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: [2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God for every reminder of you. [4] In every prayer of mine for you all, I have always made requests with joy, [5] due to your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. [7] It is right for me to think this of you all because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonments and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are fellow partakers of my grace. [8] For God is my witness, how I long after you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. [9] And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment, [10] that you may approve things that are excellent so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God. [12] But I want you to know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have resulted in advancing the gospel, [13] so that my imprisonments in Christ have become known throughout the entire palace guard and to all the rest. [14] And a great many of the brothers in the Lord, having become confident because of my incarcerations, have dared to speak the word without fear. [15] Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and strife, and some also from good will. [16] The former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, intending to add trouble to my circumstance. [17] But the latter preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. [18] What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Indeed, I will rejoice. [19] For I know that through your prayer and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will result in my deliverance. [20] Accordingly, it is my earnest expectation and my hope that I shall be ashamed in nothing, but that with all boldness as always, so now also, Christ will be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death. [21] For to me, to continue living is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor to me. Yet I do not know what I shall choose. [23] I am in a difficult position between the two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. [24] Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. [25] Having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your joyful advancement of the faith, [26] so that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ when I am in your presence again. [27] Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, that whether or not I come and see you, I may hear of your activities, that you are standing fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. [28] Do not be frightened by your adversaries. This is a sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and this from God. [29] For to you it was granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, [30] having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.