Philippians:1:12-30

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* I want you to know , brothers , that what has happened to me has turned out rather to help than to the hindrance of the gospel . * Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ ; * and most of the brothers in the Lord , made confident in the Lord through my imprisonment , are much emboldened to speak Gods message with free and fearless confidence . * Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and contentiousness , but others from good-will . * but the former preach Christ out of rivalry , not sincerely , because they think they are adding bitterness to my bonds . * These latter out of their love , because they know that I am set here for the defense of the gospel ; * What of it ? In any case , whether in pretence or in honest truth , Christ is still preached , and in that I am rejoicing , yes , and will rejoice . * For I know that these things will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and a rich supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ . * So it is my keen expectation and hope that I shall never feel ashamed , but that with fearless courage , now as hither to , Christ may be magnified in my body , whether by my life or by my death . * For , with me , to live is Christ and to die is gain . * But now , if life in the flesh , if this be the fruit of my toil - what to choose I do not know , * but am in a quandary between the two . I am perplexed . I have a strong desire to break camp and to be with Christ , which is far better ; * but for your sakes it is more necessary that I should still live on in the body . * And because I am convinced of this , I know that I shall live , and go on working side by side with you all for your progress and joy in the faith , * so that you may find me fresh cause of exultation in Christ Jesus , because of my presence among you once more . * Only do lead lives worthy of the gospel of Christ ; so that whether I come to see you or hear reports concerning you in my absence , I may know that you are standing firm in one spirit , with one soul , enlisted in a common struggle for the faith of the gospel , * and in no way terrorized by its enemies . For you fearlessness is a clear indication of coming ruin for them , but of salvation for you at the hands of God . * For it has been granted you in Christs behalf , not only to believe on him , but also to suffer for his sake , * while you wage the same conflict which you once saw in me , and now hear that I maintain .

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