Pauls Last Words To His Friends


Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all of Christ's followers

in Philippi, as well as to the ministers and their helpers. May love

and peace be granted you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.



I hope, if the Lord permits, to send Timothy to you before long, that I

too may be cheered by news about you. I have no other like him who will

take a genuine interest in you, for every one is looking out fo
his own

interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know how Timothy has stood

the test, how like a son working with his father he has served with me

in spreading the good news. So I hope to send him shortly, as soon as I

see how it will go with me; though I am confident, if the Lord permits,

that I myself will come to you before long.



Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice. Let all know that you

are patient. Do not be anxious, but always make your requests known to

God in earnest prayer and thanksgiving; so shall the peace of God, which

is beyond all human understanding, keep guard over your hearts and your

minds in union with Christ Jesus.



Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is

just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report,

if there be any virtue or anything worthy of praise, consider the value

of these things. Practise also what you have learned and received and

heard and seen in me, and then the God of peace will be with you.



It is a great joy to me as a Christian brother to know that you are

again thoughtful of me. Indeed, you have always been thoughtful, but you

did not have an opportunity to show it. Not that I speak of want, for I

have learned, wherever I am, to be content. I know how to live simply; I

know, too, how to live in prosperity. I have learned in all things the

secret of being content, both when I have plenty and when I am hungry,

when I am in prosperity and when I am in want. I can do everything

through Christ who strengthens me.



But you acted nobly in sharing my affliction. Even when I was in

Thessalonica, more than once you sent money for my needs. It is not the

gift I am seeking, but the growing reward that is to your credit! I have

enough of everything, and more than enough. I am fully supplied by what

I received from you through Epaphroditus. It is like fragrant incense, a

sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God. My God will supply your

every need out of his glorious wealth in Christ Jesus. Now to God our

Father be glory forever and ever.



Already my life-blood is poured out and the time for me to go has come.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course, I have kept

the faith. Now the crown for right-doing awaits me which the Lord, the

righteous judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but to

all who have loved and longed for his appearing.



More

;