Study Desk

and having put shoes on your feet so that you are ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.in readiness for the gospel of peace">[fn]Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15;">[xr]

Pray in the Spirit at all times with every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert with every kind of effort and request for all the saints.Matthew 26:41; Mark 13:33; Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1;">[xr]

PrayPray">[fn] also for me, so that, when I open my mouth, the right words will be given to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel,Acts 4:29; 2 Corinthians 3:12; Colossians 4:3; 2 Thessalonians 3:1;">[xr]

for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare it as boldly as I should.as I should speak">[fn]Acts 26:29; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 3:1; Philippians 1:7,13-14,20; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Timothy 1:16; 2:9;">[xr]

I am sending him to you for this very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your hearts.Colossians 4:8;">[xr]

always praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you

For it is only right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart.you have me in your heart">[fn] Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, all of you are partners with me in grace.2 Corinthians 3:2; 7:3; Ephesians 3:1; 6:20; Philippians 1:17; 4:14; Colossians 4:3,18; 2 Timothy 1:8;">[xr]

For God is my witness how much I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.Romans 1:9; 9:1; Galatians 1:20; Philippians 2:26; 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:5;">[xr]

Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually turned out for the progress of the gospel.

The latter are motivatedare motivated">[fn] by love, because they know that I have been appointed for the defense of the gospel.

The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition and without sincerity, thinking that they will stir up trouble for me during my imprisonment.Philippians 1:7;">[xr]

For to me, to go on living is Christ, and to die is gain.

Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with Christ, for that is far better.2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Timothy 4:6;">[xr]

But for your sake it is better that I remain in this body.

Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will continue to live and be with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith.Philippians 2:24;">[xr]

The only thing that matters is that you continue to live as good citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or whether I stay away, I may hear all about you - that you are standing firm in one spirit, struggling with one mind for the faith of the gospel,1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 4:1; Jude 1:3;">[xr]

For you have been given the privilegeit has been given you">[fn] for Christ's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.Acts 5:41; Romans 5:3; Ephesians 2:8;">[xr]

For it is God who is producing in you both the desire and the ability to do what pleases him.2 Corinthians 3:5; Hebrews 13:21;">[xr]

Yet even if I am being poured out like an offering as part of the sacrifice and service I offerI offer">[fn] for your faith, I rejoice, and I share my joy with all of you.Romans 15:16; 2 Corinthians 7:4; Colossians 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:6;">[xr]

For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 10:24,33; 13:5; 1 Corinthians 10:24,33, 2 Timothy 4:10,16;">[xr]