Warning Against Evil Workers

3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, but is a safeguard for you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.a 3 For we are the circumcision, the ones who worshipb by the Spiritc of God and boast in Christ Jesus and do not put confidence in the flesh, 4 although I could have confidence even in the flesh.

Righteousness Through Christ

If anyone else thinks to put confidence in the flesh, I can do so more: 5 ⌊circumcised on the eighth day⌋d, from the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews, according to the law a Pharisee, 6 according to zeal persecuting the church, according to the righteousness in the law being blameless. 7 But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have considered loss because of Christ. 8 ⌊More than that⌋e, I even consider all things to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them* dung, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and may be found in him, not having my righteousness which is from the law, but which is through faith in Christ,f the righteousness from God on the basis of faith,g 10 so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already received this,* or have already been made perfect, but I press on if indeed I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ.h 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.* But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Imitate Paul

15 Therefore as many as are perfect, ⌊let us hold this opinion⌋i, and if you think anything differently, God will reveal this also to you. 16 Only to what we have attained, to the same hold on. 17 Become fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example. 18 For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things. 20 For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Appeal for Unity

4 So then, my beloved and greatly desired brothers, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche ⌊to be in agreement⌋a in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask also you, true yokefellow, help them, who struggled along with me in the gospel with both Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life.

Be Anxious for Nothing

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be made known to all people. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mindsb in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Support for Paul’s Ministry

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last ⌊you have renewed your concern for me⌋c, for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. 11 Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how both ⌊to make do with little⌋d and I know how ⌊to have an abundance⌋e. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both ⌊to have an abundance⌋f and to go without. 13 I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well by sharing* with me in my affliction. 15 Now you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, 16 because even in Thessalonica ⌊on more than one occasion⌋g you sent for my need. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the profit that increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; ⌊I am well supplied⌋h because* I received from Epaphroditus ⌊what you had sent⌋i, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory ⌊forever and ever⌋j. Amen.

Final Greetings and Benediction

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

The Letter of Paul to the

Colossians