3. Every time I think of you, I thank my God.
4. And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.
5. This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.
6. God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain that he won't stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.
7. You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work that God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail.
8. God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.
9. I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand
24-25. But I know that all of you still need me. That's why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy in your faith.
26. Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride in Christ Jesus because of me.
27. Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honour to the good news about Christ. Then, whether I visit you or not, I will hear that all of you think alike. I will know that you are working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news.
28. Be brave when you face your enemies. Your courage will show them that they are going to be destroyed, and it will show you that you will be saved. God will make all this happen,
29. and he has blessed you. Not only do you have faith in Christ, but you suffer for him.
30. You saw me suffer, and you still hear about my troubles. Now you must suffer in the same way.