9
And this is my prayer: that your love1 may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,210
so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,311
filled with the fruit of righteousness4 that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.
12
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
13
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guarda and to everyone else that I am in chains5 for Christ.
14
Because of my chains,6 most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.715
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.
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The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.817
The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,9 not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.b1018
But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
19
for I know that through your prayers11 and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ,12 what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.c13
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