15
That ye may beblamelessandharmless,[b] the sons of God, without rebuke,in the midst of a crookedandperversenation,amongwhom ye shineaslightsin the world;
16
Holding forth the word of life;thatI may rejoicein the day of Christ,that I havenotruninvain,neitherlabouredinvain.
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Yea, and if I be offered[c]upon the sacrificeandservice of yourfaith, I joy, and rejoice withyouall.
18
For the same causealsodoyejoy, and rejoice withme.
19
But[d] I trustin the LordJesus to sendTimotheusshortly unto you,that I also may be of good comfort, when I knowyourstate.
20
For I have no manlikeminded,[e]who will naturallycare for yourstate.
21
Forallseek their own,not the things which areJesusChrist's.
22
But ye know the proof of him,that,as a son with the father, he hath servedwithmein the gospel.
23
Him*therefore I hope to sendpresently, so soon asI shall seehow it will go with me.
24
But I trustin the LordthatIalsomyself shall comeshortly.
25
Yet I supposed it necessary to sendtoyouEpaphroditus,mybrother,and companion in labour,andfellowsoldier,butyourmessenger,and he that ministered to mywants.
26
Forhe longed afteryouall,and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heardthat he had been sick.
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Forindeed he was sicknigh unto death:butGod had mercy on him;andnot on himonly,but on mealso,lest I should havesorrowuponsorrow.
28
I senthimtherefore the more carefully,that, when ye seehimagain, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
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Receivehimthereforein the Lordwithallgladness;andhold[f]such in reputation:
30
Becausefor the work of Christ he was nighuntodeath, not regarding his life,tosupplyyourlack of servicetowardme.