About heaps of joy

This study is written by Emily Khong a second-year computing student. She attended a Bible camp over the summer and was inspired by the book of Philippians. With very little help, she wrote up 4 studies based on Philippians. We will use the studies in Hamilton International Christian Fellowship this Semester.

If particular books of the bible have challenged or inspired you, approach someone who could shadow you as you write studies for other students on campus so that they too will be blessed. Or txt me...love being part of the whole process of writing studies.

There are other studies online on the book of Philippians. Each has a different focus for the study...


http://www.summitchurchofchrist.org/Materials%20for%20Bible%20Study/Textual%20Study%20--%20Philippians.pdf

http://bible.org/series/live-christ-study-book-philippians

http://www.intervarsity.org/mx/results.php?cx=016851438128741365429%3Ahhautjsxhlq&q=philippians&sa=Search&cof=FORID%3A11&siteurl=www.intervarsity.org%2Fmx%2Fadv_search.php&ref=www.intervarsity.org%2Fmx%2Fsubject%2Fbiblestudies%2F

Because Emily is a student in university at the moment, the focus of her study is specific, she is writing for her friends and others in the same position as her--this process is called contextualisation.

Another method of study is called manuscript bible study.
I have a copy of the resource material for a manuscript bible study of the book of Philippians taken from Intervarsity Ministry Exchange, the American body of IFES. It may be interesting contrast the two techniques of doing bible study. Allowing the bible to speak for itself is an important part of any bible study....to read into the text in order to use the bible to justify ideas is called proof-texting. Proof texting uses the authority of the bible to justify actions instead of allowing the bible to change our lives. It is important to be able to identify when speakers and studies are proof texting and avoid doing proof texting ourselves when writing and doing bible study. Let me know if you would like to chat more.

Heaps of Joy

1)  Describe an event in your life that brings joy to your heart  (v4)

a) What is the difference between joy and happiness

2) Read v3-11

a) List 3 things Paul mentions in his Thanksgiving and Prayer

b) In university, knowledge is not connected with love or depth of insight.

What do you think is the connection between love, knowledge and depth of insight? (V 9)

3) v12-14 talks about Paul’s detention.

a) Have you ever been in a similar situation where you felt trapped, lonely and felt you have no friends? Share the moment.

4) v 15-19 talks about Paul’s dilemma.

a) Paul mentions his willingness to sacrifice himself for Jesus Christ, he is “torn between the two”. How does Paul come to a conclusion?

b) In life, have you ever experience a situation where you have to choose between two hard decisions? How did you resolve it?

5) Finally, what do you think Paul asked the Philippians to do?  In v27-28, what do you think it is referring to?

A challenge
To pray for people you have met today.

v15-19 => Paul’s detractors

v27-30 => Paul’s directions

Philippians 1

 ¹ Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
   To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons^[a]:
 ² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

 ³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. ⁷ It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
 ⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, ¹⁰ so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

 ¹² Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,^[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. ¹³ As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard^[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. ¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁷ The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. ¹⁸ 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 prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.^[d] 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

 ²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,^[e] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

Footnotes:

1. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
2. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
3. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
4. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
5. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit

Heaps of Joy-- Leader's Guide.

A quick background to the book



Paul wrote letters to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians and Philippians while under house arrest in Rome around A.D. 60 to 61. He could receive guests and write letters during that time but he could no longer travel.

Ephesians 3:1: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –
Ephesians 4:1: I urge you, therefore, I the prisoner in the Lord, to live in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
Ephesians 6:20: ...for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may speak it boldly as I must.

 Epaphroditus a member of the church in Philippi  brought with him contributions as an expression of their "partnership" and "concern" to meet the needs of Paul (Phil 1:3-5

,Phil 2:30

, and Phil 4:10-19

).  This is probably the last letter he wrote before his trial and death. How does this discussion of joy become more meaningful knowing that Paul was about to suffer and the church would do so too?

1)  Describe an event in your life that brings joy to your heart  (v4)

a) What is the difference between joy and happiness

Joy –unconditional

Happiness –conditional (v7-8)
The reasons for joy: 
The gospel is preached
Philippian's faith and their joy in faith.

Paul's deliverance.

Joy in Christ Jesus

2) Read v3-11

a) List 3 things Paul  mention in his Thanksgiving and Prayer

 -Thank God of the saints at Philippi

  -Paul describes his joy
  - the saints – “holy one”

b) In university, knowledge is not connected with love or depth of insight.

What do you think is the  connection between love, knowledge and depth of insight? V 9
Love grows as it is based on knowledge and wisdom (depth of insight). So the three are completely interwined so that we are able to tell (discern) what is best and may be pure and blameless because of Jesus. In order that God is praised.

3) v12-14 talks about Paul’s detention

a) Have you ever been in a situation where you felt trapped, lonely and had no friends? Share the moment.

 Possibly at those times, you recognized how friends are a true gift from God.  Paul recognizes this as he wrote from prison to his friends in Philippi. If you feel this way in uni, pray that God will send you the gift of true friends.

4) v 15-19 talks about Paul’s dilemma.

a) Paul mention his willingness to sacrifice himself for Jesus Christ, he feels “torn between the two”. How does Paul resolve this?

"I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body."
He chooses what is better for the people than for himself...he is unselfish.
He is eager for their progress and joy in their faith.

b) In life, have you ever experience a situation where you have to choose between two hard decisions? How did you resolve it?

5) Finally, what do you think Paul asked the Philippians to do?  In v27-28, what do you think it is referring to?

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit,^[e] striving together as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 
Life application bible says this:
" Suffering, in and of itself, is not a privilege. But when we suffer because we faithfully represent Christ, we know that our message and example are having an effect and that God considers us worth to represent him. (Acts 5:41) Suffering has these additional benefits:
1) it takes our eyes off of earthly comforts.
2) it weeds out superficial believers.
3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure.
4) it serves as an example to others who follow us. Suffering for our faith doesn't mean we have done something wrong. In fact the opposite is often true--it verifies that we have been faithful. 

v15-19 => Paul’s detractors

v27-30 => Paul’s directions

Chapter 2 The Joy of Encouragement

1) In Christ himself there is every encouragement to Unity. Disunity is rejection of His will and purpose.

a) Share something that has been encouraging to you that happened this week.  

b) What do you think causes disunity ? Share your thoughts.

3) This chapter teaches us to be humble and humility. Explain the words Paul uses “Selfish ambition” “Vain conceit” and “Humility”

4) Verse 5-11 talks about Christ HUMILITY.

a) How has Christ shown humility?
b) Read out the poem One Solitary Life is this an accurate picture of Christ's humility? 


Here was a young man
who was born in an obscure village
the child of a peasant woman.


He worked in a carpenter shop
until he was thirty, and then for three years
he was an itinerant preacher.
------------------------------------------------
He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never owned a house.
He never had a family.
He never went to university.
He never set his foot inside a big city.
He never travelled two hundred miles
from the place where he was born.
He never did one of the things
that usually accompany greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
__________________________


While he was still a young man,
the tide of public opinion turned against him.
His friends ran away.
He was turned over to his enemies.
He went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to the cross between two thieves.
--------------------------------------------
While he was dying, his executioners gambled
for the only piece of property he had on earth,
and that was his coat.
When he was dead,
he was laid in a borrowed grave
through the pity of a friend.
__________________________
Nineteen centuries have come and gone,
and he is still the central figure
of the human race
and the leader of the column of progress


I am far within the mark when I say
that all the armies that ever marched
and all the navies never sailed
and all the parliaments that ever sat,
and all the kings that ever reigned,
put together, have not affected human life
upon this earth as has that One Solitary Life. 

5)  In verse 12, Paul talks about working out your salvation with fear and trembling. 
a) Why do you think we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling?

b) What does it mean ?

6) In the past, Christians helped each other by visiting each other, writing letters and support through any means they could. From v 19-30, how did Timothy and Epaphroditus show Unity and support?


A Challenge
This year the memory verse for HICF is Philippians 2:1-2. Talk about how you could learn to remember this verse and apply it.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

 ¹ Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
 ⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death—
      even death on a cross!
 ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
   and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
   to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

 ¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. ¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

 ¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. ²²But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. ²⁴ And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. ²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. ²⁶ For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, ³⁰ because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Footnotes:

1. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
2. Philippians 2:7 Or the form
3. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5

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Chapter 2 The Joy of Encouragement--Leader's Guide

1) In Christ himself there is every encouragement to Unity. Disunity is rejection of His will and purpose.

a) Share something that has been encouraging to you that happened this week.  

b) What cause disunity ? Share your thoughts.

- v1-2

o speaks of unity;

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ...”

“…any comfort from love…”

“…any participation in the Spirit…”

“…any affection and sympathy…”

“…complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in

full accord and of one mind.”

3) This chapter teaches us to be humble and humility. Explain the words Paul uses “Selfish ambition” “Vain conceit” “Humility”

“selfish ambition” – don’t come with ULTERIOR MOTIVES

 “vain conceit” – don’t do things to IMPRESS OTHERS

 “humility” – “…count OTHERS more significant than yourself…”

4) Verse 5-11 talks about Christ HUMILITY.

a) How is Christ's humility shown

Christ’s HUMILITY can be seen through his:

Surrender

Sacrifice

Submission

Servanthood

Suffering

b) Why dying on the cross is such a bad way to die?

It is a Conspicuous death; everybody can see you die

It is a Criminal’s death; only criminals were crucified

5)  In verse 12, Paul talks about working out your salvation with fear and trembling. 
a) Why do you think we are told to work out our salvation with fear and trembling?

b) What does it mean ? 
Often it is not just hearing or reading the Bible that brings change in our lives but doing it...we desire to God's will as we do God's will.

6) In the past, Christians helped each other by visiting each other, writing letters and support through any means they could. From v 19-30, how do Timothy and Epaphroditus show Unity and support?
Timothy was Paul companion on his missionary journeys and would carry news from Paul to the church.
Epaphroditus delivered money to Paul from the philippians and is a "real brother", "working and battling side by side". He fell ill and almost died and after he recovered Paul sent him home.

Chapter 3 The Joyful Race

1) “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliot
What do you think this means? Compare it with v7-8?

This picture of our Christian life being a race has captured our imagination through the generations.

2) v12 Have you ever tried to be perfect in all that you do and become discouraged? Why is this verse encouraging? Watch the race in this video clip. What does pressing on mean?

3)Paul talks about a goal and a prize in v14.

a) In your opinion, what prize does he refers to? 1 Cor 9:25

b) Life is a race. So is your faith in salvation.  What’s the different between a Christian race and a normal race?

c) We often have a goal/aim we look forward to. A goal to success, a goal of happiness, or a goalpost in a soccer game!  Do you have a goal?  Why do you hold onto this goal? What is the goal in this verse?

4) in v 17 Paul talks about using him as an example to follow (or a role model). Who are your role models?

No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.   If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
 ⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
 ¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus 

Following Paul’s Example

 ¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. ¹⁶ Only let us live up to what we have already attained. ¹⁷ Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. ¹⁸ For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. ²⁰ But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

Chapter 3 The Joyful Race--Leader's Guide

1) “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.”- Jim Elliot
Who is Jim Elliot?
http://www.atanycost.org/DidTheyHaveToDie.htm

In v7 Paul counts all his own merits as LOSS, for the sake of Christ.  Have you ever done (or know someone who done) something that doesn’t benefit you/themselves, but for the beneficial of others? What do the quotes you have chosen say about you? (If your group is still uncomfortable sharing, just get them to think about it)

2) v12:. Have you ever tried to be perfect in all that you do and become discouraged? Why is this verse encouraging? This movie clip illustrates the difference.

3)Paul talks about a goal and a prize in v14.

a) In your opinion, what prize does he refers to? 

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Cor 9:25

b) Life is a race. So is your faith in salvation.  What’s the different between a Christian race and a normal race?

Christian race is not about winning other Christians, but completing the race.

Refer : Hebrews 12:1

“Race” – The race of life, more to obstacle race.

c) We often have a goal/aim we look forward to. A goal to success, a goal of happiness, or a goal to shoot in!  Do you have a goal?  Why do you hold a goal? What is the goal in this verse?
"The goal is to press on and the prize is a fulfillment of the goal. Christ has laid hold of him, he must therefore lay hold of that which is his Lord's purpose for him. He must forget the past--the sins and failures of the past, and also the achievements in the service of Christ--so that the may always be straining forward to what lies ahead in the work of Christ and in the likeness of Christ." IVP Commentary

4) in v 17 Paul talks about using him as an example to follow (or a role model). So who is your role model?

Chapter 4 Thoughts that bring joy

1) The book of Philippians focus mainly on “joy”

a) List down verses that spoke of joy

b) List down verses that spoke of rejoice

c) How many “joy” and “rejoice” did you find in the whole book?

2) Paul describes a situation in verses 2 and 3.

• What is the problem?
• What solution is proposed?
• How is the church motivated to solve the problem?

3) in v 6 “do not be anxious about anything…”.

 Ultimately if you worry, you should present your request to God. How often you put your worry first to God? cf 1 Pet 5:7. How do you feel after praying? 

4)  Paul exhorts the Philippians to think on seven things in verse eight shown below. What about you? What can you train yourself to think about these things? 

5) v11  talks about being content with what you have. ie living simply!

 1 Tim 6:6-9; John 3:27; Ecc 9:11; Prov 30:8-9. Are you contented with what you have? Share your thoughts. 

6) The Philippians show support and encouragement to Paul’s ministry by aiding him with gifts and support. Currently, is there any form of encouragement and sense of belonging you feel after joining this group? Share.

 

Philippians 4

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

 ¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

 ² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

 ¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

 ¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. ¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

 ²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. ²² All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

 ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.^[a]