Paul and Timothy, servants of ‘Isa al-Masih;
To all the saints in al-Masih ‘Isa who are at Philippi, with the imams[1] and deacons[2]: 2As-Salam-u Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah[3] from Allah our Father, and the Lord ‘Isa al-Masih. 3I thank my God whenever you come to mind, 4always in every request of mine for you all making my requests with joy, 5for your partnership[4] in spreading the message of the Injil from the first day until now. 6I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will continue it until the day of ‘Isa al-Masih. 7It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart. For whether in my chains or in my standing up for the truth of the Injil, you all share in the grace of Allah with me. 8For Allah is my witness, how I long for you in the tender mercies of al-Masih ‘Isa.
9This I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of al-Masih; 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which come through ‘Isa al-Masih, to the glory and praise of Allah.
12Now I want you to know, brothers,[5] that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to benefit the spreading of the Injil; 13so that it has become evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are because of al-Masih. 14Most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my chains, are much more bold to speak the word of Allah without fear. 15Some indeed proclaim al-Masih even out of envy and strife, but some also out of good will. 16The former proclaim al-Masih insincerely from selfish ambition, thinking that they will add affliction to my chains; 17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed to stand up for the Injil.
18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, al-Masih is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. 19For I know that this will result in my release, through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of ‘Isa al-Masih, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also al-Masih will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21For to me to live is al-Masih, and to die is gain. 22But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I do not know what I would choose. 23I am in a dilemma between the two, having a desire to depart and be with al-Masih, which is far better. 24Yet, to stay on in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26that your rejoicing may abound in al-Masih’Isa in me through my presence with you again.
27Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Injil of al-Masih, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Injil; 28and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from Allah. 29Because it has been granted to you on behalf of al-Masih, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, 30having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.
[1] 1:1 The word translated “imams“ (episkopos) can also be translated superintendents, guardians, curators, or overseers.
[2] 1:1 Or, servants
[3] 1:2 Often translated, “grace and peace to you.” This is functionally equivalent to the greeting given here.
[4] 1:5 The word translated “partnership“ (koinonia) also means “fellowship“ and “sharing.“
[5] 1:12 The word for “brothers“ here and where context allows may also be correctly translated “brothers and sisters“ or “siblings.“