⁷ It is right^(A) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart^(B) and, whether I am in chains^(C) or defending^(D) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. ⁸ God can testify^(E) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(F) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^{(G) 10} so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,^{(H) 11} filled with the fruit of righteousness^(I) 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,^[a] 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^[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains^(J) for Christ. ¹⁴ And because of my chains,^(K) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.^(L)

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. ¹⁶ The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.^(M)