The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 57: Philippians

THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE PHILIPPIANS

The Philippians were the first among the Macedonians converted to the
faith. They had a great veneration for St. Paul and supplied his wants
when he was a prisoner in Rome, sending to him by Epaphroditus, by whom
he sent this Epistle; in which he recommends charity, unity and humility
and warns them against false teachers, whom he calls dogs and enemies of
the cross of Christ. He also returns thanks for their benefactions. It
was written about twenty-nine years after our Lord's Ascension.

Philippians Chapter 1

The apostle's affection for the Philippians.

1:1. Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ: to all the saints
in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

1:2. Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord
Jesus Christ.

1:3. I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you:

1:4. Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy:

1:5. For your communication in the gospel of Christ, from the first day
unto now.

1:6. Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good
work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus.

1:7. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have you
in my heart; and that, in my bands and in the defence and confirmation
of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy.

1:8. For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.

1:9. And this I pray: That your charity may more and more abound in
knowledge and in all understanding:

1:10. That you may approve the better things: that you may be sincere
and without offence unto the day of Christ:

1:11. Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the
glory and praise of God.

1:12. Now, brethren, I desire you should know that the things which have
happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel:

1:13. So that my bands are made manifest in Christ, in all the court and
in all other places.

1:14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my
bands, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.

1:15. Some indeed, even out of envy and contention: but some also for
good will preach Christ.

1:16. Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.

1:17. And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing
that they raise affliction to my bands.

1:18. But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion or by
truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will
rejoice.

1:19. For I know that this shall fall out to me unto salvation, through
your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

1:20. According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be
confounded: but with all confidence, as always, so now also, shall
Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.

1:21. For to me, to live is Christ: and to die is gain.

1:22. And if to live in the flesh: this is to me the fruit of labour.
And what I shall choose I know not.

This is to me, etc... His meaning is, that although his dying
immediately for Christ would be his gain, by putting him presently in
possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because
by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the
souls of his neighbours.

1:23. But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved
and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better.

1:24. But to abide still in the flesh is needful for you.

1:25. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue
with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith:

1:26. That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my
coming to you again.

1:27. Only let your conversation be worthy of the gospel of Christ:
that, whether I come and see you, or, being absent, may hear of you,
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind labouring together for
the faith of the gospel.

1:28. And in nothing be ye terrified by the adversaries: which to them
is a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and this from God.

1:29. For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him,
but also to suffer for him:

1:30. Having the same conflict as that which you have seen in me and now
have heard of me.