23I am in a hard position between the two, having a desire to go away and be with Christ, which is very much better:
24Still, to go on in the flesh is more necessary because of you.
25And being certain of this, I am conscious that I will go on, yes, and go on with you all, for your growth and joy in the faith;
26So that your pride in me may be increased in Christ Jesus through my being present with you again.
27Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;
28Having no fear of those who are against you; which is a clear sign of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God;
29Because to you it has been given in the cause of Christ not only to have faith in him, but to undergo pain on his account:
