But in all things commending ourselves as ministers of God; in much endurance, in afflictions, in needs, in distresses,

For the ministry of this service not only supplies what is lacking to the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, and your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

I have strength for all things in Christ who strengthens me.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tried, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, oppressed;

For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.

But the former governors who had been before me were heavy on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.

And, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.

I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should imitate us.

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again, though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

Now the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning.

Nor did we seek honor from men, either from you or from others, when we might have been authoritative as apostles of Christ.