3 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers.
4 I’m thankful for all of you every time I pray, and it’s always a prayer full of joy.
5 I’m glad because of the way you have been my partners in the ministry of the gospel from the time you first believed it until now.
6 I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.
7 I have good reason to think this way about all of you because I keep you in my heart. You are all my partners in God’s grace, both during my time in prison and in the defense and support of the gospel.
8 God is my witness that I feel affection for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight.