7 You have a special place in my heart. So it is only natural for me to feel the way I do. All of you have helped in the work God has given me, as I defend the good news and tell about it here in jail.
8 God himself knows how much I want to see you. He knows I care for you in the same way Christ Jesus does.
9 I pray that your love will keep on growing and you will fully know and understand
10 how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day,
11 Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.
12 My dear friends, I want you to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the good news.
13 The Roman guards and all the others know I am here in jail because I serve Christ.