(Colossians 1:1–2; Philemon 1:1–3)
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Paul and Timotheus the seruants of IESVS CHRIST, to all the Saintes in Christ Iesus which are at Philippi, with the Bishops, and Deacons:
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Grace be with you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Iesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
(1 Corinthians 1:4–9; Colossians 1:3–14)
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I thanke my God, hauing you in perfect memorie,
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(Alwayes in all my praiers for all you, praying with gladnesse)
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Because of the fellowship which ye haue in the Gospel, from the first day vnto nowe.
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And I am persuaded of this same thing, that he that hath begunne this good worke in you, wil perfourme it vntill the day of Iesus Christ,
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As it becommeth me so to iudge of you all, because I haue you in remembrance that both in my bands, and in my defence, and confirmation of the Gospell you all were partakers of my grace.
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For God is my recorde, howe I long after you all from the very heart roote in Iesus Christ.
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And this I pray, that your loue may abound, yet more and more in knowledge, and in all iudgement,
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That ye may alowe those things which are best, that ye may be pure, and without offence vntill the day of Christ,
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Filled with the fruites of righteousnesse, which are by Iesus Christ vnto the glorie and praise of God.
Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel
(James 1:2–12)
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I would ye vnderstood, brethren, that the things which haue come vnto me, are turned rather to the furthering of the Gospell,
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So that my bandes in Christ are famous throughout all the iudgement hall, and in all other places,
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In so much that many of the brethren in the Lord are boldened through my bandes, and dare more frankely speake the word.
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Some preache. Christ euen through enuie and strife, and some also of good will.
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The one part preacheth Christ of contention and not purely, supposing to adde more affliction to my bandes.
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But the others of loue, knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospell.
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What then? yet Christ is preached all maner wayes, whether it be vnder a pretence, or syncerely: and I therein ioye: yea and will ioye.
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For I knowe that this shall turne to my saluation through your prayer, and by the helpe of the Spirit of Iesus Christ,
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As I feruently looke for, and hope, that in nothing I shalbe ashamed, but that with all confidence, as alwayes, so nowe Christ shalbe magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.
To Live Is Christ
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For Christ is to me both in life, and in death aduantage.
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And whether to liue in the flesh were profitable for me, and what to chuse I knowe not.
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For I am distressed betweene both, desiring to be loosed and to be with Christ, which is best of all.
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Neuerthelesse, to abide in the flesh, is more needefull for you.
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And this am I sure of, that I shall abide, and with you all continue, for your furtherance and ioy of your faith,
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That ye may more aboundantly reioyce in IESVS CHRIST for me, by my comming to you againe.
Worthy of the Gospel
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Onely let your conuersation be, as it becommeth the Gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you, or els be absent, I may heare of your matters that ye continue in one Spirit, and in one mind, fighting together through the faith of the Gospel.
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And in nothing feare your aduersaries, which is to them a token of perdition, and to you of saluation, and that of God.
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For vnto you it is giuen for Christ, that not onely ye should beleeue in him, but also suffer for his sake,
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Hauing the same fight, which ye sawe in me, and nowe heare to be in me.