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 that 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 that I care for you in the same way that Christ Jesus does.
9. I pray that your love will keep on growing and that 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 that I am here in jail because I serve Christ.
14. Now most of the Lord's followers have become brave and are fearlessly telling the message.
15. Some are preaching about Christ because they are jealous and envious of us. Others are preaching because they want to help.
16. They love Christ and know that I am here to defend the good news about him.
17. But the ones who are jealous of us are not sincere. They just want to cause trouble for me while I am in jail.