³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[a] neither the present nor the future,^(A) nor any powers,^{(B) 39} neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God^(C) that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.^(D)

¹⁵ And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves^(A) but for him who died for them^(B) and was raised again.

²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ^(A) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.^(B) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,^(C) who loved me^(D) and gave himself for me.^(E)

²⁰ I eagerly expect^(A) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage^(B) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,^(C) whether by life or by death.^{(D) 21} For to me, to live is Christ^(E) and to die is gain. ²² If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! ²³ I am torn between the two: I desire to depart^(F) and be with Christ,^(G) which is better by far; ²⁴ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(H) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(I) in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together^(J) as one for the faith of the gospel ²⁸ without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. ²⁹ For it has been granted to you^(K) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer^(L) for him, ³⁰ since you are going through the same struggle^(M) you saw^(N) I had, and now hear^(O) that I still have.