We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us, so that you may be able to answer those who take pride in outward appearance and not in what is in the heart.
I have entered my garden, O my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my balsam spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk! Eat, friends, and drink! Drink freely, O lovers!
I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me.( Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)
by holding on to the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you.And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.