1:29a

To this end: This refers back to 1:28c. The purpose for which Paul worked so hard was to “present everyone perfect in Christ.”

I also labor: This means, “I work hard.”

1:29b

striving: This means, “striving intensely, making every effort, doing everything possible.” It can refer to the struggle in an athletic contest or in a battle. However, here it does not refer to a physical effort. Paul knew that he was in a spiritual battle against Satan. Although he was in prison, he was fully committed to using all his energy to help the believers.

with all His energy: Paul worked hard and exerted great effort to do his job of preaching the gospel. However, he knew he did not do it by his own power. He said that it was Christ’s energy, the energy that Christ gave him, that enabled him to work as hard as he did.

working powerfully within me: Paul said that Christ’s energy was working powerfully in him, enabling him to do his job. In some languages it is not possible to talk about “Christ’s energy which so powerfully works in me.” One possible way to translate this would be:

the energy which Christ gives to me as he works in me

The UBS Handbook Handbook suggests a translation like this:

the mighty strength which Christ gives me and which shows up as I work

General Comment about 1:28–29

In some languages it might be necessary to reorder 1:28–29. One way to do this is:

Christ’s powerful help in me enables me constantly to work hard to warn people ⌊to continue to follow Christ⌋ and to teach them ⌊more about him⌋. I work so hard to do this because my strong desire is that every one who is united to Christ will be perfect when they stand before God.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible.
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