King James Bible
"Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."
Paul describes his ministry as intense effort—the Greek word for 'striving' (agōnizomai) evokes athletic competition or struggle. This refers back to his goal of presenting everyone mature in Christ (v.28), showing that spiritual leadership demands exhausting work. Paul's labor isn't self-powered but flows from God's energy operating through him. This phrase establishes the divine-human partnership in ministry, where human effort aligns with and depends upon God's active power. The present tense emphasizes God's ongoing, powerful activity within Paul—the word 'mightily' suggests supernatural strength. This completes the paradox: Paul strives with maximum effort precisely because God's mighty power energizes him from within.