Greetings from Paul and Timothy
(Colossians 1:1–2; Philemon 1:1–3)
Paul begins his letter by listing the senders...
Paul begins his letter by listing the senders and recipients. He then offers a blessing of grace and peace.
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
(1 Corinthians 1:4–9; Colossians 1:3–14)
Paul thanks God for the recipients and prays...
Paul thanks God for the recipients and prays for them. This is Paul's usual practice when writing letters.
3I thank my God every time I remember you.
Paul felt joy because the Philippians partnered with...
Paul felt joy because the Philippians partnered with him to spread the good news about Jesus. Paul was confident that God would continue his good work in them.
4In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
7It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. 8God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Love is the result of Christ’s Spirit within...
Love is the result of Christ’s Spirit within believers (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). Love is part of the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence that Christ is working in believers
abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight: Growing in understanding helps believers know what truly matters (see Romans 12:2). It helps them live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13; 5:23).
Love is the result of Christ’s Spirit within believers (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22). Love is part of the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence that Christ is working in believers
abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight: Growing in understanding helps believers know what truly matters (see Romans 12:2). It helps them live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns (compare 1 Thessalonians 3:12–13; 5:23).
9And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel
Paul was happy that his time in prison...
Paul was happy that his time in prison helped spread the good news about Jesus.
12Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard† and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word† without fear.
some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry:...
some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry: These people were likely other believers who did not like Paul and criticized him (see 2 Corinthians 10–13; Galatians 4:12–20; 5:7–12). Even so, the message about Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced.
15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.† 17The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
18What then is the issue?† Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
To Live Is Christ
21For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. 24But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.
Worthy of the Gospel
Paul encourages the Christians in Philippi to live...
Paul encourages the Christians in Philippi to live in a way that honors the gospel (see Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). He especially encourages them to stay strong and faithful, even when they face persecution.
27Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy 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 in one spirit, contending together as one† for the faith of the gospel, 28without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. 29For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.