Ephesians 1
Philippians 1 serves as the introduction to the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Philippi from a Roman prison. Paul greets them in the names of himself and Timothy, and conveys gratitude and encouragement to the saints in Philippi. This chapter unfolds around Paul’s prayers, his circumstances, and his steadfast calling to advance the gospel. Through Paul’s deep love, his commitment to the gospel, and his message of trust, readers can find an example of how not to lose joy and hope even in difficult situations.
1versePaul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2verseGrace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3verseBlessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,
4verseeven as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love,
5versehaving predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,
6verseto the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely gave us favor in the Beloved.
7verseIn him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
8versewhich he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,
9versemaking known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
10verseto an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth, in him.
11verseWe were also assigned an inheritance in him, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will,
12verseto the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ.
13verseIn him you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14versewho is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory.
15verseFor this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you and the love which you have toward all the saints,
16versedon’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,
17versethat the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,
18versehaving the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
19verseand what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might
20versewhich he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,
21versefar above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.
22verseHe put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly,
23versewhich is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
The Structure and Flow of Chapter 1
- Greetings and Thanks (Verses 1-8): Paul expresses love and gratitude to the Philippians in God. He praises their service in partnership with the gospel and tells them that he always thinks of them and prays for them.
- The Content of Prayer (Verses 9-11): Paul asks that the saints in Philippi may be filled with more love and live in a way that brings glory to God with wisdom and discernment.
- Paul’s Report of His Circumstances (Verses 12-18): He explains that his imprisonment has actually helped the spread of the gospel. Paul says that if Christ is proclaimed, he can gladly accept even those who would present themselves rather than him or who are motivated by jealousy.
- Confession Concerning Life and Death (Verses 19-26): Paul connects his life and death to the gospel in his confession. Because his remaining alive will be for the benefit of the saints, he is confident that he will continue to live for their faith.
- Exhortation (Verses 27-30): Finally, Paul encourages them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel and to guard their faith boldly without fear, even in the midst of hardship.
Points to Reflect On
- You can learn from Paul’s attitude of never forgetting to give thanks and from the focus of his prayers.
- Think about the fact that hardship can become an opportunity for the gospel.
- From Paul’s confession that he places both life and death under the glory of God, you can check your faith’s priorities.
Apply It to Yourself
- Let’s examine whether, in everyday life, we are practicing gratitude and prayer for God and for our neighbors.
- Let’s consider whether we have faith to expect God’s good purposes to be fulfilled even in difficult circumstances.
- So that you can prioritize decisions and actions that reveal the gospel in your life, draw inspiration and courage from Paul’s bold example.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
