Philippians 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 and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
2verseGrace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3verseI thank my God whenever I remember you,
4versealways in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy,
5versefor your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
6versebeing confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7verseIt is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8verseFor God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9verseThis I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
10verseso that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ,
11versebeing filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12verseNow I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News,
13verseso that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ,
14verseand that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15verseSome indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16verseThe former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17versebut the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.
18verseWhat does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
19verseFor I know that this will turn out to my salvation through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20verseaccording to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21verseFor to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22verseBut if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.
23verseBut I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24verseYet to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25verseHaving this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
26versethat your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
27verseOnly let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;
28verseand in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29verseBecause it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
30versehaving the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
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.
