Philippians 1
The apostle Paul sends greetings to the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who are in Colosse. Here, Paul states that he was called as an apostle and expresses a wish for God’s grace and peace.
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.
Gratitude and Intercessory Prayer for the Church in Colosse (1:3-14)
Paul gives thanks to God after hearing news of the faith, love, and the gospel of the church in Colosse, and he prays that they may be filled more and more with the knowledge of God and spiritual wisdom. In particular, he reminds them again of the grace of salvation and forgiveness of sins they have received.
The Eminence and Work of Christ (1:15-20)
This section is the core of Colossians chapter 1. Paul proclaims that Christ is the visible image of the invisible God and the Creator of all things. He emphasizes that everything in heaven and on earth was created through him and exists in him. He also proclaims that Christ is the head of the church, that through the cross he brings about peace, and that he reconciles all things to God.
Transformation of the Church in Colosse and Paul’s Mission (1:21-29)
It mentions that the believers from among the Gentiles, who were once far from God, experienced reconciliation through Christ and are now transformed into holy and blameless people. Paul states that he endures suffering for this gospel and is serving so that everyone may reach maturity in their character in Christ.
Meditation Points
- As you meditate, consider that Christ is both the Creator and our Savior, and that he is the center of our lives and the church.
- In Paul’s example of praying and encouraging the church in Colosse continuously, we can reflect on the importance of a life of prayer for the community we belong to.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Check what is at the center of my faith, and whether Christ truly is the Lord of my life.
- Let’s also look back on whether we, like Paul, have time to intercede specifically for our family, church, and friends, and let’s make a commitment to do so.
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