Philippians 1

Philippians 1 features Paul's heartfelt expressions of gratitude and affection towards the Philippian church. Writing from prison, Paul reflects on the joy and encouragement he derives from their partnership in the gospel. He discusses the impact of his imprisonment on spreading Christianity, his personal struggle between living and dying, and his deep desire for the Philippians to live a life worthy of the gospel. The overarching theme is one of joy and hope in all circumstances, anchored in a life lived for Christ.

Philippians 1:1-2 (NKJV)
Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul introduces himself and Timothy as servants of Christ, a humble title that underscores their devotion. Addressing the entire Christian community in Philippi, including its leaders, he extends a blessing of grace and peace. These words encapsulate the core Christian blessings—unmerited favor from God and harmony in life through Jesus.

Philippians 1:3-4 (NKJV)
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,

Paul’s constant gratitude for the Philippians is intertwined with his prayers for them, highlighting the deep bond and affection he feels. This joyous prayer life reflects Paul's pastoral heart, rejoicing in their faithfulness and partnership in spreading the gospel.

Philippians 1:5 (NKJV)
for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,

The 'fellowship in the gospel' refers to the active participation and financial support the Philippians have provided Paul since his first visit. This ongoing partnership has not only helped sustain Paul’s ministry but has also solidified their mutual commitment to spreading the Christian faith.

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Paul expresses his confidence in the spiritual perseverance and growth of the Philippians, assured that God will continue refining them until Christ’s return. This verse emphasizes the Christian belief in the ongoing work of sanctification in a believer’s life.

Philippians 1:7-8 (NKJV)
just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

These verses reveal Paul’s deep emotional connection with the Philippians. He sees them as partakers in the grace of God, a shared bond that is strengthened by his current imprisonment. His longing for them is profound, emphasizing the sincere, Christ-like love he holds for them.

Philippians 1:9-10 (NKJV)
And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

Paul’s prayer focuses on the Philippians’ love growing in knowledge and discernment. This increase in spiritual wisdom is crucial for them to discern and embrace what is truly excellent, leading to a blameless and sincere life until Christ's return.

Philippians 1:11 (NKJV)
being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul prays for the Philippians to exhibit the fruits of righteousness—an outward manifestation of their sanctified life. These fruits are not self-derived but are granted through Jesus Christ, ultimately reflecting and glorifying God.

Philippians 1:12-14 (NKJV)
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul updates the Philippians on his situation, highlighting how his imprisonment has paradoxically aided the gospel’s spread. His chains have become a testimony to the palace guard and others, emboldening even fellow believers to preach without fear.

Philippians 1:15-17 (NKJV)
Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:
The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

Paul acknowledges a mixed motive among those who preach Christ; some do so out of envy and rivalry, hoping to cause him distress, while others preach out of genuine goodwill. Despite the motives, Paul focuses on the advancement of the gospel rather than personal grievances.

Philippians 1:18 (NKJV)
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Regardless of the motives behind the preaching, Paul rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed. His primary concern is the spread of the gospel, not the intentions of the individuals involved, reflecting his deep commitment to his mission.

Philippians 1:19-20 (NKJV)
For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.

Paul expresses confidence in his deliverance—likely spiritual rather than physical—fueled by the prayers of the Philippians and the support of the Holy Spirit. His expectation is to continue representing Christ boldly, so that Christ might be glorified, whether through Paul's life or his death.

Philippians 1:21 (NKJV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

This succinct statement captures Paul’s worldview: living means serving Christ and fulfilling His work, while dying is gain, as it would bring him into Christ’s presence. This perspective is foundational to Paul's endurance and joy amidst suffering.

Philippians 1:22-24 (NKJV)
But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.

Paul contemplates the benefits of both living and dying. Living allows him to continue his fruitful ministry, yet dying would mean eternal communion with Christ, which he desires more. However, he acknowledges that his continued presence is beneficial for the spiritual growth of the Philippians.

Philippians 1:25-26 (NKJV)
And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Convinced of his continued earthly life, Paul anticipates further contributing to the Philippians’ spiritual growth and joy. He looks forward to their rejoicing upon his eventual return, reinforcing the mutual encouragement and affection shared between them.

Philippians 1:27-28 (NKJV)
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

Paul exhorts the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, marked by unity and perseverance in faith. Their steadfastness and courage in the face of opposition serve as a testament to their adversaries of their impending doom and to themselves of their salvation—a divine assurance.

Philippians 1:29-30 (NKJV)
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Paul reminds the Philippians that their faith in Christ also includes a call to suffer for Him, a privilege that binds them to Paul’s own experiences. This shared struggle is both a sign of their commitment to Christ and a means of deepening their fellowship with Him.