Introduction
Philippi was a Roman colony in what is now northern Greece. The letter is written when it seems that Paul is a prisoner in Rome.
Verses
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ;
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
2Grace to you, and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3I thank my God whenever I remember you,
4always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy,
5for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;
6being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7It 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 defence and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
10so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence to the day of Christ,
11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12Now 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,
13so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ,
14and 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.
15Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defence of the Good News.
18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
19For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20according 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.
21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose.
23But I am hard pressed between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24Yet to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all for your progress and joy in the faith,
26that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
27Only 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;
28and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
30having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.
Questions
1. What does Paul pray that their love may do for Philippian believers?
v 9 and 10 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence to the day of Christ,
2. Paul describes two groups of people who are preaching about Christ. What is the motivation of the two groups?
v 16 and 17 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defence of the Good News.
3. How does Paul say the believers' way of life should be affected by the Good News of Christ?
v 27 Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 11 Paul thanks God that the Philippians have believed the message of salvation and are now continuing his preaching work. He longs to see them and is praying for their future well-being
- v 12 to 18 Paul's situation in Rome has actually helped the spread of the Good News by various means
- v 19 to 26 Paul’s aim is to show Christ in his life – whether in his life now or in his death. However his continued existence will be more beneficial to the believers at present
- v 27 to 30 Paul wants to hear that their lives are reflecting the Good News of Christ, even if they end up suffering as a result
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