Philippians 1


Philippians 1, the opening chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippian church, written around AD 60–62 from Rome during his imprisonment, expresses gratitude, joy, and confidence in God’s work among the Philippians. Paul shares his circumstances, prays for their growth, and affirms the gospel’s advance despite his chains, encouraging steadfast faith and unity.
Key Sections
Greeting and Thanksgiving (1:1–11): Paul, with Timothy, greets the Philippians, including overseers and deacons, thanking God for their partnership in the gospel. He prays with joy for their love to abound with knowledge and discernment, producing righteousness through Christ to God’s glory.
Gospel Advance Through Imprisonment (1:12–18): Paul’s chains have advanced the gospel, emboldening others to preach Christ, even from envy or rivalry. He rejoices that Christ is proclaimed, regardless of motives.
Living for Christ (1:19–26): Paul expects deliverance through prayers and the Spirit, whether by life or death. For him, to live is Christ, and to die is gain, as it means being with Christ. He desires to serve the Philippians’ faith, confident he’ll remain for their progress and joy.
Worthy Conduct and Unity (1:27–30): Paul urges the Philippians to live worthy of the gospel, united in one spirit, striving for the faith without fear of opponents. Their suffering for Christ is a privilege, mirroring Paul’s own struggle.
Cross-References
  • Greeting and Thanksgiving:
    • Colossians 1:3–4: Thankful for faith.
    • Ephesians 1:15–16: Pray with gratitude.
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3: Constant thanks.
  • Prayer for Growth:
    • Ephesians 3:16–19: Strengthened in love.
    • Colossians 1:9–10: Knowledge of God’s will.
    • 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12: Worthy of calling.
  • Gospel Advance:
    • Acts 28:30–31: Preaching in Rome.
    • Romans 1:16: Gospel’s power.
    • 2 Timothy 2:9: Word not bound.
  • Life or Death:
    • 2 Corinthians 5:8: Absent, with the Lord.
    • Romans 14:8: Live or die for Christ.
    • Acts 20:24: Finish the course.
  • Worthy Conduct:
    • Ephesians 4:1: Walk worthy.
    • Colossians 1:10: Bear fruit.
    • 1 Thessalonians 2:12: Worthy of God.
  • Suffering for Christ:
    • Acts 16:22–24: Paul’s Philippian suffering.
    • 1 Peter 4:13–14: Rejoice in suffering.
    • Colossians 1:24: Suffer for the church.
Theological Meaning
  • God’s Work in Believers: God initiates and completes salvation, ensuring growth (1:6; Hebrews 12:2).
  • Joy in Trials: Paul’s joy, despite imprisonment, stems from gospel progress (1:18; James 1:2–3).
  • Gospel’s Power: Christ’s message spreads through adversity, unstoppable by human motives (1:12; Romans 10:17).
  • Life in Christ: Living serves Christ’s mission; dying brings eternal fellowship with Him (1:21; Galatians 2:20).
  • Unity in Mission: Believers stand united, fearless, advancing the gospel despite opposition (1:27; Ephesians 4:3).
  • Privilege of Suffering: Suffering for Christ is a gift, confirming faith (1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why Paul’s joy (1:4)?
    The Philippians’ faithful gospel partnership inspires constant gratitude (1:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20).
  2. How does imprisonment advance the gospel (1:12)?
    It emboldens others to preach and spreads Christ’s message, even among guards (1:13; Acts 28:31).
  3. What is “to live is Christ” (1:21)?
    Life is devoted to Christ’s service; death brings closer union with Him (1:21; Romans 14:7–8).
  4. Why stay or depart (1:23–24)?
    Paul desires to be with Christ but sees value in serving the Philippians’ faith (1:24; 2 Corinthians 5:8).
  5. What is “worthy of the gospel” (1:27)?
    Unified, steadfast faith, fearless amid opposition, reflecting Christ (1:27; Ephesians 4:1).
  6. Why is suffering a privilege (1:29)?
    It aligns believers with Christ, confirming their faith (1:29; Acts 5:41).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Rejoice in trials, share the gospel boldly, live united, and embrace suffering for Christ (1:12; Colossians 1:24).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Written during Paul’s Roman imprisonment (Acts 28:16–31), this chapter reflects his deep bond with Philippi’s church, founded around AD 50 (Acts 16:12–40). Philippi, a Roman colony (Acts 16:12), valued civic pride, making Paul’s gospel focus countercultural (1:27). The church’s support (1:5) included gifts (Philippians 4:15–16). Opposition (1:30) likely echoed Paul’s earlier Philippian persecution (Acts 16:22–24).
  • Cultural Questions: “Overseers and deacons” (1:1) reflect early church leadership, vital in Philippi’s structure (1 Timothy 3:1–13). “Partnership” (1:5) uses Greco-Roman business terms, emphasizing shared mission (Acts 16:15). “Praetorian guard” (1:13) refers to Roman elite, showing gospel reach (Acts 28:16). “One spirit” (1:27) evokes Roman military unity, fitting Philippi’s ethos (Ephesians 4:3). “Suffering” (1:29) resonates with Philippi’s persecuted church (1 Thessalonians 2:2). “Gain” (1:21) counters Greco-Roman fear of death (Hebrews 2:15).
  • Application: Philippians 1 calls believers to rejoice in God’s work, boldly advance the gospel, and live united in faith. It challenges fear, disunity, and self-focus, urging joy and endurance in a hostile world (Romans 12:12; 1 Peter 3:15).
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