Philippians 1

Paul and Timotheus greet the Philippian saints, expressing gratitude for their fellowship in the gospel and confidence in God's work among them. Paul prays for their abounding love, knowledge, and righteousness, then explains how his imprisonment has furthered the gospel, causing him to rejoice that Christ is preached. He declares, "to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," yet chooses to remain for their spiritual benefit, urging them to stand firm in unity against adversaries.

Paul and Timotheus open their letter to the Philippian saints with a greeting of grace and peace, immediately expressing profound gratitude for their consistent partnership in the gospel. Paul is confident that God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion, and he prays for their love to abound in knowledge and judgment, leading to a life of sincerity and righteousness. He reveals that his imprisonment, far from hindering, has actually advanced the gospel, emboldening others to preach Christ, even if some do so from mixed motives, a fact in which Paul still rejoices. Paul articulates his personal conviction that "to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," yet he recognizes the greater need for him to remain alive for the Philippians' spiritual growth and joy. He concludes by exhorting them to live worthy of the gospel, standing united and unafraid against adversaries, understanding that both belief and suffering for Christ are divine gifts.

Paul and Timotheus begin their epistle to the Philippian saints, including the bishops and deacons, with a customary greeting of grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul expresses heartfelt thanks to God for every remembrance of the Philippians, always praying for them with joy due to their steadfast fellowship in the gospel from its inception. He holds a firm conviction that God, who initiated a good work among them, will faithfully bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. Paul affirms his deep affection for them, considering them partners in his grace, both in his imprisonment and in his defense and confirmation of the gospel. His earnest prayer for them is that their love would increasingly abound in knowledge and all judgment, enabling them to discern and approve excellent things, remaining sincere and blameless until Christ's return, and being filled with the fruits of righteousness for God's glory. Paul then informs them that his personal afflictions and bonds have, contrary to expectation, served to advance the gospel. His imprisonment for Christ has become widely known within the palace and beyond, inspiring many brethren to preach the word with greater boldness and without fear. He acknowledges that some preach Christ from envy and strife, seeking to add to his affliction, while others preach from genuine good will and love, recognizing his divine appointment for the gospel's defense. Nevertheless, Paul rejoices that, by any means, Christ is proclaimed. He trusts that his circumstances will ultimately contribute to his salvation through their prayers and the supply of the Spirit, hoping that Christ will be magnified in his body, whether through life or death. Paul famously declares, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." While he desires to depart and be with Christ, which he deems "far better," he recognizes that his continued presence in the flesh is more needful for their spiritual furtherance and joy of faith. He is confident he will remain with them. Finally, Paul exhorts the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, urging them to stand fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith, and to be undeterred by their adversaries. He reminds them that it is a divine privilege not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for His sake, sharing in the same conflict they witnessed in him.