Paul's thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusLove that grows in discernment
Connection to the wholePaul's gratitude for their partnership leads to prayer that the church's love produce discerning, fruitful conduct.
interpretation Philippians 1:29
KJVFor unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Read it in context
Conduct worthy of the gospel
Start reading at Philippians 1:27 (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 1:30).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul turns from his own circumstances to the church's responsibility to stand together and endure opposition faithfully.
- 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
- 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
- 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
- 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 1:1–2:30): Paul addresses the Philippian saints with their overseers and deacons, discussing his imprisonment and calling the community to unity and humility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Conduct worthy of the gospel. Read Philippians 1:27 through Philippians 1:30 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul turns from his own circumstances to the church's responsibility to stand together and endure opposition faithfully. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Conduct worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 1:30). Start reading at Philippians 1:27. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 1:27, Philippians 1:30, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- it is Acts 5:41 Rom 5:3 Jas 1:2 1 Pet 4:13
- not Matt 16:17 John 1:12-13 John 6:44-45 Acts 13:39 Acts 14:27 Eph 2:8 Col 2:12 Jas 1:17-18
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 1
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Paul's circumstances
Philippians 1:12–26FocusChrist proclaimed in life or death
Connection to the wholeImprisonment, differing motives among preachers, and Paul's reflections on life and death are all evaluated by their relation to Christ.
interpretation FocusUnity under pressure
Connection to the wholePaul turns from his own circumstances to the church's responsibility to stand together and endure opposition faithfully.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation The mind of Christ and faithful servants
Philippians 2:1–30FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation Steadfast fellowship and contentment
Philippians 4:1–23FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.