Phil 1

1:1-2 Paul introduces his letter by listing the names of the senders and recipients of the letter, then giving an invocation of grace and peace.1:1 Timothy was one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers and messengers. He is listed as co-sender, as he is for five other letters (2 Cor, Col, 1 Thes, 2 Thes, Phlm). • slaves of Christ Jesus: As those who belong entirely to Christ, they were completely devoted to his service (see Phil 2:20-21). • God’s holy people have been made holy in God’s sight by Christ’s redeeming work (see Eph 1:4, 7; 5:25-27; Col 1:22), and they are being sanctified by the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in their lives (cp. Phil 4:21). • Philippi was a Roman colony in the province of Macedonia. The church in Philippi was the first Christian community in Greece (see Acts 16:11-40). • In the early church, church leaders provided spiritual leadership, while deacons attended to practical matters (see 1 Tim 3:1-13). There were no professional pastors or priests as there are today (cp. 1 Cor 14:26-31).

1:2 Grace is undeserved blessing that comes from God; peace is well-being and contentedness rooted in the Good News and brought about by the Holy Spirit (see Gal 5:22). These qualities are gifts from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (see Rom 5:1-2).

1:3-11 Following his usual practice, Paul thanks God for the recipients and prays for them.

1:4-6 Paul’s joy derived from how the Philippians had joined him as partners in spreading the Good News and from his confidence that God would continue his good work in them.

1:5 Their partnership included financial support (see 4:10-20).

1:6 God, who began the good work within you: God takes the initiative to work his salvation in people (see Rom 9:16; Eph 1:3-8, 11; 2:4-10), so he can be trusted to continue his work of changing people into the likeness of his Son (see Rom 8:29; Eph 4:13, 15).

1:7 You share with me the special favor of God: Perhaps their lives were blessed because of Paul’s suffering and witness; perhaps they had suffered together with him (see 1:29).

1:9-10 Love is a fruit of Christ’s Spirit within believers (Rom 5:5; Gal 5:22). • growing in knowledge and understanding: In this way, believers can understand what really matters (see Rom 12:2) and live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return (cp. 1 Thes 3:12-13; 5:23).

1:11 Righteous character cannot be produced by human effort; it comes only through the Spirit of Christ working in people’s hearts. • Glory and praise to God is the ultimate purpose for which God’s people live (see Eph 1:6, 12, 14).

1:12-19 Paul rejoiced that his imprisonment had resulted in the spread of the Good News.1:12 my dear brothers and sisters: Greek adelphoi, a generic term commonly used to address members of the same family, both male and female. • Everything that has happened to me here refers to Paul’s imprisonment. • has helped to spread the Good News: See Acts 28:17-31 for an example of this.

1:13 The whole palace guard were workers in the emperor’s or provincial governor’s official residence (see 4:22). • Paul was in prison because of Christ—that is, because of preaching the Good News of Christ (cp. Acts 21:26–28:31).

1:14 As a result of Paul’s courage and boldness, the believers (literally the brothers in the Lord; see study note on 1:12) had become more daring and less fearful in proclaiming God’s message. Paul’s boldness was contagious.

1:15-18 some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry: They evidently were believers who were critical of Paul (cp. 2 Cor 10–13; Gal 4:12-20; 5:7-12). Even so, the message about Christ was being preached, so Paul rejoiced.

1:19 this will lead to my deliverance: Paul expected to be released from prison soon (see 1:25-26; 2:24; contrast 2 Tim 4:6, written from prison at a later time when Paul expected death).

1:21 dying is even better: For believers, death holds no fear, as death leads directly into the presence of Christ (see 1:23; cp. John 5:24; 11:25-26; Rom 8:38-39).

1:23 I long to go and be with Christ: Death leads believers immediately into the Lord’s presence (cp. 3:20-21; 1 Cor 15:20-23, 51-52; 2 Cor 5:1-8; 1 Thes 4:13-17).

1:25 The well-being of the church is more important to Paul than his own desire to be with Christ. • experience the joy of your faith: Believers are encouraged to find joy even in the midst of suffering (see 4:4; John 15:11, 20; 16:20-24; 1 Thes 5:16).

1:27-30 Paul encourages the Philippian Christians to live in a way that is worthy of the Good News (cp. Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1 Thes 2:12), particularly by standing strong despite persecution.1:27 As foreigners in this world, the Philippian believers are to live as citizens of heaven (cp. 3:20; 1 Pet 2:9-11).

1:28 a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved: As translated, the persecutors would be convicted by the Philippians’ example. The same Greek phrase could also be translated a sign to them that you are going to be destroyed, but a sign to you that you are going to be saved. By that interpretation, the persecutors would remain blind to the truth (cp. 2 Cor 2:15-16).

1:29 the privilege of suffering: What the world considers dishonorable, Christians consider an honor because it is for him—it honors Christ.

1:30 We are in this struggle together: Both Paul and the Philippians faced strong opposition—Paul was in prison, and the Philippians were being persecuted. • You have seen my struggle in the past: See Acts 16:11-40; cp. 1 Thes 2:2.