The Book of
Philippians 1
30 verses≈ 5 min2 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Greetings from Paul and Timothy
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:1–2
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Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
From Rome to Philippi
Paul writes under guard, traditionally in Rome. His letter travels about 800 miles: down the Appian Way to the coast, across the Adriatic, then east along the Via Egnatia through Thessalonica to Philippi. A few weeks on the road, carried by friends, to “all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi.”
Thanksgiving and Prayer
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:7–8
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
so that you may be able to test and prove what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s prayer
Whiteboard
Paul’s prayer climbs step by step. Love that keeps growing in understanding learns to choose what is best. That leads to a clean life, full of good fruit that Christ Himself produces, and all of it ends in praise to God.
Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.
It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains.
What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,
Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice.
Philippians 1:18
because I know that through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, my distress will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Question
Quick question
Paul is a prisoner in Rome, guarded day and night by Roman soldiers.
Where has it become clear that Paul is “in chains for Christ”?
To Live Is Christ
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
But if I go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.
Two roads
Whiteboard
Paul is not choosing between a good road and a bad one. Both roads end with Christ. To go is to be with Him, which is far better. To stay means fruitful work for His people. Love for his friends tips the balance, and he expects to stay.
Pray
To live is Christ
Paul could write, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Ask God to make Christ the center of your days: your work, your plans, your hopes. And thank Him that for those who belong to Him, even death is not loss but gain.
Worthy of the Gospel
Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.
0:25
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him
Philippians 1:29
Reflect
Joy in a hard place
Paul’s chains became the way the gospel reached the palace guard. The Philippians faced “the same struggle” too, and Paul tells them to stand firm together. Is there a hard place in your life right now? How might God use it to make Christ known, and who could you stand beside in it?
You’ve experienced
Philippians 1
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A verse to carry with you
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
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