Philippians · chapter 1 of 4
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Philippians 1 shows Paul, in prison, giving thanks for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel and trusting that God will complete his work in them. He reports that his imprisonment has advanced the gospel, and he rejoices that Christ is proclaimed. For him to live is Christ and to die is gain, and he urges the Philippians to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm and united in the face of opposition.
Philippians is Paul's warmest letter, written from prison to a beloved church in Macedonia. Chapter 1 sets the tone: gratitude, prayer, trust in God and a joy that does not depend on circumstances, even for a man in chains.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, greet all the saints in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons, with grace and peace. Paul thanks God every time he remembers them, for their partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. He is sure that he who began a good work in them will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. He holds them in his heart, both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, and prays that their love may abound in knowledge and discernment, that they may approve what is excellent and be filled with the fruit of righteousness to the glory of God.
Then he reports on his situation: what has happened to him has served to advance the gospel. His imprisonment has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else, and most of the brothers, made confident by his chains, are much bolder to speak the word without fear. Some preach Christ from envy and rivalry, others from goodwill and love; Paul rejoices that in every way Christ is proclaimed.
He knows that this will turn out for his deliverance through their prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His hope is that Christ will be honored in his body, whether by life or by death, for to him to live is Christ and to die is gain. He is hard pressed between the two: to depart and be with Christ is far better, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary on their account. He is convinced that he will remain for their progress and joy in the faith.
Finally he urges them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith, not frightened by their opponents. It has been granted to them not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, engaged in the same conflict they saw in Paul.
References follow ESV book names and verse numbers. Read each verse in your Bible before the explanation.
Paul is convinced that the one who began a good work in the Philippians will bring it to completion at the day of Christ. The believer's security rests on God's faithfulness, not on his own steadiness.
What has happened to Paul, his imprisonment, has served to advance the gospel. It shows that God can use hard circumstances for his purposes.
For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain. His whole life revolves around Christ, so that not even death frightens him.
Paul asks them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith. The church's conduct should match the message it proclaims.
6 questions with answers and references, ready for Sunday school, small group or a Bible quiz night.
Answer: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus. — Philippians 1:1
Answer: That God, who began a good work in them, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. — Philippians 1:6
Answer: It served to advance the gospel. — Philippians 1:12-13
Answer: Because in every way Christ is proclaimed. — Philippians 1:18
Answer: To live is Christ and to die is gain. — Philippians 1:21
Answer: Not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. — Philippians 1:29
Philippians 1 challenges us to see difficulties with other eyes. Paul, in chains, does not ask why this is happening to him but how it can serve the gospel. In a small group you can share a hard situation and ask what opportunity it might bring for the cause of Christ.
Verse 21 invites us to review what we give the most weight. If for us to live is Christ, work, family and losses look different. And the call to unity in verse 27 is practical: a class or a church can ask whether it strives together for the gospel or is divided by preferences.
Philippians 1 presents Paul's joy in prison and his call to live worthily of the gospel. In chapter 2, Paul will ask for unity and humility and present Christ as the supreme example of self-giving.
They were two groups of leaders in the church at Philippi: the overseers, who cared for the community, and the deacons, who served it. Paul mentions them along with all the saints, showing that leadership is at the service of God's people.
Paul was in prison. Tradition places the letter in Rome, around AD 60; the mention of the imperial guard fits that city. Some have proposed Ephesus or Caesarea, but most scholars prefer Rome. The message of the chapter does not change.
It expresses his conviction that when believers die they are with Christ, and that is far better than the present life. Despite that desire, Paul accepts remaining if it is best for his brothers, showing selfless love.