Philippians 1:1-30

Bible Text

[1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: [2] Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God whenever I remember you, [4] always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy, [5] for your partnership in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day until now; [6] being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. [7] It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. [8] For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. [9] This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; [10] so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; [11] being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. [12] Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Gospel; [13] so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; [14] and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. [15] Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. [16] The former insincerly preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; [17] but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel. [18] What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. [19] For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [20] according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. [21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose. [23] But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. [24] Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. [25] Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, [26] that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again. [27] Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel; [28] and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. [29] Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, [30] having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.

Philippi was a leading Roman colony in Macedonia (northern Greece), where Paul had first preached the gospel and a church was established (Acts 16). Its Roman civic setting heightens Paul’s language about citizenship and faithful conduct amid opposition in Philippians 1.

Places in this passage

Philippians 1:1-30 mentions Philippi.

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