Philippians 1
Greeting
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: References Jesus: Romans 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:1. Holy: Acts 20:28, Romans 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Ephesians 1:1. Parallel theme: 1 Timothy 3:8 +5
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace: Romans 1:7, 2 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Peter 1:2
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, References God: 1 Corinthians 1:4, 1 Thessalonians 3:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:3
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, Kingdom: 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 2 John 1:4. Prayer: Romans 1:9
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit.. Grace: Colossians 4:18. Parallel theme: Philippians 1:5, 4:14, Acts 20:23, 21:33, 2 Corinthians 7:3, Ephesians 3:1, 6:20, 2 Timothy 2:9, Hebrews 3:1 +5
8 For GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. References Christ: Romans 9:1. References God: Romans 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:8. Parallel theme: Philippians 4:1, 2 Timothy 1:4, Philemon 1:12
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; Love: 2 Corinthians 8:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:22. Prayer: Colossians 1:9. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 14:20, Colossians 3:10, Philemon 1:6, Hebrews 5:14, 2 Peter 3:18 +5
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; References Christ: Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23. Parallel theme: Romans 2:18, 12:2, Ephesians 5:10, 5:27, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 1 John 4:1 +5
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Paul's Chains Advance the Gospel
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16).; Parallel theme: Exodus 18:11, Esther 9:1, Psalms 76:10, Acts 8:4, Romans 8:28, 8:37, 2 Timothy 2:9 +2
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; References Christ: Ephesians 3:1. Parallel theme: Philippians 1:7, Acts 26:29, Ephesians 6:20, 2 Timothy 2:9
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Parallel theme: Philippians 1:7, Luke 1:74, Colossians 4:4, 1 Thessalonians 2:2
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: References Christ: 2 Corinthians 1:19, 4:5, 11:13. Parallel theme: Philippians 2:3, Matthew 23:5
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: Sin: 2 Corinthians 2:17
17 But the other of loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate., knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. Parallel theme: Luke 9:50, 1 Corinthians 14:15, 15:11
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. References Christ: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 1 Peter 4:16. Hope: Psalms 119:116. Parallel theme: Philippians 2:17, Isaiah 50:7, 54:4, Romans 8:19, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:34, 1 John 2:28 +5
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. References Christ: Philippians 1:20, 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 2:20, 6:14, Colossians 3:4. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 5:6, 5:8, Revelation 14:13 +5
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. Parallel theme: Philippians 1:24, Psalms 71:18, Acts 3:17, 2 Corinthians 10:3, Galatians 2:20, 1 Peter 4:2
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Parallel theme: Psalms 17:15, 49:15, Luke 23:43, John 12:26, 14:3, 17:24, Acts 7:59, 2 Corinthians 5:8, 2 Timothy 4:6, Revelation 14:13 +5
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; Faith: Philippians 2:24, 2 Corinthians 1:24
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Standing Firm in the Gospel
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 spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers., with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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. Salvation: Genesis 49:18, Isaiah 12:2, Luke 3:6. References God: Romans 8:17, 1 Thessalonians 2:2. Parallel theme: Isaiah 51:7, 51:12, Matthew 10:28, Hebrews 13:6, Revelation 2:10 +5
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; References Christ: 1 Peter 4:13. Faith: Acts 14:22, Ephesians 2:8, Colossians 2:12. Parallel theme: Acts 5:41, Romans 5:3, James 1:2 +2
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Parallel theme: John 16:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:4, Revelation 12:11