Philippians 1:25
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πεποιθὼς
confidence
G3982
πεποιθὼς
confidence
Strong's:
G3982
Word #:
3 of 18
to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
4 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
5 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μενῶ
I shall abide
G3306
μενῶ
I shall abide
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
6 of 18
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προκοπὴν
furtherance
G4297
προκοπὴν
furtherance
Strong's:
G4297
Word #:
14 of 18
progress, i.e., advancement (subjectively or objectively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Paul's confidence proved accurate—he was released from this imprisonment (implied by Pastoral Epistles, which presume a fourth missionary journey). Whether by revelation or sanctified judgment based on legal circumstances, Paul believed God would preserve him for further ministry. Ancient imprisonment outcomes were unpredictable; Paul's confidence rested on providence, not legal optimism.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between presumption and Spirit-given confidence about the future?
- What is the relationship between 'furtherance' (growth) and 'joy' in Christian maturity?
- Are you as confident as Paul that God will preserve you for the sake of others' faith?
Analysis & Commentary
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith (καὶ τοῦτο πεποιθὼς οἶδα ὅτι μενῶ καὶ παραμενῶ πᾶσιν ὑμῖν εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπὴν καὶ χαρὰν τῆς πίστεως, kai touto pepoithōs oida hoti menō kai paramenō pasin hymin eis tēn hymōn prokopēn kai charan tēs pisteōs)—Pepoithōs (perfect participle, "having been persuaded, confident") expresses settled conviction. Oida ("I know") claims prophetic insight—Paul expects release from imprisonment.
Menō kai paramenō ("I shall remain and continue to remain") doubles the verb for emphasis. Purpose: for your furtherance (εἰς τὴν ὑμῶν προκοπήν, eis tēn hymōn prokopēn)—prokopēn ("progress, advancement," same word as v. 12) now applied to believers' maturity. Joy of faith (χαρὰν τῆς πίστεως, charan tēs pisteōs) unites Philippians' twin themes: joy and faith. Paul's ministry aims at both doctrinal growth and affective joy.