Philippians 1:29
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐχαρίσθη
it is given
G5483
ἐχαρίσθη
it is given
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
3 of 18
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
5 of 18
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πιστεύειν
to believe
G4100
πιστεύειν
to believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
12 of 18
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
16 of 18
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Acts 5:41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.1 Peter 4:13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.Romans 5:3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Colossians 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Historical Context
Philippian Christians faced hostility from Roman authorities and neighbors. Paul's theology reframes persecution: not random tribulation but divinely appointed participation in Christ's sufferings. This echoes Jesus's beatitudes (Matt 5:10-12) and His warnings about persecution (John 15:18-21). Early Christian martyrologies celebrated suffering as grace-gift, not fate.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you view suffering for Christ as grace-gift (echaristhē) or unfortunate circumstance?
- How does recognizing suffering as 'given' by God change your response to it?
- In what ways are faith and suffering coordinate realities in genuine Christian discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (ὅτι ὑμῖν ἐχαρίσθη τὸ ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, οὐ μόνον τὸ εἰς αὐτὸν πιστεύειν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πάσχειν, hoti hymin echaristhē to hyper Christou, ou monon to eis auton pisteuein alla kai to hyper autou paschein)—Echaristhē ("it was graciously given," aorist passive of charizomai) derives from charis ("grace"). Suffering is gift, not accident. To hyper Christou ("in the behalf of Christ, for Christ's sake") elevates suffering to christological significance.
Not only to believe...but also to suffer (οὐ μόνον...πιστεύειν ἀλλὰ καὶ...πάσχειν, ou monon...pisteuein alla kai...paschein)—faith and suffering are coordinate gifts. This is radical: suffering for Christ is privilege, not misfortune; grace, not tragedy. Paul democratizes apostolic suffering—all believers share this 'gift.' The passive voice (echaristhē) emphasizes divine sovereignty: God grants both faith and suffering according to His gracious purposes.