Philippians 1:30
Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτὸν
the same
G846
αὐτὸν
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
ἀγῶνα
conflict
G73
ἀγῶνα
conflict
Strong's:
G73
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e., (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety
ἔχοντες
Having
G2192
ἔχοντες
Having
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
4 of 13
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οἷον
which
G3634
οἷον
which
Strong's:
G3634
Word #:
5 of 13
such or what sort of (as a correlation or exclamation); especially the neuter (adverbially) with negative, not so
ἴδετε
ye saw
G1492
ἴδετε
ye saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
6 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:Hebrews 12:4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Revelation 12:11And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.1 Timothy 6:12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Historical Context
The Philippian church's founding involved Paul's miraculous jailbreak after beating and imprisonment (Acts 16). They witnessed his suffering firsthand. Now, over a decade later, he suffers again—this time in Rome. The continuity of Paul's suffering throughout his ministry validated his teaching: gospel-proclamation brings opposition. Shared persecution bonded early churches into resilient communities.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'conflict' (agōna) do you share with fellow believers in your context?
- How does witnessing leaders' faithful suffering strengthen your own perseverance?
- In what ways does shared suffering create deeper Christian fellowship than shared prosperity?
Analysis & Commentary
Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me (τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοὶ καὶ νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί, ton auton agōna echontes hoion eidete en emoi kai nyn akouete en emoi)—Agōna ("struggle, contest, conflict") gives us 'agony'—athletic/military struggle. Ton auton ("the same") identifies shared experience between Paul and Philippians. They're fellow-combatants in the same spiritual warfare.
Which ye saw in me (οἷον εἴδετε ἐν ἐμοί, hoion eidete en emoi) recalls Acts 16:19-40—Paul and Silas beaten, imprisoned in Philippi. Now hear to be in me (νῦν ἀκούετε ἐν ἐμοί, nyn akouete en emoi) refers to current Roman imprisonment. Witness to Paul's past suffering and reports of present suffering create solidarity. Paul models the costly discipleship he calls them to. Shared suffering creates profound Christian community—the 'fellowship of his sufferings' (3:10).