Philippians 1:5
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Original Language Analysis
ἐπὶ
For
G1909
ἐπὶ
For
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κοινωνίᾳ
fellowship
G2842
κοινωνίᾳ
fellowship
Strong's:
G2842
Word #:
3 of 13
partnership, i.e., (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
8 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
ἡμέρας
day
G2250
ἡμέρας
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
10 of 13
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Cross References
Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;Philippians 1:7Even 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 grace.Philemon 1:17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Historical Context
The 'first day' was around AD 49-50 when Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke arrived in Philippi (Acts 16:11-40). Lydia, a businesswoman, opened her home; a slave girl was delivered; a jailer's household converted. By AD 60-62 (this letter's date), Philippi had supported Paul's mission for over a decade—rare loyalty in the ancient world's patron-client culture.
Questions for Reflection
- What gospel-partnerships have you maintained faithfully 'from the first day until now'?
- How is your 'fellowship' in the gospel more than attendance—involving active sacrifice and support?
- Which missionaries or ministries could you partner with consistently as Philippi did with Paul?
Analysis & Commentary
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, epi tē koinōnia hymōn eis to euangelion)—The noun koinōnia ("fellowship, partnership, participation") signifies active sharing in gospel advance, not mere social camaraderie. The preposition eis ("in, into, for") suggests purpose or sphere: partnership toward or for the sake of the gospel.
This fellowship was concrete: financial support (4:15-16), prayer support (1:19), and shared suffering (1:30). From the first day until now (ἀπὸ τῆς πρώτης ἡμέρας ἄχρι τοῦ νῦν, apo tēs prōtēs hēmeras achri tou nyn) marks decade-plus faithfulness. Philippi partnered with Paul when no other church did (4:15), sending aid to Thessalonica, Corinth, and now Rome. Their consistency proved gospel-partnership genuine.