Philippians 1:29
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 1:29
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;
Chapter Context
Philippians 1 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, fellowship, faith. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 1:29
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;
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Believe: πιστεύω (Pisteuo) G4100 - To believe, trust, have faith
Cross-References
- 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