Philippians 1:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Chapter Context
Philippians 1 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, grace, fellowship. 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 contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 1:6
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Analysis
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (πεποιθὼς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, pepoithōs auto touto, "having been persuaded of this very thing")—Paul's confidence rests not in Philippian resolve but divine faithfulness. The participle pepoithōs (perfect tense) indicates settled persuasion. He which hath begun (ὁ ἐναρξάμενος, ho enarxamenos) attributes initiation to God; will perform (ἐπιτελέσει, epitelesei, future indicative) guarantees completion.
A good work (ἔργον ἀγαθόν, ergon agathon) refers to salvific transformation, not mere moral improvement. Until the day of Jesus Christ (ἄχρι ἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ, achri hēmeras Christou Iēsou) is the Parousia, Christ's return. This verse grounds assurance of perseverance: God who began salvation will complete it eschatologically. Philippians' gospel-partnership evidenced God's work, not self-generated religion.
Historical Context
The theology of divine preservation countered both legalistic self-effort and libertine presumption in the early church. Paul's confidence was empirical—Philippi's decade of faithfulness demonstrated authentic regeneration. The 'day of Jesus Christ' echoed OT 'day of the Lord' but focused on Christ's return as Judge and Consummator (cf. 1 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 1:14).
Reflection
- How does confidence in God's completing work differ from presumption or passivity?
- What 'good work' has God begun in you, and how do you see evidence of His ongoing progress?
- How should the certainty of completion 'until the day of Jesus Christ' shape daily discipleship?
Cross-References
- References Christ: Philippians 1:10, Ephesians 4:12
- References Jesus: John 6:29, 1 Corinthians 1:8, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 5:10
- Good: Philippians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:11
- Parallel theme: Psalms 138:8, Hebrews 10:35