Philippians 1
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1Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants: 2Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, 5for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 6being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. 9This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ; 11being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 12Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News; 13so that it became evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ; 14and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. 15Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will. 16The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains; 17but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News. 18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice. 19For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. 21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don’t know what I will choose. 23But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake. 25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again. 27Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News; 28and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf, 30having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."”
Philippians 1:21
Summary
Philippians chapter 1 begins with Paul's greeting to the believers in Philippi, thanking God for their partnership in the gospel. He expresses joy and confidence in God's continued work in their lives. Paul prays for their love to abound more in knowledge and depth of insight, resulting in a life filled with the fruit of righteousness. He underscores his own circumstances, sharing how his imprisonment has served to advance the gospel. His focus remains on Christ being proclaimed, irrespective of his personal situation. Paul articulates the deep significance of living a life centered on Christ, famously declaring that to live is Christ and to die is gain. His deliberation between life and death illustrates his fervent desire to continue fruitful labor for the sake of others' spiritual growth. Despite his chains, he encourages the Philippians to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, displaying unity and fearlessness in the face of opposition. This unity and courage are to serve as a testament of their salvation and a sign to their adversaries. The theological significance of this chapter lies in its portrayal of joy and confidence in adversity, with Christ being the ultimate purpose of life. Through Paul's example, the chapter teaches believers to find contentment and purpose in Christ alone, encouraging steadfastness in faith and community harmony.
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