# Philippians 01 📖: To Live Is Christ [[📚 Explore the Bible Books]] [[-Philippians Overview]] | [[Ephesians 06]] | [[Philippians 02]] > [!info] Table of Contents > [[#📜 Scripture Text (NET)]] > [[#📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary]] > [[#🤔 Interesting Facts]] > [[#🧠 Chapter Summary]] > [[#✝️ Christ in This Chapter]] > [[#🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application]] > [[#💬 Discussion Questions]] > [[#✍️ Key Verses to Remember]] > [[#🔗 Related Passages]] > [[#🙏 Devotional Reflection]] > [[#📂 Internal Notes]] --- ## 📜 Scripture Text (NET) (The NET Bible: New English Translation. Biblical Studies Press, 2005) ### Greetings from Paul **Principle**: We follow Jesus as completely dependent on Him. [[#Verse 01.]] From Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and deacons. [[#Verse 02.]] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! ### Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer **Principle**: God is actively working in your life and will not stop until it is finally finished. [[#Verse 03.]] I thank my God every time I remember you. [[#Verse 04.]] I always pray with joy in my every prayer for all of you [[#Verse 05.]] because of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. [[#Verse 06.]] For I am sure of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. [[#Verse 07.]] For it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel all of you became partners in God’s grace together with me. [[#Verse 08.]] For God is my witness that I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. [[#Verse 09.]] And I pray this, that your love may abound even more and more in knowledge and every kind of insight [[#Verse 10.]] so that you can decide what is best, and thus be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, [[#Verse 11.]] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. ### Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached **Principle**: When you live for Christ, all is gain. [[#Verse 12.]] I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my situation has actually turned out to advance the gospel: [[#Verse 13.]] The whole imperial guard and everyone else knows that I am in prison for the sake of Christ, [[#Verse 14.]] and most of the brothers and sisters, having confidence in the Lord because of my imprisonment, now more than ever dare to speak the word fearlessly. [[#Verse 15.]] Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. [[#Verse 16.]] The latter do so from love because they know that I am placed here for the defense of the gospel. [[#Verse 17.]] The former proclaim Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, because they think they can cause trouble for me in my imprisonment. [[#Verse 18.]] What is the result? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, [[#Verse 19.]] for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. ### Paul’s Life for Christ **Principle**: When you live for Christ, all is gain. [[#Verse 20.]] My confident hope is that I will in no way be ashamed but that with complete boldness, even now as always, Christ will be exalted in my body, whether I live or die. [[#Verse 21.]] For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. [[#Verse 22.]] Now if I am to go on living in the body, this will mean productive work for me, yet I don’t know which I prefer: [[#Verse 23.]] I feel torn between the two because I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far, [[#Verse 24.]] but it is more vital for your sake that I remain in the body. [[#Verse 25.]] And since I am sure of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for the sake of your progress and joy in the faith, [[#Verse 26.]] so that what you can be proud of may increase because of me in Christ Jesus, when I come back to you. ### Live as Citizens of Heaven **Principle**: [[#Verse 27.]] Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ so that—whether I come and see you or whether I remain absent—I should hear that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, by contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, [[#Verse 28.]] and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation—a sign which is from God. [[#Verse 29.]] For it has been granted to you not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for him, [[#Verse 30.]] since you are encountering the same conflict that you saw me face and now hear that I am facing. ## 📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary ###### Overall. ###### Verse 01. - Typical greeting for a Roman style letter. - Using Timothy’s name may mean Timothy was the one receiving dictation. - “Slave” the Greek word means slave. Some translations have tried to change it to servant… should stay slave. - Philippi. Facts about [[M0008- Philippi]]. ### 🏛️ 10 Interesting Facts About Philippi 1. **Philippi Was a Roman Colony** Philippi was one of the few cities designated as a Roman colony (Acts 16:12), meaning its citizens were given the same legal rights as those living in Rome. This status made Roman identity and honor extremely important to its residents. 2. **Founded by King Philip of Macedon (Alexander the Great’s Father)** The city was originally called Crenides but was renamed Philippi after Philip II of Macedon conquered it around 356 B.C 3. **The First European City to Receive the Gospel** When Paul received a vision of the “Macedonian man” (Acts 16:9), he sailed to Macedonia and preached in Philippi first, making it the first European city where Christianity was established. 4. **Lydia Was the First Convert in Europe** Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman and seller of purple cloth, became the first recorded convert to Christianity in Europe (Acts 16:14–15). She hosted the first house church in Philippi. 5. **There Was No Synagogue in Philippi** Paul usually started his missionary work in synagogues, but in Philippi he met a group of women praying by the river (Acts 16:13), likely because there weren’t enough Jewish men to form a synagogue. 6. **Paul Was Imprisoned in Philippi** Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:19–40), but while in jail, they sang hymns at midnight, which led to a miraculous earthquake and the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family. 7. **Philippi Was the Site of a Famous Roman Battle** In 42 B.C., Brutus and Cassius (Julius Caesar’s assassins) were defeated by Octavian (later Augustus) and Mark Antony. This led to Philippi’s designation as a Roman colony and filled the city with Roman veterans. 8. **The Philippian Church Was One of Paul’s Most Loyal Supporters** The Philippians sent Paul financial and personal support multiple times, even when other churches did not (Phil. 4:15–18). Their generosity is highlighted throughout the letter. 9. **The Philippian Christians Faced Persecution** As Roman citizens loyal to Caesar, many Philippians would have seen Christian allegiance to Jesus as a threat, resulting in suffering and social pressure for believers (Phil. 1:29–30). 10. **Philippi’s Ruins Are Still Visible Today** You can visit the archaeological remains of Philippi in modern-day northeastern Greece, which include a theater, basilicas, and what’s believed to be the prison cell of Paul and Silas. ###### Verse 02. - Paul is constantly reminding the reader of the Trinitarian involvement. The Triune Godhead exists of One Essence with Three Persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. ###### Verse 03. - Often used as a sign of Christian affection toward others. You can tell Paul has a close friendship with this church. ###### Verse 04. ###### Verse 05. ###### Verse 06. - Paul is assuring the church that God will not give up in the sanctification process until it is finally finished. God will never stop working with and on His Church. - This helps us realize that God never gives up on anyone. ###### Verse 07. - Paul is celebrating that the church has continued to be his allies despite his legal troubles from preaching the Gospel. ###### Verse 08. ###### Verse 09. - Paul’s opening thankfulness and prayer ends with his prayer for God to give them wisdom to know how to live in Christ and for the fruit of the Spirit that comes through our relationship with God to continue, for the glory of God. ###### Verse 10. ###### Verse 11. ###### Verse 12. - Ministry as a Prisoner - “My situation.” Paul has been imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. We can see how this played out in the book of Acts. Paul was arrested by the Jews in Jerusalem. He appealed to have his case heard by the Emperor, which was the right of any Roman citizen. It was worth noting that any citizen can request to be heard by the Emperor, but the Emperor is not required to hear the case. ###### Verse 13. - Paul’s imprisonment has served to bring a spotlight on the Gospel. When they hear of Paul, they hear of why he is in prison. Therefore, Paul is saying that it has been worth it because it has spread the Gospel. ###### Verse 14. ###### Verse 15. - Paul reveals that there are those who are using his imprisonment for their own gain. Some are preaching the Gospel to get attention. Some are preaching the Gospel as a way to make things worse on Paul. Paul’s response? He doesn’t care. His main goal is for people to hear about the Gospel. He believes the power of the Gospel will make the difference either way. ###### Verse 16. ###### Verse 17. ###### Verse 18. ###### Verse 19. ###### Verse 20. - Paul’s prayer is not for deliverance from prison, but for boldness to stay strong while in prison. ###### Verse 21. - How can Paul be in prison yet write this letter? Some call it the “letter of joy.” This is because he considers it all gain. If he lives or dies, it is all about Jesus and spreading the message of salvation. - Paul realizes it is more helpful for him to stay alive and continue spreading the Gospel. However, his heart seems to long to be united with Christ. This does not mean Paul had a death wish. It means he could not wait to see Jesus in Heaven. - Example- When someone looks forward to going on vacation, it does not mean they don’t love their home. They are just excited about what is coming. ###### Verse 22. ###### Verse 23. ###### Verse 24. ###### Verse 25. ###### Verse 26. ###### Verse 27. - “Conducts yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel”- Paul calls them (and us) to see our lives as an extension of the message. Therefore, we should live our lives in a way that positively reflects the God we serve and the message He has given us. ###### Verse 28. - ”not being intimidated”- Paul is writing in a time where persecution is continuing to rise toward Christians. It was not the fact they worshiped Jesus. The Roman world was polytheistic. The problem was that Christians say Jesus alone should be worshipped. This would have offended everyone. Paul encourages the Church to stand strong. ###### Verse 29. - “Suffering for Him” - Paul warns the Church that serving Jesus is not without pain. God does not keep us from pain because we serve Him. This has never, ever been a part of the Gospel. They crucified Jesus. It would make sense that they will not treat His followers the same way. Suffering is our honor. We represent something worthy of suffering for in Christ. ###### Verse 30. ## 🤔 Interesting Facts - In chapter one, Paul is in prison. He is writing to a local church that he has great affection for. - Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30–31), yet Philippians 1 overflows with thankfulness and confidence in God’s work. 1. Philippians is one of Paul's four Prison Letters, along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. 2. Paul names Timothy as co-sender of the letter (1:1). Timothy was with Paul when the church in Philippi began (Acts 16:1-3, 12). 3. Philippians is the only letter where Paul's opening greeting singles out "overseers and deacons" (1:1). 4. "Participation" or "partnership" (*koinonia*, 1:5) includes the financial support the Philippians gave Paul (4:15-16). 5. "The whole imperial guard" (1:13) likely refers to the Praetorian Guard, the elite soldiers of the emperor. 6. Scholars debate where Paul was imprisoned when he wrote. Rome is the traditional view, while Ephesus and Caesarea have also been suggested. 7. "Depart" (1:23) was used for a ship being loosed from its moorings or a soldier breaking camp. 8. "Conduct yourselves" in 1:27 translates a word meaning to live as a citizen, fitting for a Roman colony proud of its citizenship. 9. Words for joy and rejoicing appear more than a dozen times in this short letter. 10. "Granted" in 1:29 comes from the Greek word for grace. Paul treats suffering for Christ as a gift of grace. ## 🧠 Chapter Summary Paul opens his letter with warm gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel. Even though he’s imprisoned, he rejoices because his chains are advancing the gospel—both among the Roman guards and through the boldness of other believers. He declares that his life is all about Christ: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul encourages the Philippians to live in a way that’s worthy of the gospel, standing united and unafraid in the face of opposition. ## ✝️ Christ in This Chapter Christ is the One who will complete the good work He began in us (1:6). For Paul, to live is Christ and to die is gain, because being with Christ is far better (2 Corinthians 5:8). ## 🔎 Key Observations / 🛟 Life Application - 📌 Paul finds joy even in prison because the gospel is advancing. - 📌 He sees life and death as equally beneficial—life means fruitful labor, death means being with Christ. - 📌 Paul urges believers to live worthy of the gospel by standing firm in unity and facing opposition without fear. #### Today, I can apply this chapter by: - ✅ Choose joy regardless of your circumstances. God can use your struggles to further His purposes. - ✅ Make Christ your highest priority. Let everything in life revolve around knowing and serving Him. - ✅ Stand together with fellow believers. Live in a way that reflects the gospel in both behavior and attitude. ## 💬 Discussion Questions 1. Paul was confident God would finish the good work He began (1:6). Where do you need that confidence right now? 2. Paul's chains actually advanced the gospel (1:12-14). How might God use a hard season in your life for His purposes? 3. What would it look like for you to say "to me, living is Christ" (1:21) this week? ## ✍️ Key Verses to Remember - 📖 verse 6: The One who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. - 📖 verses 9-11: Paul prays that their love would abound in knowledge and insight. - 📖 verses 12-14: Paul's imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel. - 📖 verse 21: For Paul, living is Christ and dying is gain. - 📖 verse 27: Live in a manner worthy of the gospel. ## 🔗 Related Passages - 🔗 [[Psalm 138#Verse 08.|Psalm 138:8]] - The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. - 🔗 [[Acts 16#Verse 25.|Acts 16:25]] - Paul and Silas sing in prison in Philippi. - 🔗 [[James 01#Verse 02.|James 1:2-4]] - Count it all joy in trials. - 🔗 [[2 Corinthians 05#Verse 08.|2 Corinthians 5:8]] - Away from the body and at home with the Lord. - 🔗 [[Ephesians 04#Verse 01.|Ephesians 4:1-3]] - Live worthy of the calling, in unity. - 🔗 [[2 Corinthians 08#Verse 01.|2 Corinthians 8:1-5]] - The Macedonian churches give generously. ## 🙏 Devotional Reflection 📝 SOAP: [[Philippians 01 - SOAP|God Finishes What He Starts]] 📝 SOAP: [[Philippians 01- SOAP|Philippians 01- SOAP]] ## 📂 Internal Notes