The apostle’s affection for the Philippians.
1:1. Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ: to all the saints
in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
1:2. Grace be unto you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord
Jesus Christ.
1:3. I give thanks to my God in every remembrance of you:
1:4. Always in all my prayers making supplication for you all with joy:
1:5. For your communication in the gospel of Christ, from the first day
until now.
1:6. Being confident of this very thing: that he who hath begun a good
work in you will perfect it unto the day of Christ Jesus.
1:7. As it is meet for me to think this for you all, for that I have
you in my heart; and that, in my bands and in the defence and
confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my joy.
1:8. For God is my witness how I long after you all in the bowels of
Jesus Christ.
1:9. And this I pray: That your charity may more and more abound in
knowledge and in all understanding:
1:10. That you may approve the better things: that you may be sincere
and without offence unto the day of Christ:
1:11. Filled with the fruit of justice, through Jesus Christ, unto the
glory and praise of God.
1:12. Now, brethren, I desire you should know that the things which
have happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the
gospel:
1:13. So that my bands are made manifest in Christ, in all the court
and in all other places.
1:14. And many of the brethren in the Lord, growing confident by my
bands, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.
1:15. Some indeed, even out of envy and contention: but some also for
good will preach Christ.
1:16. Some out of charity, knowing that I am set for the defence of the
gospel.
1:17. And some out of contention preach Christ not sincerely: supposing
that they raise affliction to my bands.
1:18. But what then? So that by all means, whether by occasion or by
truth, Christ be preached: in this also I rejoice, yea, and will
rejoice.
1:19. For I know that this shall fall out to me unto salvation, through
your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
1:20. According to my expectation and hope; that in nothing I shall be
confounded: but with all confidence, as always, so now also, shall
Christ be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.
1:21. For to me, to live is Christ: and to die is gain.
1:22. And if to live in the flesh: this is to me the fruit of labour.
And what I shall choose I know not.
This is to me, etc.... His meaning is, that although his dying
immediately for Christ would be his gain, by putting him presently in
possession of heaven; yet he is doubtful what he should choose, because
by staying longer in the flesh, he should be more beneficial to the
souls of his neighbours.
1:23. But I am straitened between two: having a desire to be dissolved
and to be with Christ, a thing by far the better.
1:24. But to abide still in the flesh is needful for you.
1:25. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and
continue with you all, for your furtherance and joy of faith:
1:26. That your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus for me, by my
coming to you again.
1:27. Only let your conversation be worthy of the gospel of Christ:
that, whether I come and see you, or, being absent, may hear of you,
that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind labouring together for
the faith of the gospel.
1:28. And in nothing be ye terrified by the adversaries: which to them
is a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and this from God.
1:29. For unto you it is given for Christ, not only to believe in him,
but also to suffer for him:
1:30. Having the same conflict as that which you have seen in me and
now have heard of me.