Paul's thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusLove that grows in discernment
Connection to the wholePaul's gratitude for their partnership leads to prayer that the church's love produce discerning, fruitful conduct.
interpretation Philippians 1:21
KJVFor to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Read it in context
Paul's circumstances
Start reading at Philippians 1:12 (Philippians 1:12 to Philippians 1:26).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Imprisonment, differing motives among preachers, and Paul's reflections on life and death are all evaluated by their relation to Christ.
- 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
- 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
- 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
- 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
- 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
- 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
- 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
- 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
- 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall 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 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
- 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
- 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more 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 be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 1:1–2:30): Paul addresses the Philippian saints with their overseers and deacons, discussing his imprisonment and calling the community to unity and humility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Paul's circumstances. Read Philippians 1:12 through Philippians 1:26 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Imprisonment, differing motives among preachers, and Paul's reflections on life and death are all evaluated by their relation to Christ. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's circumstances (Philippians 1:12 to Philippians 1:26). Start reading at Philippians 1:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 1:12, Philippians 1:26, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- to live Phil 1:20 Phil 2:21 1 Cor 1:30 Gal 6:14 Col 3:4
- to die Phil 1:23 Isa 57:1-2 Rom 8:35-39 1 Cor 3:22 2 Cor 5:1,6,8 1 Thess 4:13-15 Rev 14:13
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 1
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
FocusChrist proclaimed in life or death
Connection to the wholeImprisonment, differing motives among preachers, and Paul's reflections on life and death are all evaluated by their relation to Christ.
interpretation Conduct worthy of the gospel
Philippians 1:27–30FocusUnity under pressure
Connection to the wholePaul turns from his own circumstances to the church's responsibility to stand together and endure opposition faithfully.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation The mind of Christ and faithful servants
Philippians 2:1–30FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation Steadfast fellowship and contentment
Philippians 4:1–23FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.