FocusLove 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 1:8
KJVFor God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Read it in context
Salutation, Thanksgiving, and Prayer
Start reading at Philippians 1:1 (Philippians 1:1 to Philippians 1:11).
This unit begins with Paul's salutation and then transitions into his heartfelt thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippian believers, setting the tone for the entire epistle.
- 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which 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 thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
- 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
- 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
- 1:6 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:
- 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
- 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
- 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
- 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
- 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
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 main event or theme? Paul's deep affection and longing for the Philippian believers, with God as his witness to the sincerity of this love.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the depth of Paul's genuine love and spiritual connection to the Philippian church, which is rooted 'in the bowels of Jesus Christ,' indicating a profound, Christ-centered compassion.
- What is the literary style? Epistle (letter).
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 61.
- When does the event take place? During Paul's imprisonment.
Where
- Where did it happen? The longing described is from Paul, who was in Rome, to the Philippian believers in Philippi.
- Where was the author located? Rome, in prison.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Salutation, Thanksgiving, and Prayer (Philippians 1:1 to Philippians 1:11). Start reading at Philippians 1:1. This unit begins with Paul's salutation and then transitions into his heartfelt thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippian believers, setting the tone for the entire epistle.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse expresses the sincere love and spiritual bond Paul has with the Philippians, which undergirds his thanksgiving (1:3-7) and his subsequent prayer for them (1:9-11), as well as his confidence in their fellowship in the gospel (1:5). stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's profound longing for the Philippians is described as being 'in the bowels of Jesus Christ,' indicating that his love for them is not merely human sentiment but is a deep, compassionate affection that originates from and is empowered by Christ Himself. It reflects Christ's own love and compassion for His church. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today should strive to have a genuine, Christ-centered love and deep affection for one another, especially for those with whom they share fellowship in the gospel, as demonstrated by Paul. This love should be so profound that God Himself can bear witness to its sincerity. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:3-7, Philippians 1:5, Philippians 1:7, Philippians 1:8, Philippians 1:9-11, Philippians 1:13
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
- God Rom 1:9 Rom 9:1 Gal 1:20 1 Thess 2:5
- how Phil 2:26 Phil 4:1 2 Cor 13:9 Gal 4:19 Col 2:1 1 Thess 2:8 2 Tim 1:4
- in Phil 2:1 Isa 16:11 Isa 63:15 Jer 31:20 Luke 1:78 2 Cor 6:12 2 Cor 7:15 Col 3:12
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
Paul's circumstances
Philippians 1:12–26FocusChrist 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
FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation Imprisonment and worthy conduct
Philippians 1:12–30FocusChrist 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.