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 1:9
KJVAnd this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Read it in context
Paul's thanksgiving and prayer
Start reading at Philippians 1:1 (Philippians 1:1 to Philippians 1:11).
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.
Paul's gratitude for their partnership leads to prayer that the church's love produce discerning, fruitful conduct.
- 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 topic of this reading unit? Paul's thanksgiving and prayer. Read Philippians 1:1 through Philippians 1:11 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul's gratitude for their partnership leads to prayer that the church's love produce discerning, fruitful conduct. 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 thanksgiving and prayer (Philippians 1:1 to Philippians 1:11). Start reading at Philippians 1:1. 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 1:1, Philippians 1:11, 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
- your Phil 3:15-16 Job 17:9 Prov 4:18 Matt 13:31-33 2 Cor 8:7 1 Thess 3:12 1 Thess 4:1,9-10 2 Thess 1:3
- in knowledge 1 Cor 14:20 Eph 5:17 Col 1:9 Col 3:10 2 Pet 1:5-6 2 Pet 3:18
- judgment Heb 5:14
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.