Philippians 1:3-6
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6 Meaning
The Bible verses in Philippians 1:3-6 express the apostle Paul’s gratitude and joy for the believers in the church of Philippi. He expresses his thankfulness to God for their partnership in the gospel from the first day they believed until the present. He has confidence that God, who began a good work in them, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6 Commentary and Explanation
Philippians 1:3-6 is a passage that deeply resonates with our hearts and reminds us of the joy and gratitude we ought to have in our Christian journey. The Apostle Paul’s words in this passage offer a profound insight into the nature of our relationship with God and our fellow believers.
First, let us consider verse 3, where Paul begins by saying, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” Here, Paul expresses his heartfelt gratitude for the Philippian believers. This sentiment should remind us of the importance of cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving within our own hearts. Just as Paul thanked God for the Philippian church, we should also express gratitude for the fellow believers in our lives. Gratitude is a powerful force that can strengthen our bonds of fellowship and remind us of the blessings we share in Christ.
Moving on to verse 4, Paul continues by saying, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Paul’s prayers for the Philippians were marked by joy, and this teaches us an essential lesson about the nature of our prayer life. Our prayers should not be filled with worry, anxiety, or fear but should be characterized by joy and confidence in God’s faithfulness. We can find reassurance in passages like Philippians 4:6-7, where we are encouraged to present our requests to God with thanksgiving, knowing that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
Verse 5 tells us, “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Here, Paul acknowledges the Philippian church’s active involvement in spreading the Gospel. This verse underscores the importance of our partnership in the work of God’s kingdom. Just as the Philippian believers were active partners in the Gospel, we too should strive to be actively involved in sharing the message of Christ with others. Acts 1:8 reminds us of our commission to be witnesses for Christ both locally and globally.
Finally, in verse 6, Paul states, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse is a comforting reminder of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty in our lives. Just as Paul was confident that God would complete the work He started in the Philippian believers, we can have the same assurance in our own lives. Romans 8:28 reinforces this truth by assuring us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Philippians 1:3-6 serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of gratitude, joy-filled prayer, active partnership in the Gospel, and our confidence in God’s faithfulness. As we reflect on these verses, let us cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, pray with joy, engage in the work of sharing the Gospel, and trust in God’s unwavering commitment to complete His good work in us.
Also Read: 2 Kings 21:13 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Philippians 1:3-6
The book of Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was imprisoned, most likely in Rome. The letter is addressed to the believers in the city of Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. Paul had a deep emotional connection with the Philippians and had established a strong bond with them during his earlier missionary journeys.
In this particular passage, Paul is expressing his gratitude and love for the Philippians. Throughout the letter, he encourages them to persevere in their faith, to unity, and to rejoice in the Lord always. Despite his own difficult circumstances, Paul sets an example of optimism, contentment, and joy in the midst of adversity.
Lessons From Philippians 1:3-6
- Gratitude and thankfulness: Paul’s thankfulness to God for the believers in Philippi encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude. We should regularly express our appreciation to God for our fellow believers and the ways in which they contribute to our spiritual growth.
- Partnership in the gospel: The example of the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel challenges us to actively engage in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. When we join forces with other believers, we can have a greater impact and effectiveness in advancing God’s kingdom.
- Trust in God’s faithfulness: Paul’s confidence in God’s ability to complete the good work in the Philippians reminds us to trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty. Even when we face challenges or uncertainties, we can rely on God’s promise to carry out His plans in our lives.
Biblical Translations of Philippians 1:3-6
Philippians 1:3-6 King James Version (KJV)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 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.”
Philippians 1:3-6 English Standard Version (ESV)
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6 New King James Version (NKJV)
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:3-6 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
“I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:3-6 New Living Translation (NLT)
“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Final Thoughts
The Bible verses in Philippians 1:3-6 teach us the importance of expressing gratitude for our fellow believers and our partnership in the gospel. They remind us to have confidence in God’s ability to complete the work He has begun in us.
As we live out our faith together, let us embrace a spirit of thankfulness, actively participate in advancing God’s kingdom, and trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His plans for our lives.