MSB PHP Chapter 1

Greetings from Paul and Timothy

(Colossians 1:1–2, Philemon 1:1–3)

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ,[fn] To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with [the] overseers and deacons:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

(1 Corinthians 1:4–9, Colossians 1:3–14)

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In every prayer for all of you, I always pray with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from [the] first day until now, 6 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.[fn]

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in [my] heart. [For] in my chains and in [my] defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. 8 God [is] my witness how I long for all of you with [the] affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this [is] my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to test and prove what is best [and] may be pure and blameless for [the] day of Christ, 11 filled with [the] fruits of righteousness that [come][fn] through Jesus Christ, to [the] glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel

(James 1:2–12)

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances {have} actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[fn] and to everyone else [that] I am in chains for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, confident in [the] Lord by my chains, [now] dare more greatly to speak the word[fn] without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but [others] out of goodwill. 16 The [former] preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to [the] distress of my chains.[fn] 17 The [latter] do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for [the] defense of the gospel.

18 What then [ is the issue ]?[fn] Just this: [that] in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 because I know that through your prayers and [the] provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [ my distress ] will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

To Live Is Christ

21 For to me, to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. 22 But if I go on living in [the] body, this [will mean] fruitful labor for me. So what shall I choose? I do not know. 23 I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, [which is] far better.[fn] 24 But [it is] more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my coming to you again your exultation in Christ Jesus will resound on account of me.

Worthy of the Gospel

27 Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, [I will know] that you stand firm in one spirit, contending side by side for the faith of the gospel, 28 without being frightened in [any way] by those who oppose [you]. [This] is indeed a clear sign[fn] of their destruction but of your salvation, and [it] [is] from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 [since] you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and [now] hear that I still have