Paul and Timothy, bond servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), to all the saints (God’s consecrated people) in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops (overseers) and deacons (assistants): (Philippians 1:1)
Apostle Paul wrote this letter to three different groups:
- to all the saints (God’s consecrated people)
- the bishops (overseers)
- and deacons (assistants)
[I thank my God] for your fellowship (your sympathetic cooperation and contributions and partnership) in advancing the good news (the Gospel) (Philippians 1:5)
This was one of the main reasons Paul was thankful for the Philippians.
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 1:6)
His most important work in our life is salvation. On the day we received Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, He began His work. The work isn't finished yet. He is now transforming us by His Word and Spirit, continuing the excellent work of His grace.
Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians
9And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, (Philippians 1:12)
Furtherance means promotion, advancement, progress and moving forward. As Christians, we need to live with the mindset that whatever we do and what happens to us, will contribute to the expansion and spreading of the gospel.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:14)
Apostle Paul perceived a blessing in his imprisonment by the impact it was causing on his fellow Christians. When word got out about how well Paul was managing his captivity and how God was even using it to save souls, other Christians felt inspired to share the word of God boldly without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains (Philippians 1:15-16)
As a result of Paul's imprisonment, some people preached the gospel more zealously. Some were motivated in a positive way, while others were motivated in a negative way; but the fact was that they all motivated in some manner delighted Apostle Paul.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this, I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)
If Paul's imprisonment couldn't stop the gospel from spreading, neither could some people's bad motives stop it. God's work was still being done, which was a great source of joy to Apostle Paul.
and your intercession for me will bring about my deliverance. (Philippians 1:19 TPT)
Intercession brings deliverance. “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (Acts 12:5 NIV)
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
Apostle Paul addressed the church in Philippi with this strong remark, reflecting his attitude toward death, the final enemy. In essence, Paul was saying, "I can't lose." I intend to serve Jesus Christ for the rest of my life. And I will get even more of Him after I die.
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Philippians 1:27)
The English word "worthy" comes from the root "worth." We should walk in a way that displays the gospel's great significance and worth in our lives.
Also, if we are not in one spirit with one mind, then our conduct is not worthy of the gospel. When all the members in the church are in one spirit with one mind, this oneness will convince and attract people to the Lord.