ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Philippians 1

Phil. 1:1–11 Greeting and Prayer. Paul greets his readers and expresses his gratitude (vv. 3–6) and affection (vv. 7–8) for them. He then prays that their love and holiness will increase (vv. 9–11).

Phil. 1:1–2 Paul, along with Timothy, gives the standard early Christian greeting of grace and peace. Paul calls Timothy and himself servants. The emphasis on service prepares for the rest of the letter, especially 2:5–11. It is uncertain what level of formal church government is implied by overseers and deacons. Overseers were probably elders, charged with spiritual oversight of the congregation (see Acts 14:23 and note; 20:17, 28; 1 Tim. 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5:1–4). Deacons were probably in charge of practical service (see Acts 6:1–7; 1 Tim. 3:8–13).

Phil. 1:3–11 Paul’s letters frequently begin with thanksgiving and prayer. The prayer here helps establish the letter’s major themes.

Phil. 1:3–5 The Philippians’ partnership in the gospel includes their financial support of Paul (4:15–16) and their concern for his well-being.

Phil. 1:6 will bring it to completion. Genuine spiritual progress is built upon what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do. God’s faithfulness means he will be with believers until Jesus returns (the day of Jesus Christ; compare 2:16; 1 Thess. 5:2–11; 2 Pet. 3:10–13).

Phil. 1:7–8 Paul’s imprisonment would have been a source of great shame in that culture, but the Philippians still supported him.

Phil. 1:9–11 Pure and blameless does not imply instant spiritual perfection. It means an increasing likeness to Christ. fruit of righteousness. Because that fruit comes through Jesus Christ, it will result in the glory and praise of God.

Phil. 1:12–30 Paul’s Reflections on His Imprisonment. Paul assures the Philippians that the gospel is still advancing even though he is in prison (vv. 12–18). He is joyfully confident. No matter what happens, he will be delivered and Christ will be honored. For him, to live is Christ and to die is gain (vv. 19–26). Paul encourages his readers to live for Christ, even while suffering (vv. 27–30).

Phil. 1:12–18 Paul encourages the Philippians by pointing out that his being in prison has provided many opportunities to proclaim the gospel. Considering that there was some disunity among the Christians in Philippi (vv. 15–18; compare 4:2–3), Paul’s joy amid his difficult circumstances should be an example for them.

Phil. 1:12 The word Paul uses for the advance of the gospel is the same word he uses in v. 25 for the Philippians’ “progress” in faith. Christians should seek to advance God’s kingdom rather than dwelling on past or present problems.

Phil. 1:15–18 Those who preach Christ from envy and rivalry are likely Christians who preached the gospel but were at odds with Paul for some reason.

Phil. 1:19 deliverance. Either deliverance from prison or the deliverance of eternal salvation. Paul may intend both meanings, since he mentions his imprisonment in vv. 12–14 and focuses on the eternal in v. 23.

Phil. 1:20 The crucial thing for Paul is not life or death. It is maintaining his faithful witness to Christ.

Phil. 1:21 Paul’s life is all about the advancement of Christ’s kingdom. Thus, to live means serving Christ. To die is gain, because then Paul would be in Christ’s presence.

Phil. 1:22–26 Paul knows that the way of Jesus is the way of service (see 2:5–11). He is convinced that he will remain and continue with the Philippians for their progress and joy in the faith. Paul is not thinking about his own crisis. He is giving the Philippians a model of the service-driven life.

Phil. 1:23 My desire is to depart and be with Christ. When Christians die, they are immediately with Christ—long before their bodies are raised from the dead (see note on 1 Cor. 15:23).

Phil. 1:27–30 Paul’s sacrifice will be useless, however, if the Philippians do not continue to live in a way that is “worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Phil. 1:27 be worthy of the gospel. As the esv footnote indicates, the Greek can also be translated “behave as citizens worthy [of the gospel].” Philippi prided itself on being a Roman colony, offering the honor and privilege of Roman citizenship. Paul reminds the congregation that they should look to Christ, not Caesar, for their model of behavior. They need to stand with one another and with Paul in striving for the gospel. Paul’s emphasis on unity may suggest some division within the Philippian congregation (see 4:2–3).

Phil. 1:28 destruction. Eternal destruction, so these are different opponents from those in vv. 15–18, who were Christians. A different city is in view as well. Here Paul speaks about what is happening in Philippi, while in vv. 15–18 his opponents are probably in Rome. Paul follows Jesus’ teaching here (Matt. 5:10–12), reminding them that persecution shows they belong to Christ.

Phil. 1:29–30 Both suffering and faith have been granted to you as gifts of God. Suffering for the sake of Jesus is a great privilege (see Matt. 5:10–12; Acts 5:41). Paul again presents himself as an example of one who has maintained his joy while experiencing the same conflict (that is, opposition from hostile unbelievers).