Philippians 1:25

KJV

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} having this {G5124} confidence {G3982}, I know {G1492} that {G3754} I shall abide {G3306} and {G2532} continue {G4839} with you {G5213} all {G3956} for {G1519} your {G5216} furtherance {G4297} and {G2532} joy {G5479} of faith {G4102};

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I am convinced of this; so I know I will stay on with you in order to help you progress in the faith and have joy in it.

Berean Standard Bible

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

American Standard Version

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Philippians 1:25, the Apostle Paul expresses a profound and divinely-imparted conviction that he will continue to live and minister among the Philippian believers. This certainty is not rooted in personal preference or presumptuousness, but in a clear understanding of God's sovereign purpose for his life, which is specifically for the spiritual advancement and deep-seated joy in the faith of the Philippian church. Paul's focus remains steadfastly on the well-being and growth of the believers, even amidst his own imprisonment and the personal dilemma of choosing between life and death for Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 1:25 is situated within Paul's deeply personal and pastoral introduction to his letter, specifically following his profound reflection on his imprisonment and the paradoxical nature of his circumstances. In the preceding verses ([Philippians 1:21-24](/philippians/1-21-24 "Philippians 1:21-24 - Paul's Dilemma: To Live or to Die")), Paul articulates his intense spiritual dilemma: whether to live and continue his fruitful ministry for Christ or to die and be immediately with Christ, which he considers "far better." This verse resolves that tension, indicating Paul's confidence, born of divine revelation or profound spiritual discernment, that God's plan for him involves continued earthly ministry. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exhortations and teachings, establishing his ongoing presence as a foundation for their spiritual growth.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while imprisoned, most likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. Despite his confinement, which would typically limit one's influence, Paul viewed his chains as an opportunity for the advancement of the gospel, as he states in [Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - The Advancement of the Gospel through Paul's Imprisonment"). The Philippian church was a beloved congregation, unique in its consistent financial support of Paul's ministry. In the Roman world, imprisonment often led to execution or prolonged suffering, making Paul's conviction about his survival and continued ministry a remarkable statement of faith and divine assurance, rather than a mere hopeful wish. His confidence would have been a great encouragement to a church likely concerned for his welfare.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Philippians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose**, demonstrating Paul's conviction that God's plan for his life, even in suffering, is for the good of His people, echoing principles found in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good"). It highlights the **Selfless Nature of Apostolic Ministry**, where Paul's personal desires are subordinated to the spiritual needs of the church, a motif central to his understanding of leadership as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:15](/2_corinthians/12-15 "2 Corinthians 12:15 - Paul's Selfless Devotion"). Furthermore, it emphasizes the **Interconnectedness of the Body of Christ**, illustrating how the continued presence and ministry of a mature leader directly contributes to the "furtherance and joy of faith" of the entire community, aligning with the concept of mutual edification described in [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidence (Greek, _peíthō'_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to convince" or "to persuade," here refers to Paul's state of being convinced or having a firm reliance. It implies an inward certainty or assurance, not a boastful presumption. Paul's "confidence" is a settled conviction, a deep-seated trust, likely stemming from a divine impression or a clear understanding of God's will for his ongoing ministry, rather than mere human optimism.
* **abide (Greek, _ménō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to stay," "to remain," or "to continue in a given place, state, or relation." In this context, it speaks to Paul's physical presence and continued existence among the Philippians. It implies a stability and permanence in his relationship and ministry with them, contrasting with the potential for his departure through death mentioned in the preceding verses.
* **furtherance (Greek, _prokopḗ'_):** This noun denotes "progress" or "advancement," often used in the sense of cutting a path through obstacles or making headway. It describes the spiritual growth and progress of the Philippian believers. Paul's continued ministry is not merely for their maintenance but for their active movement forward in spiritual maturity, understanding, and application of the faith, clearing away any hindrances to their walk with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And having this confidence,"**: Paul begins by anchoring his subsequent declaration in a deep, internal conviction. This "confidence" is not a wish or a guess, but a settled assurance, likely divinely revealed or discerned, regarding God's will for his immediate future. It speaks to his spiritual certainty despite his precarious physical circumstances.
* **"I know that I shall abide and continue with you all"**: This clause reveals the content of Paul's confidence. The phrase "I know" (from _eídō_, to see, by implication, to know) indicates a clear, certain understanding. He is assured that he will physically remain alive ("abide") and continue his association and ministry ("continue with") the entire Philippian community. This statement directly addresses the dilemma he presented in [Philippians 1:23-24](/philippians/1-23-24 "Philippians 1:23-24 - Paul's Personal Conflict"), resolving it in favor of continued earthly life and ministry.
* **"for your furtherance and joy of faith;"**: This final clause articulates the divine purpose behind Paul's continued existence and ministry. His survival is not for his own comfort or benefit, but specifically "for" (Greek _eis_, indicating purpose or result) the spiritual "furtherance" (progress, advancement) of the Philippians and for their "joy of faith." This highlights the selfless, Christ-centered motivation of Paul's apostolic calling, where his life is dedicated to fostering the spiritual growth and deep, abiding gladness that comes from a robust and active faith in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message with clarity and impact. The verse demonstrates **Apostolic Authority** and **Ethos**, as Paul's personal "confidence" and "knowledge" lend significant weight to his declaration, establishing his credibility and genuine concern for the Philippians. There is an implied **Antithesis** with the preceding verses: while Paul personally desires to depart and be with Christ, his confidence here reveals that God's will for him is to remain, thereby setting up a contrast between personal preference and divine purpose. The phrase "for your furtherance and joy of faith" functions as a clear **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the reason and goal behind Paul's continued ministry, emphasizing the teleological nature of his life and work. This focus on the believers' benefit also exemplifies **Pastoral Care** and **Selfless Devotion**, which are central to Paul's communication style throughout his epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:25 profoundly illustrates the principle of divine providence, where God orchestrates circumstances, even imprisonment and potential martyrdom, to fulfill His greater purposes for His people. Paul's conviction that he will "abide and continue" is not a mere human prediction but a Spirit-given assurance, demonstrating that God's plan for His servants often prioritizes the spiritual edification of the church over individual desires or comforts. This verse underscores the selfless nature of true spiritual leadership, where the leader's life and gifts are entirely consecrated to the growth and joy of the flock. It also highlights the essential interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where the health and advancement of one member, particularly a mature leader, directly contribute to the spiritual vitality of the entire community.

* [2 Corinthians 1:24](/2_corinthians/1-24 "2 Corinthians 1:24 - Paul's Partnership in Faith"): "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand."
* [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Equipping the Saints for Ministry"): "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ."
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Hebrews 10:24-25 - Mutual Encouragement and Edification"): "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's confidence in his continued ministry, despite facing the very real possibility of execution, offers a powerful model for believers today. It challenges us to consider our lives not merely as individual journeys, but as instruments in God's hands for the "furtherance and joy of faith" of others. This verse encourages us to cultivate a perspective where our gifts, resources, and even our trials are viewed as opportunities for God to work through us for the spiritual progress of the community. It reminds us that genuine Christian joy is often found not in self-preservation or personal comfort, but in witnessing and contributing to the spiritual growth of fellow believers. We are called to live with a selfless, outward-focused purpose, actively seeking ways to encourage, equip, and uplift those around us in their walk with Christ, recognizing that our individual spiritual health is deeply intertwined with the collective well-being of the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling me to prioritize the "furtherance and joy of faith" of others over my own personal desires or comfort?**
* **How can I actively contribute to the spiritual progress and joy of my local church or Christian community?**
* **What "confidence" or assurance from God have I received regarding my purpose, and how am I living in light of it?**
* **How does Paul's example of selfless leadership challenge my understanding of what it means to serve in the body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**How does Paul's "confidence" here relate to his earlier desire to depart and be with Christ?**

Answer: Paul's "confidence" in Philippians 1:25 does not negate his deeply personal and sincere desire to "depart, and to be with Christ" as expressed in [Philippians 1:23](/philippians/1-23 "Philippians 1:23 - Paul's Desire to Be with Christ"). Rather, it reveals a profound spiritual maturity and submission to God's sovereign will. Paul's personal preference was to be with Christ, which he considered "far better." However, he understood that remaining in the flesh was "more needful" for the Philippians' spiritual growth and joy ([Philippians 1:24](/philippians/1-24 "Philippians 1:24 - Paul's Ministry for the Philippians")). His "confidence" is not a change of heart regarding his ultimate desire, but a divine assurance that God's immediate plan for him involved continued earthly ministry for the sake of the church. It demonstrates that while believers may have legitimate personal desires, ultimate joy and fulfillment come from aligning with and fulfilling God's greater purposes, especially when those purposes involve serving others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:25, while speaking of Paul's personal ministry, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the very nature and mission of Jesus Himself. Paul's willingness to set aside his own desire for immediate heavenly rest for the sake of the church's "furtherance and joy of faith" profoundly mirrors Christ's self-emptying love. Jesus, "who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - The Humility of Christ")), willingly endured the cross and remained on earth to accomplish salvation, not for His own benefit, but "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). Christ's entire earthly ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, was for the "furtherance" of humanity's reconciliation with God and for the "joy of faith" that comes through redemption. Just as Paul's continued presence was for the Philippians' growth, Christ's ongoing intercession and headship over His Church ensures its continuous spiritual progress and ultimate glorification, as He "loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it... that he might present it to himself a glorious church" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Thus, Paul's confidence and purpose reflect the very heart of Christ's mission for His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 2:24

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

Ephesians 4:11

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

Ephesians 4:13

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

Romans 5:2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 1:11

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Romans 1:12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.