Philippians 1:29

KJV

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3754} unto you {G5213} it is given {G5483} in the behalf {G5228} of Christ {G5547}, not {G3756} only {G3440} to believe {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}, but {G235} also {G2532} to suffer {G3958} for {G5228} his sake {G846}{G5228};

Complete Jewish Bible

because for the Messiah’s sake it has been granted to you not only to trust in him but also to suffer on his behalf,

Berean Standard Bible

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,

American Standard Version

because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 1:29 unveils a profound theological truth, asserting that both the act of believing in Christ and the experience of suffering for His sake are divinely bestowed gifts. This verse challenges conventional human understanding by elevating hardship from a mere misfortune to a purposeful and gracious endowment from God, intended to deepen a believer's communion with Christ and advance the gospel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Paul's deeply personal and encouraging letter to the Philippian church, written while he was imprisoned, likely in Rome. Paul has just expressed his joy and confidence that his own imprisonment has, paradoxically, served to advance the gospel ([Philippians 1:12-14](/philippians/1-12-14 "Philippians 1:12-14 - Paul's Imprisonment Advances the Gospel")). He then transitions to exhort the Philippians to live lives worthy of the gospel, standing firm and united against their adversaries ([Philippians 1:27-28](/philippians/1-27-28 "Philippians 1:27-28 - Call to Stand Firm in the Gospel")). Verse 29 directly follows this exhortation, providing the theological basis for their steadfastness: their suffering is not a sign of defeat but a divine privilege, aligning them with Christ and serving as evidence of their salvation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philippian church, situated in a Roman colony, would have understood the implications of Roman citizenship and the pressures of conforming to imperial cults. Early Christians often faced social ostracism, economic discrimination, and even legal persecution for their refusal to worship Roman gods or the emperor. Paul's own imprisonment serves as a vivid example of such suffering. The concept of suffering for one's faith was not abstract but a tangible reality for these believers, making Paul's assertion that this suffering is a "gift" particularly counter-cultural and impactful. It reframes their hardship within a divine, purposeful framework rather than as a random misfortune.

* **Key Themes:** Philippians 1:29 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter and broader New Testament. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Grace**, asserting that even faith itself is not a human achievement but a gracious gift from God, echoing passages like [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). It introduces the challenging but profound theme of **Suffering as a Privilege**, transforming hardship endured for Christ into an honor and a means of deeper fellowship with Him. This aligns with Paul's desire to know Christ and the fellowship of His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")). The verse also underscores the **Christ-Centeredness** of the Christian life, as both belief and suffering are "in the behalf of Christ" and "for his sake," emphasizing that all aspects of the believer's existence are ultimately for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _charízomai'_):** This verb, derived from _charis_ (grace), means "to grant as a favor," "to bestow freely," or "to show grace." Its use here emphatically conveys that both faith and suffering are not earned or merited by human effort but are gratuitous, unmerited endowments from God. This highlights the divine initiative and the gracious nature of the Christian experience.
* **believe (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** To "have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing)," or "to credit." By implication, it means "to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This word signifies a deep, active trust and commitment to Christ, not merely intellectual assent. Its inclusion as a "gift" underscores that saving faith itself is divinely enabled.
* **suffer (Greek, _páschō'_):** This primary verb means "to experience a sensation or impression," usually one that is painful. It encompasses enduring hardship, affliction, persecution, or distress. When linked with "for his sake," it specifically refers to the pain or difficulty experienced as a direct result of one's allegiance to Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For unto you it is given":** This opening phrase establishes the divine origin of what follows. The passive voice ("it is given") implies God as the active giver, emphasizing His sovereign grace and initiative in bestowing these spiritual realities upon the Philippians.
* **"in the behalf of Christ":** This crucial phrase clarifies the purpose and recipient of these gifts. Both the belief and the suffering are not for personal gain or random occurrence, but they serve the cause, person, and glory of Jesus Christ. They are experienced with Christ as their ultimate object and aim.
* **"not only to believe on him":** The first of the two gifts, foundational to salvation. This highlights that saving faith is not a human achievement but a gracious endowment from God, enabling one to place trust and reliance upon Christ. It underscores the supernatural nature of conversion.
* **"but also to suffer for his sake":** The second, and often more challenging, gift. This asserts that suffering endured because of one's identification with Christ is also a divine privilege. It is not a punishment or an accident, but a purposeful experience that allows believers to participate in Christ's own experiences and bear witness to His truth, ultimately for His honor.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 1:29 masterfully employs **Juxtaposition** and **Paradox** by presenting belief and suffering as equally divine gifts. Typically, belief is seen as a blessing, while suffering is viewed as a curse or misfortune. Paul intentionally places these two seemingly opposite experiences side-by-side, revealing a profound spiritual truth: both are expressions of God's grace and integral to the Christian journey. The phrase "it is given" acts as a **Divine Passive**, subtly indicating God as the unseen agent behind these endowments. Furthermore, the repetition of the concept "in the behalf of Christ" and "for his sake" serves as a form of **Emphasis**, powerfully reinforcing the Christ-centered nature and ultimate purpose of the believer's life, including its trials.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian discipleship, revealing that God's grace extends not only to our salvation but also to the very means by which we live out that salvation, even through hardship. It challenges the common notion that a blessed life is one devoid of suffering, instead proposing that suffering for Christ is a mark of divine favor and a means of deeper fellowship with Him. This perspective transforms suffering from a burden to be avoided into a privilege to be embraced, aligning believers with Christ's own path of suffering before glory. It underscores God's complete sovereignty over all aspects of a believer's life, including the trials they face, ensuring that even adversity serves His redemptive purposes.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [1 Peter 4:12-16](/1_peter/4-12-16 "1 Peter 4:12-16 - Suffering for Being a Christian")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ Through Suffering")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 1:29 offers a radical reorientation of our perspective on faith and suffering. It calls us to recognize that our ability to believe in Christ is not a testament to our own intellect or will, but a gracious gift from God, humbling us and deepening our gratitude for salvation. More profoundly, it challenges us to view the hardships and persecutions we may face for our faith not as unfortunate accidents or divine punishments, but as purposeful, even privileged, experiences bestowed by God. This understanding can transform our response to adversity, enabling us to endure with joy and steadfastness, knowing that our struggles are not in vain but contribute to Christ's cause. It empowers us to find meaning in suffering, fostering a deeper intimacy with the Savior who Himself suffered.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding faith as a "gift" rather than an achievement impact your humility and gratitude towards God?**
* **In what ways have you experienced "suffering for Christ's sake," and how might viewing it as a "gift" change your perspective on those experiences?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a mindset that embraces hardship for the sake of Christ, rather than avoiding it?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to stand firm in your faith, even when facing opposition or discomfort?**

### FAQ
**Does Philippians 1:29 mean Christians should seek out suffering?**

Answer: No, Philippians 1:29 does not advocate for seeking out suffering for its own sake. Rather, it reframes the suffering that *comes* to believers *because* of their allegiance to Christ. The verse emphasizes that when hardship arises as a direct consequence of following Jesus—whether it's social ostracism, ridicule, or persecution—this particular kind of suffering is a divinely granted privilege. It's not about self-inflicted pain or martyrdom, but about understanding the spiritual significance and purpose of the opposition one naturally encounters when living faithfully for Christ in a fallen world. This perspective encourages endurance and joy in the face of such trials, knowing they are part of God's gracious plan for His children and serve the advancement of His kingdom ([Matthew 5:10-12](/matthew/5-10-12 "Matthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are the Persecuted")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:29 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our ability "to believe on him" is a gift because He is the very object and author of our faith, the one who perfectly demonstrated what it means to trust God implicitly, even unto death ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Furthermore, the "suffering for his sake" is a profound participation in Christ's own redemptive journey. Jesus Himself, though sinless, suffered immensely "for our sake," bearing the penalty of sin and demonstrating perfect obedience through His passion and crucifixion ([1 Peter 2:21-24](/1_peter/2-21-24 "1 Peter 2:21-24 - Christ's Suffering as Our Example")). When believers suffer for Christ, they are not only identifying with His experience but also testifying to the power of His resurrection and the truth of His gospel. This suffering, therefore, is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength of Christ working within us, allowing us to complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of His body, the church ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")). Ultimately, both our faith and our suffering for Christ are designed to magnify His glory and demonstrate the transforming power of His finished work on the cross.

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

James 1:2

¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

1 Peter 4:13

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Acts 5:41

And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:11

Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.