Philippians 1:5

KJV

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1909} your {G5216} fellowship {G2842} in {G1519} the gospel {G2098} from {G575} the first {G4413} day {G2250} until {G891} now {G3568};

Complete Jewish Bible

because you have shared in proclaiming the Good News from the very first day until now.

Berean Standard Bible

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

American Standard Version

for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul's heartfelt expression of gratitude in Philippians 1:5 underscores the enduring and active partnership of the Philippian believers in the advancement of the gospel. From the very inception of their faith community, they consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the proclamation of the good news, a steadfastness that brought immense joy and encouragement to the apostle. This verse celebrates their shared purpose and collaborative effort in the divine mission, highlighting the communal nature of Christian life and ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 1:5 is an integral part of Paul's opening salutation and thanksgiving, immediately following his declaration of constant prayer and joy for the Philippians in [Philippians 1:3-4](/philippians/1-3-4 "Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians"). This verse serves as the specific reason for Paul's joy and gratitude, detailing the "fellowship in the gospel" that has characterized their relationship from the beginning. It sets the stage for the overarching themes of partnership, joy in suffering, and perseverance in the gospel that pervade the entire letter. The subsequent verse, [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Paul's Confidence in God's Work"), builds directly on this foundation of past faithfulness, expressing Paul's confident assurance that God, who began a good work in them through this very fellowship, will bring it to completion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while imprisoned, likely in Rome (circa A.D. 60-62), as indicated by references to the Praetorian Guard and Caesar's household in [Philippians 1:13](/philippians/1-13 "Paul's Imprisonment and the Gospel's Advance") and [Philippians 4:22](/philippians/4-22 "Greetings from Caesar's Household"). The church in Philippi, a Roman colony, was the first Christian community Paul established in Europe, as recorded in [Acts 16](/acts/16 "The Macedonian Call and Philippian Ministry"). Unlike many other churches Paul founded, the Philippians were unique in their consistent and generous financial support for his missionary endeavors, sending aid on multiple occasions (cf. [Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "Philippians' Generosity")). This sustained partnership, which began with the conversion of Lydia and the jailer (see [Acts 16:14-34](/acts/16-14-34 "Lydia's Conversion and the Philippian Jailer")), was a source of profound encouragement to Paul, distinguishing them as true co-laborers in the gospel.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 1:5 contributes significantly to several key themes within the letter and Paul's broader theology. First, it highlights the theme of **Partnership (Koinonia) in the Gospel**, emphasizing that the spread of the good news is a collaborative effort, not a solitary one. The Philippians' "fellowship" extended beyond mere association to active participation, including financial support, prayer, and shared suffering (see [Philippians 4:14](/philippians/4-14 "Philippians' Partnership in Paul's Affliction")). Second, the phrase "from the first day until now" underscores the theme of **Steadfastness and Perseverance**, celebrating their consistent and enduring commitment to Christ's mission, a quality Paul frequently exhorted believers to cultivate (e.g., [Colossians 1:23](/colossians/1-23 "Perseverance in Faith")). Finally, the verse implicitly points to the theme of **Mutual Joy and Encouragement** within the Christian community, as Paul's gratitude for their fellowship is a direct expression of the joy he receives from their faithfulness, mirroring the joy he wishes for them (e.g., [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Rejoice in the Lord Always")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fellowship (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** From G2842, this term signifies more than mere association; it denotes a deep partnership, sharing, communion, and active participation. It implies a common bond and shared purpose, often involving the sharing of resources, burdens, and benefits. In this context, the Philippians were not passive recipients but active partners in the gospel's advancement, sharing in both the privileges and responsibilities of the Christian mission.
* **Gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From G2098, meaning "a good message" or "good news." This refers specifically to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, encompassing His life, death, resurrection, and the offer of redemption and new life to all who believe. The Philippians' "fellowship in the gospel" means their shared commitment to this central message, both in receiving it and in proclaiming it.
* **First Day until Now (Greek, _prōtos hēméra áchri nŷn'_):** A combination of G4413 ("foremost, first"), G2250 ("day, time period"), G891 ("until, up to"), and G3568 ("now, present time"). This phrase emphasizes the remarkable consistency and longevity of the Philippians' partnership. It highlights that their commitment was not a fleeting enthusiasm but a sustained, faithful collaboration that had endured from the very beginning of their Christian community up to the present moment of Paul's writing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For your fellowship":** Paul immediately identifies the reason for his thanksgiving and joy: the Philippians' active participation and shared commitment. This "fellowship" (koinonia) implies a deep, mutual involvement, not just a casual acquaintance. It speaks to their shared life and purpose in Christ.
* **"in the gospel":** This phrase specifies the sphere and object of their fellowship. Their partnership was not merely social or economic, but specifically centered on the "good news" of Jesus Christ. This means they were partners in both believing the gospel and in actively promoting its spread, whether through financial support, prayer, or personal evangelism.
* **"from the first day until now;":** This temporal marker underscores the remarkable steadfastness and consistency of their commitment. From the very inception of their church, when Paul first preached in Philippi, they had been faithful partners. This enduring loyalty is a testament to their genuine faith and a source of profound encouragement to Paul, highlighting the longevity and reliability of their support.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's writing in Philippians 1:5 employs several effective literary devices. The verse functions as a powerful expression of **Thanksgiving**, a common Pauline epistolary feature that sets a warm and appreciative tone for the letter. The phrase "from the first day until now" serves as an instance of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the unbroken continuity and steadfastness of the Philippians' commitment, which likely brought Paul immense comfort during his imprisonment. Furthermore, the concept of "fellowship in the gospel" can be seen as a **Metaphor** for a shared journey or partnership, likening the Christian mission to a joint venture where all participants contribute to a common goal. This metaphor underscores the communal and collaborative nature of spreading the good news, moving beyond individualistic piety to emphasize corporate action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:5 profoundly articulates the theological truth that Christian faith is inherently communal and missional. The "fellowship in the gospel" signifies that believers are not merely individuals who happen to share a common belief, but active participants in a divine enterprise—the proclamation and advancement of God's redemptive plan. This partnership extends beyond spiritual communion to tangible support and shared labor, embodying the New Testament ideal of the church as a body working together for a common purpose. It emphasizes that the gospel is not just something to be received, but something to be lived out and propagated, with every believer playing a vital role. This verse also implicitly highlights God's faithfulness in sustaining such a long-term partnership, giving Paul confidence that the work begun will be completed.

* [1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "God's Faithfulness and Fellowship with Christ")
* [2 Corinthians 8:4](/2_corinthians/8-4 "The Grace of Partnership in Giving")
* [Hebrews 10:24-25](/hebrews/10-24-25 "Mutual Encouragement and Fellowship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 1:5 challenges believers today to examine the depth and consistency of their own "fellowship in the gospel." It calls us beyond passive church attendance or individual piety to active, sustained participation in the mission of Christ. This can manifest in diverse ways: faithfully supporting missionaries and ministries, diligently serving within our local church, intentionally sharing the good news with those around us, or fervently praying for the advancement of God's kingdom. The enduring nature of the Philippians' commitment—"from the first day until now"—serves as a powerful model, encouraging us to cultivate perseverance and steadfastness in our own contributions to the gospel. Our active partnership not only advances God's work but also becomes a profound source of joy and encouragement to others, just as the Philippians were to Paul. It reminds us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, contributing to an eternal purpose with fellow believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways am I actively participating in "fellowship in the gospel" today?**
* **How consistent has my commitment to supporting the spread of the gospel been "from the first day until now"?**
* **What practical steps can I take to deepen my partnership with other believers in advancing Christ's mission?**
* **How does my involvement in the gospel bring joy and encouragement to others, and how do I receive it in return?**

### FAQ
**What does "fellowship in the gospel" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Philippians 1:5, "fellowship in the gospel" (Greek: *koinonia en tō euangeliō*) refers to a deep, active, and shared participation in the work and message of the good news of Jesus Christ. It's not just about believing the gospel, but about partnering with others to live it out and spread it. For the Philippians, this included their consistent financial support for Paul's missionary journeys, their prayers, and their shared commitment to the Christian life, even amidst persecution. It signifies a mutual investment and shared ownership in the divine mission, demonstrating a profound spiritual and practical partnership.

**Why was the Philippian church's "fellowship" so significant to Paul?**

Answer: The Philippian church's "fellowship" was profoundly significant to Paul because it represented a consistent and tangible partnership that directly facilitated his ministry and brought him immense personal encouragement. Unlike some other churches Paul founded, the Philippians were remarkably steadfast in their support, sending him financial aid on multiple occasions (as noted in [Philippians 4:15-16](/philippians/4-15-16 "The Philippians' Generosity")). This unwavering commitment, "from the first day until now," validated his apostolic work and provided practical means for him to continue preaching the gospel, even while imprisoned. Their faithfulness was a source of great joy and confidence for Paul, as he expresses throughout the letter, particularly in [Philippians 1:3-4](/philippians/1-3-4 "Paul's Thanksgiving and Prayer for the Philippians").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:5, while celebrating the Philippians' partnership, ultimately points to Christ as the very source and object of this "fellowship in the gospel." The gospel itself is the good news *about* Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers (cf. [1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "The Core of the Gospel")). Our "fellowship" is not merely with one another, but fundamentally a participation *in Christ*, as He is the one who unites believers into one body (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:12-13](/1_corinthians/12-12-13 "One Body, Many Members")). The steadfastness of the Philippians' commitment, "from the first day until now," reflects the enduring faithfulness of Christ Himself, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ, Unchanging")). It is by His power that believers are enabled to partner in His mission, and it is His work that guarantees the completion of the good work begun in them, as Paul confidently asserts in the very next verse ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Paul's Confidence in God's Work")). Thus, the Philippians' partnership in the gospel is a beautiful demonstration of Christ's ongoing work through His church, fulfilling His Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")).

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 4:14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Philippians 4:15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

Philippians 1:7

¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Hebrews 3:14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

Philemon 1:17

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

2 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

1 John 1:3

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.