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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Philippians 1:3–6. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle proceeds after the inscription and benediction to thanksgiving for the saints at Philippi. He tells them what it was he thanked God for, upon their account. Observe here,
I.Paul remembered them:
he bore them much in his thoughts; and though they were out of sight, and he was at a distance from them, yet they were not out of his mind: or, Upon every mention of you - epi pasē tē mneia. As he often thought of them, so he often spoke of them, and delighted to hear them spoken of. The very mention of them was grateful to him: it is a pleasure to hear of the welfare of an absent friend.
II.He remembered them with joy.
At Philippi he was maltreated; there he was scourged and put into the stocks, and for the present saw little of the fruit of his labour; and yet he remembers Philippi with joy. He looked upon his sufferings for Christ as his credit, his comfort, his crown, and was pleased at every mention of the place where he suffered. So far was he from being ashamed of them, or loth to hear of the scene of his sufferings, that he remembered it with joy.
III.He remembered them in prayer:
Always in every prayer of mine for you all, Phi 1:4. The best remembrance of our friends is to remember them at the throne of grace. Paul was much in prayer for his friends, for all his friends, for these particularly. It should seem, by this manner of expression, that he mentioned at the throne of grace the several churches he was interested in and concerned for particularly and by name. He had seasons of prayer for the church at Philippi. God gives us leave to be thus free with him, though, for our comfort, he knows whom we mean when we do not name them.
IV.He thanked God upon every joyful remembrance of them.
Observe, Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer; and whatsoever is the matter of our rejoicing ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. What we have the comfort of, God must have the glory of. He thanked God, as well as made requests with joy. As holy joy is the heart and soul of thankful praise, so thankful praise is the lip and language of holy joy.
V.As in our prayers, so in our thanksgiving, we must eye God as our God:
I thank my God. It encourages us in prayer, and enlarges the heart in praise, to see every mercy coming from the hand of God as our God. - I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. We must thank our God for others' graces and comforts, and gifts and usefulness, as we receive the benefit of them, and God receives glory by them. But what is the matter of this thanksgiving?
1.He gives thanks to God for the comfort he had in them: for your fellowship in the gospel, from the first day until now, Phi 1:5. Observe, Gospel fellowship is a good fellowship; and the meanest Christians have fellowship in the gospel with the greatest apostles, for the gospel salvation is a common salvation (Jde 1:3), and they obtain like precious faith with them, Pe2 1:1. Those who sincerely receive and embrace the gospel have fellowship in it from the very first day: a new-born Christian, if he is true-born, is interested in all the promises and privileges of the gospel from the first day of his becoming such. - Until now. Observe, It is a great comfort to ministers when those who begin well hold on and persevere. Some, by their fellowship in the gospel, understand their liberality towards propagating the gospel, and translate koinōnia, not communion, but communication. But, comparing it with Paul's thanksgiving on the account of other churches, it rather seems to be taken more generally for the fellowship which they had, in faith, and hope, and holy love, with all good Christians - a fellowship in gospel promises, ordinances, privileges, and hopes; and this from the first day until now.
2.For the confidence he had concerning them (Phi 1:6): Being confident of this very thing, etc. Observe, The confidence of Christians is the great comfort of Christians, and we may fetch matter of praise from our hopes as well as from our joys; we must give thanks not only for what we have the present possession and evidence of, but for what we have the future prospect of. Paul speaks with much confidence concerning the good estate of others, hoping well concerning them in the judgment of charity, and being confident in the judgment of faith that if they were sincere they would be happy: That he who has begun a good work in you will perform it unto the day of Jesus Christ. A good work among you - En humin, so it may be read: understand it, in the general, of the planting of the church among them. He who hath planted Christianity in the world will preserve it as long as the world stands. Christ will have a church till the mystery of God shall be finished and the mystical body completed. The church is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. But it is rather to be applied to particular persons, and then it speaks of the certain accomplishment of the work of grace wherever it is begun. Observe here,
(1.)The work of grace is a good work, a blessed work; for it makes us good, and is an earnest of good to us. It makes us like God, and fits us for the enjoyment of God. That may well be called a good work which does us the greatest good.
(2.)Wherever this good work is begun it is of God's beginning: He has begun a good work in you. We could not begin it ourselves, for we are by nature dead in trespasses and sins: and what can dead men do towards raising themselves to life; or how can they begin to act till they are enlivened in the same respect in which they are said to be dead? It is God who quickens those who are thus dead, Eph 2:1; Col 2:13.
(3.)The work of grace is but begun in this life; it is not finished here; as long as we are in this imperfect state there is something more to be done.
(4.)If the same God who begins the good work did not undertake the carrying on and finishing of it, it would lie for ever unfinished. He must perform it who began it.
(5.)We may be confident, or well persuaded, that God not only will not forsake, but that he will finish and crown the work of his own hands. For, as for God, his work is perfect.
(6.)The work of grace will never be perfected till the day of Jesus Christ, the day of his appearance. When he shall come to judge the world, and finish his mediation, then this work will be complete, and the top-stone will be brought forth with shouting. We have the same expression, Phi 1:10.
Historical interpretation
Three Centuries of Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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I am greatly grieved for Valens, who was once a presbyter among you, because he so little understands the place that was given him [in the Church]. I exhort you, therefore, that ye abstain from covetousness, and that ye be chaste and truthful. "Abstain from every form of evil." For if a man cannot govern himself in such matters, how shall he enjoin them on others? If a man does not keep himself from covetousness, he shall be defiled by idolatry, and shall be judged as one of the heathen. But who of us are ignorant of the judgment of the Lord? "Do we not know that the saints shall judge the world?" as Paul teaches. But I have neither seen nor heard of any such thing among you, in the midst of whom the blessed Paul laboured, and who are commended in the beginning of his Epistle. For he boasts of you in all those Churches which alone then knew the Lord; but we [of Smyrna] had not yet known Him. I am deeply grieved, therefore, brethren, for him (Valens) and his wife; to whom may the Lord grant true repentance! And be ye then moderate in regard to this matter, and "do not count such as enemies," but call them back as suffering and straying members, that ye may save your whole body. For by so acting ye shall edify yourselves.
"For your fellowship in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day even until now."
Great is that he here witnesseth of them, and very great, and what one might have witnessed of Apostles and Evangelists. Ye did not, because ye were entrusted with one city, he saith, care for that only, but ye leave nothing undone to be sharers of my labors, being everywhere at hand and working with me, and taking part in my preaching. It is not once, or the second, or third time, but always, from the time ye believed until now, ye have assumed the readiness of Apostles. Behold how those indeed that were in Rome turned away from him; for hear him saying, "This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me." And again, "Demas forsook me": and "at my first defence no one took my part." But these, although absent, shared in his tribulations, both sending men to him, and ministering to him according to their ability, and leaving out nothing at all. And this ye do not now only, saith he, but always, in every way assisting me. So then it is a "fellowship in furtherance of the Gospel." For when one preacheth, and thou waitest on the preacher, thou sharest his crowns. Since even in the contests that are without, the crown is not only for him that striveth, but for the trainer, and the attendant, and all that help to prepare the athlete. For they that strengthen him, and recover him, may fairly participate in his victory. And in wars too, not only he that wins the prize of valor, but all they too that attend him, may fairly claim a share in the trophies, and partake of the glory, as having shared in his conflict by their attendance on him. For it availeth not a little to wait on saints, but very much. For it makes us sharers in the rewards that are laid up for them.
Thus; suppose some one hath given up great possessions for God, continually devotes himself to God, practices great virtue, and even to words, and even to thoughts, and even in everything observes extreme strictness. It is open to thee too, even without showing such strictness, to have a share in the rewards that are laid up for him for these things. How? If thou aid him both in word and deed. If thou encourage him both by supplying his needs, and by doing him every possible service. For then the smoother of that rugged path will be thyself. So then if ye admire those in the deserts that have adopted the angelic life, those in the churches that practice the same virtues with them; if ye admire, and are grieved that ye are far behind them; ye may, in another way, share with them, by waiting on them, and aiding them. For indeed this too is of God's lovingkindness, to bring those that are less zealous, and are not able to undertake the hard and rugged and strict life, to bring, I say, even those, by another way, into the same rank with the others. And this Paul means by "fellowship." They give a share to us, he means, in carnal things, and we give a share to them in spiritual things. For if God for little and worthless things granteth the kingdom, His servants too, for little and material things, give a share in spiritual things: or rather it is He that giveth both the one and the other by means of them.
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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. 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, 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 and Philippians 4:22. The church in Philippi, a Roman colony, was the first Christian community Paul established in Europe, as recorded in Acts 16. 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 (Philippians 4:15-16). This sustained partnership, which began with the conversion of Lydia and the jailer (see Acts 16:14-34), 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). 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). 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).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
What does "fellowship in the gospel" truly mean in this context?
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?
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). 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.
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 (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). 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 (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). 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). 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). 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).