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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
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"Being confident of this very thing, that He which began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ."
See how he also teaches them to be unassuming. For since he had witnessed a great thing of them, that they may not feel as men are apt to do, he presently teaches them to refer both the past and the future to Christ. How? By saying, not, "Being confident that as ye began ye will also finish," but what? "He which began a good work in you will perfect it." He did not rob them of the achievement, (for he said, "I rejoice for your fellowship," clearly as if making it their act,) nor did he call their good deeds solely their own, but primarily of God. "For I am confident," saith he, "that He which began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ." That is, God will. And it is not about yourselves, he implies, but about those descending from you that I feel thus. And indeed it is no small praise, that God should work in one. For if He is "no respecter of persons," as indeed He is none, but is looking to our purpose when He aids us in good deeds, it is evident that we are agents in drawing Him to us; so that even in this view he did not rob them of their praise. Since if His working were indiscriminate, there would have been nothing to hinder but that even Heathens and all men might have Him working in them, that is, if He moved us like logs and stones, and required not our part. So that in saying "God will perfect it," this also again is made their praise, who have drawn to them the grace of God, so that He aids them in going beyond human nature. And in another way also a praise, as that "such are your good deeds that they cannot be of man, but require the divine impulse." But if God will perfect, then neither shall there be much labor, but it is right to be of good courage, for that they shall easily accomplish all, as being assisted by Him.
God can work in our acts without our help. But when we will the deed, he cooperates with us.
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Summary
Philippians 1:6 is a foundational declaration of divine faithfulness, assuring believers that the "good work" God initiates within them—encompassing their salvation, spiritual growth, and sanctification—will be brought to completion by Him. This profound confidence is rooted not in human effort or merit, but in God's unwavering commitment and power, guaranteeing His transformative work will persist and culminate in the glorious "day of Jesus Christ."
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows Paul's expression of gratitude and joy for the Philippian believers' partnership in the gospel from the very first day until the present moment (Philippians 1:5). It serves as the theological bedrock for his thanksgiving, explaining why he is so confident in their continued spiritual vitality and ultimate salvation. Placed at the outset of the letter, it establishes a dominant theme of assurance and divine perseverance that undergirds Paul's subsequent exhortations and expressions of affection, even as he writes from imprisonment. This initial statement sets a tone of unshakeable hope, contrasting sharply with any potential anxieties the Philippians might have had about Paul's circumstances or their own spiritual journey.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome (though Caesarea or Ephesus are also possibilities), around AD 60-62. The Philippian church was the first Christian community established in Europe, founded during Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40). It was a predominantly Gentile church, known for its deep affection for Paul and its generous financial support of his ministry (Philippians 4:15-16). The concept of "work" (ἔργον) in the Greco-Roman world often carried connotations of human effort or achievement. However, Paul consistently reorients this understanding within a theological framework, emphasizing God's initiative and power in salvation, contrasting with the Jewish emphasis on works of the Law. The "day of Jesus Christ" points to a widely held eschatological expectation in early Christianity, referring to the Lord's return and the final consummation of God's redemptive plan.
Key Themes
Philippians 1:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the letter and Pauline theology. It powerfully articulates the Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God, emphasizing that salvation and sanctification are fundamentally God's work, not merely human striving. This undergirds the theme of Christian Assurance, providing a solid foundation for believers' confidence in their salvation and ultimate glorification. The "good work" begun by God encompasses the entire process of Sanctification and Spiritual Growth, which is portrayed as an ongoing, divinely sustained process. Finally, the phrase "until the day of Jesus Christ" highlights the Eschatological Hope that permeates the New Testament, reminding believers that God's redemptive purposes are moving towards a definite and glorious culmination, echoing themes found in passages like 1 Corinthians 1:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies being convinced by argument or evidence, leading to an inward certainty or reliance. In this context, Paul's confidence is not a mere wishful hope but a settled conviction based on the character and power of God. It implies a deep trust and assurance that God will indeed fulfill His promises.
Derived from "in" (en) and "to begin" (archomai), this verb literally means "to commence on." It strongly emphasizes God's initiative; He is the one who starts the "good work" in the believer. This initial act is not tentative or incomplete but marks the definitive commencement of a divine process.
This word is a compound of "upon" (epi) and "to complete" (teleō), meaning "to fulfill further or completely," "to execute," or "to terminate." It conveys the idea of bringing something to its intended end, perfecting it, or accomplishing it thoroughly. This term assures the believer that God will not abandon the work He started but will actively bring it to its full, glorious conclusion.
Verse Breakdown
"Being confident of this very thing,"
Paul expresses a profound, settled assurance. His confidence is not in himself or the Philippians, but in an objective truth about God's character and action. The "very thing" refers to the subsequent declaration about God's faithfulness.
"that he which hath begun a good work in you"
This clause identifies the divine agent ("he," referring to God) and the nature of His action. The "good work" is not merely external acts of piety but the internal, transformative process of salvation, regeneration, and sanctification that God initiates within believers. The phrase "in you" emphasizes that this work is deeply personal and internal, affecting the very being of the believer.
"will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:"
This is the core promise. God, who began the work, is also the one who will bring it to completion. The phrase "until the day of Jesus Christ" sets the ultimate horizon for this divine work, pointing to the eschatological return of Christ when believers will be fully conformed to His image and salvation will be fully realized in glorification. This completion is guaranteed, not conditional on human perfect performance.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The overarching tone is one of Assurance and Certainty, conveyed through Paul's confident declaration. The phrase "a good work in you" functions as a Metaphor for the comprehensive process of salvation, regeneration, and sanctification that God initiates and sustains within the believer's life. It is not a literal "work" in the sense of a physical task, but a spiritual transformation. The structure of the verse itself, moving from the initiation ("hath begun") to the completion ("will perform"), demonstrates a clear Linear Progression, emphasizing God's continuous and purposeful action. Finally, "the day of Jesus Christ" is a significant piece of Eschatological Language, pointing to the future consummation of God's redemptive plan, serving as both a temporal marker and a theological climax for the divine work.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Philippians 1:6 stands as a cornerstone of the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, emphasizing that salvation is entirely God's work from initiation to completion. It underscores divine monergism in the ultimate security of the believer, though it does not negate human responsibility in the process of sanctification. This verse assures believers that their spiritual journey is not dependent on their fluctuating strength or faithfulness, but on the unwavering power and commitment of God Himself. It speaks to God's character as faithful and true, completing what He starts, and points to the ultimate hope of glorification at Christ's return.
Reflection and Application
Philippians 1:6 offers profound comfort and liberation for the Christian. In a world that often measures worth by achievement and completion, this verse reminds us that our ultimate spiritual security rests not on our ability to finish what we start, but on God's perfect faithfulness to complete what He has begun in us. This truth frees us from the anxiety of self-perfection and the despair of spiritual failure, shifting our gaze from our own inconsistent efforts to God's unwavering power. It encourages us to press on in our walk, knowing that even when we stumble, God remains committed to our transformation. This confidence fuels perseverance, humility, and worship, as we recognize that our growth and ultimate glorification are secured by His grace alone. It calls us to live with joyful anticipation, knowing that the "day of Jesus Christ" will reveal the full beauty of His completed work in us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "a good work in you" specifically refer to in this verse?
While "a good work" (Greek: érgon agathón) can broadly refer to acts of righteousness or ministry, in the context of Philippians 1:6, it primarily signifies the spiritual transformation God initiates and sustains within a believer. This "good work" encompasses the entire process of salvation, beginning with regeneration (being made new in Christ), continuing through sanctification (the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ), and culminating in glorification (our ultimate perfection at Christ's return). It is God's work of making us holy and conforming us to the image of His Son, as described in passages like Romans 8:29 and 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Does this verse mean that believers have no responsibility in their spiritual growth?
Absolutely not. While Philippians 1:6 strongly emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and faithfulness in completing His work, it does not negate the believer's active participation. Paul frequently exhorts believers to "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), immediately followed by the assurance that "it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13). This highlights a divine-human synergy: God provides the power and the will, enabling believers to respond in obedience and pursue holiness. Our responsibility is to yield to His work, cooperate with His Spirit, and actively engage in the means of grace, confident that He who began the work will bring it to completion.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Philippians 1:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "good work" that God begins and promises to complete in believers is fundamentally Christ's work. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross that salvation is initiated (Ephesians 2:8-9), and it is by His indwelling Spirit that sanctification is progressively realized (Galatians 2:20). Jesus is not only the "author" but also the "finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), meaning He both originates and perfects our spiritual journey. The "day of Jesus Christ" is the glorious culmination when believers will be fully conformed to His image, resurrected in glorified bodies, and presented blameless before God through Him (1 John 3:2). Thus, the entire process, from the initial call to final glorification, is secured and accomplished by Christ, making Him the central figure in God's faithful promise.