1:5 1:5

Philippians 1:6

1:7 1:7

Bible Versions

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:
Being confident {G3982} of this {G5124} very thing {G846}, that {G3754} he which hath begun {G1728} a good {G18} work {G2041} in {G1722} you {G5213} will perform {G2005} it until {G891} the day {G2250} of Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}:
And I am sure of this: that the One who began a good work among you will keep it growing until it is completed on the Day of the Messiah Yeshua.
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Philippians 1:6 (KJV): "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:"

Commentary on Philippians 1:6

This beloved verse from Paul's letter to the Philippian church offers a powerful statement of assurance regarding God's ongoing work in believers.

Context

Paul is writing from prison, yet his tone is overwhelmingly joyful and encouraging. He begins the letter by expressing gratitude for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:5). Verse 6 follows directly from this, setting a tone of confidence in God's faithfulness towards them. The Philippian church was a strong and supportive community, and Paul's words here reinforce their hope and stability, grounding it not in their own efforts but in God's power.

Key Themes

  • God's Initiative: The verse emphasizes that it is God ("he which hath begun") who starts the "good work" in a believer. This work is understood as the process of salvation, regeneration, and sanctification.
  • God's Faithfulness and Perseverance: The core message is the assurance that God will "perform it" – He will complete the work He started. This speaks to His unwavering commitment and power to bring about the full transformation of a believer.
  • Assurance of Salvation and Growth: For the believer, this verse provides profound assurance. It implies that the work of salvation and growth is not dependent on human strength alone, but on God's power to sustain and complete it.
  • The Day of Jesus Christ: This refers to the future return of Christ, often associated with the final judgment, the resurrection, and the full realization of salvation. God's work is guaranteed to continue until this ultimate culmination.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hath begun a good work" uses the Greek verb enarxomai (ἐνάρχομαι), meaning to begin or commence. "Good work" translates ergon agathon (ἔργον ἀγαθόν), which can refer to acts of piety and charity, but in this context, given who begins it and the duration, it primarily signifies the work of grace and transformation within the believer's life initiated by God.

The word "perform" comes from the Greek epiteleo (ἐπιτελέω), meaning to complete, finish, bring to fruition, or perfect. It strongly suggests God's active role in bringing the initial work to its intended conclusion.

"The day of Jesus Christ" (ἡμέρας Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ) is a common New Testament phrase referring to the eschatological day of the Lord, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

Reflection

Philippians 1:6 is a powerful source of encouragement for Christians. It shifts the focus from our often inconsistent efforts to God's constant and reliable power. We can have confidence in God's faithfulness. The "good work" God begins in us at salvation is not left unfinished; He is committed to bringing it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. This doesn't negate our responsibility in the Christian walk, but it assures us that our perseverance is ultimately enabled and secured by God's own work and power within us, culminating in our full redemption at the day of Christ's return.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:23

    ¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:24

    Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].

  • Philippians 2:13

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

  • Ephesians 4:12

    For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

  • Hebrews 13:20

    Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

  • Hebrews 13:21

    Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 1 Peter 5:10

    ¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].
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