Phil. 1:3-11 is the Thanksgiving part of the letter to the Philippians, a feature that is normal in the letters of Paul. In the present letter, the Thanksgiving takes on a peculiar characteristic because of the community which is referred to in it. The community of Philippi is specially dear to Paul as can be seen in the whole letter. He calls them companions in the gospel and sharers in grace, and he longs for them with the affection of Christ. This is a community who has been helping Paul materially and has even sent donations to him while he was in prison (4:16).
Outline
Phil. 1:3-11 can be divided into two parts: vv. 3-8 is the thanksgiving proper and vv. 9-11 is the concluding prayer of intercession. Paul gives thanks for the continued support the Philippians have been giving (3-5) expressing confidence that they are not ningas-kugon type 1, but that they will continue with their good work until the coming of the Lord (6). Paul also expresses his affection for them who have been united with him even in suffering (7-8). Finally, he prays that the Philippians be empowered with gifts of discernment and wisdom (9) in order that they can make the right moral decisions and judgments for their daily life so that preserved in righteousness they can stand before the Lord when he comes (10-11).
Explanatory Notes
I give thanks ... praying always ... with joy. The thanksgiving normally appears in the letters of Paul to his communities. The only time Paul omits this is in his letter to the Galatians, a letter decidedly confrontational and polemical. In the present letter, the thanksgiving reveals the kind of relationship Paul has with the Philippian community which is a source of joy of for him. Joy is a theme in this letter. Paul prays for them with joy (1:4) and calls them partakers of his joy (1:7), describing them as having the "joy of faith" (1:25), Paul's "joy and crown" at the coming of the Lord (4:1). Paul admonishes them to perfect his joy by being united in charity (2:2). The Philippians are to welcome Epaphroditus with joy (2:28.29) whom Paul sends back to them. This "joy" of which Paul speaks is the joy of the Day of Christ Jesus experienced as imminent and near (4:4).
... because of your partnership. Paul calls the Philippians his partners in the Gospel (5) and partners in grace (7). In 4:10-20, Paul recalls how the Philippians have been the only community who has been consistently helping him in his needs and in the ministry. They even sent Paul one of their own -- Epaphroditus -- to accompany him in prison. Because of this, Paul is especially thankful to them who have shared in the sufferings he has undergone because of the Gospel. They are partners in "grace" because of their conversion to the faith and their support for Paul, and also because they themselves are suffering for Christ (1:29)
.. until the Day of Christ Jesus. In Paul, the Old Testament "Day of the Lord" has become "Day of Jesus Christ". He mentions it here three times with variations: Day of Christ Jesus (v. 6) and Day of Christ (1:10; 2:16). Paul is confident that the one who started the good work in the Philippians -- God Himself (2:13) -- will sustain them in it until the Day of Christ when all work will be revealed for what they are (see 1 Cor. 3:13). It is Paul's prayer that the Philippians be filled with the wisdom that will help them work out their salvation "in fear and trembling" (2:12) so that they can remain pure and blameless until that Day (1:10).
... filled with fruits of righteousness... The Greek word dikaiosune is rendered as "righteousness" and "justification" in our English translations. The Christian saved by the blood of Christ is justified, that is, made and declared righteous (= free of the guilt of sin). The "fruits" of righteousness are what Paul calls "fruits of your justice" in 2 Cor. 9:10 (cf. Heb. 12:11) and "fruits of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:10. In the Gospels, these are symbolized by the talents that are invested and have produced profits (see Matt 25:20 and Luke 19:15 in context). The prayer of Paul complements his confidence that God will continue the good work started in the Philippians.
Additional Pages
Below are other pages about the Letter to the Philippians from Your Daily Inspiration
- Paul Welcomed in Philippi (Acts 16:11-15)
- A Letter to Friends (Philippians 1:1-11)
- Humility (Philippians 2:5-11)
- Fear and Trembling (Philippians 2:12-18)
- Loss and Gain (Philippians 3:3-8)
- Their Glory is their Shame (Philippians 3:17-21;4:1)
- Of Gifts and the Gospel (Philippians 4:10-19)
- 1. The expression refers to the way cogon burns: it starts large and then quickly fizzles out. The expression is used of those who start well on a resolution but soon forget their resolve or are easily discouraged and discontinue soon afterwards.
