New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
Philippians 1
1
We, Paul and Timothy, are writing this letter. We serve Christ Jesus. We are sending this letter to you, all of God's people in Philippi. You belong to Christ Jesus. We are also sending this letter to your leaders and deacons.
Reference
Holy
2 Corinthians 1:1
Romans 1:7
Acts 20:28
Ephesians 1:1
Parallel theme
1 Timothy 3:8
References Jesus
Romans 1:1
Titus 1:1
1 Timothy 1:2
1 Thessalonians 1:1
2 Thessalonians 1:1
5
I am happy because you have joined me in spreading the good news. You have done so from the first day until now.
Reference
6
I am sure that the One who began a good work in you will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.
Reference
Good
Philippians 2:13
2 Thessalonians 1:11
Parallel theme
Psalm 138:8
Hebrews 10:35
References Christ
Ephesians 4:12
Philippians 1:10
References Jesus
1 Peter 5:10
1 Corinthians 1:8
John 6:29
Hebrews 12:2
7
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you. I love you with all my heart. I may be held by chains, or I may be standing up for the truth of the good news. Either way, all of you share in God's grace together with me.
Reference
8
God can give witness that I long for all of you. I love you with the love that Christ Jesus gives.
Reference
Parallel theme
Philippians 4:1
2 Timothy 1:4
Philemon 1:12
References Christ
Romans 9:1
References God
Romans 1:9
1 Thessalonians 2:8
9
I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding.
Reference
10
Then you will be able to know what is best. You will be pure and without blame until the day Christ returns.
Reference
Parallel theme
Romans 12:2
Romans 2:18
Ephesians 5:10
1 John 4:1
1 Thessalonians 5:21
Ephesians 5:27
References Christ
1 Thessalonians 3:13
1 Thessalonians 5:23
1 Corinthians 1:8
Philippians 1:6
11
You will be filled with the fruit of right living produced by Jesus Christ. All of those things bring glory and praise to God.
Reference
Glory
John 15:8
Ephesians 1:14
1 Corinthians 10:31
Parallel theme
Philippians 4:17
References God
Colossians 1:10
Colossians 1:6
Romans 6:22
Righteousness
Hebrews 12:11
Isaiah 61:11
Ephesians 5:9
12
Brothers and sisters, here is what I want you to know. What has happened to me has really helped to spread the good news.
Reference
13
One thing has become clear. I am being held by chains because of my stand for Christ. All of the palace guards and everyone else know it.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Timothy 2:9
Acts 26:29
Ephesians 6:20
Philippians 1:7
References Christ
Ephesians 3:1
14
Because I am being held by chains, most of the believers in the Lord have become bolder. They now speak God's word more boldly and without fear.
Reference
15
It's true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous. But others preach about Christ to help me in my work.
Reference
Parallel theme
Philippians 2:3
Matthew 23:5
References Christ
2 Corinthians 11:13
2 Corinthians 1:19
2 Corinthians 4:5
16
The last group acts out of love. They know I have been put here to stand up for the good news.
Reference
17
But the others preach about Christ only to get ahead. They are not honest and true. They think they can stir up trouble for me while I am being held by chains.
Reference
18
But what does it matter? Here is the important thing. Whether for reasons that are right or wrong, Christ is being preached about. That makes me very glad. And I will continue to be glad.
Reference
19
I know that you are praying for me. I also know that the Spirit of Jesus Christ will help me. So no matter what happens, I'm sure I will still be saved.
Reference
20
I completely expect and hope that I won't be ashamed in any way. I'm sure I will be brave enough. Now as always Christ will be lifted high through my body. He will be lifted up whether I live or die.
Reference
Hope
Psalm 119:116
Parallel theme
1 Corinthians 6:20
Isaiah 54:4
1 John 2:28
Romans 8:19
Philippians 2:17
Isaiah 50:7
1 Corinthians 7:34
References Christ
1 Peter 4:16
1 Thessalonians 5:23
21
For me, life finds all of its meaning in Christ. Death also has its benefits.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Corinthians 5:8
2 Corinthians 5:1
2 Corinthians 5:6
Revelation 14:13
References Christ
Galatians 2:20
Philippians 1:23
Colossians 3:4
Philippians 1:20
Galatians 6:14
1 Corinthians 1:30
22
Suppose I go on living in my body. Then I will be able to carry on my work. It will bear a lot of fruit. But what should I choose? I don't know.
Reference
23
I can't decide between the two. I long to leave this world and be with Christ. That is better by far.
Reference
24
But it is more important for you that I stay alive.
25
I'm sure of that. So I know I will remain with you. And I will continue with all of you to help you grow and be joyful in what you have been taught.
Reference
26
I'm sure I will be with you again. Then your joy in Christ Jesus will be greater than ever because of me.
Reference
27
No matter what happens, live in a way that brings honor to the good news about Christ. Then I will know that you stand firm with one purpose. I may come and see you or only hear about you. But I will know that you work together as one person. And I will know that you work to spread the teachings of the good news.
Reference
Faith
Jude 1:3
Acts 4:32
Parallel theme
Ephesians 4:1
2 Peter 3:14
Colossians 1:10
Philippians 2:12
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Psalm 133:1
2 Corinthians 13:11
References Christ
1 Corinthians 1:10
28
So don't be afraid in any way of those who oppose you. That will show them that they will be destroyed and that you will be saved. That's what God will do.
Reference
Parallel theme
Matthew 10:28
Isaiah 51:7
Hebrews 13:6
Revelation 2:10
Isaiah 51:12
References God
Romans 8:17
1 Thessalonians 2:2
Salvation
Isaiah 12:2
Genesis 49:18
Luke 3:6
29
Here is what he has given you to do for Christ. You must not only believe in him. You must also suffer for him.
Reference
Faith
Acts 14:22
Ephesians 2:8
Colossians 2:12
Parallel theme
James 1:2
Acts 5:41
Romans 5:3
References Christ
1 Peter 4:13
Chapter Summary
Philippians 1 presents Paul's joyful confidence during imprisonment, his deep gratitude for the Philippian believers and their partnership in the gospel, his conviction that God will complete the work He has begun in them, and his determination to honor Christ whether through continued life and ministry or through death, while encouraging the church to remain united, courageous, and faithful even when facing opposition and suffering.
Paul begins with thanksgiving for the Philippians, remembering their partnership in the gospel with genuine joy and expressing confidence that the God who began His good work in them will continue transforming them until the day of Christ.
His prayer for them centers on growing love guided by knowledge and discernment, so that they can recognize what is truly excellent, live with sincerity and righteousness, and produce spiritual fruit that brings glory to God rather than merely seeking personal recognition.
Paul then explains that his imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel because his circumstances have made Christ known among people connected with his imprisonment and have encouraged other Christians to proclaim the message with greater courage.
Although some people preach Christ from sincere love while others act from rivalry or selfish ambition, Paul chooses to rejoice because Christ is being proclaimed, demonstrating that the advancement of the gospel matters more to him than personal competition, reputation, or recognition.
The chapter reaches its strongest personal expression when Paul declares that to live is Christ and to die is gain, because continued life would allow him to produce fruitful ministry while death would bring him into the presence of Christ.
Although Paul personally longs to be with Christ, he recognizes that remaining alive would benefit the Philippians by allowing him to continue helping them grow in faith, revealing that his own desires are willingly placed beneath the spiritual needs of the people he serves.
Paul therefore expects to continue serving them and encourages them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel whether he is physically present with them or separated from them.
He especially emphasizes unity, courage, perseverance, and freedom from fear, because Christian faithfulness may involve opposition and suffering.
Paul concludes by explaining that believers have received not only the privilege of believing in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him, showing that hardship does not necessarily indicate God's absence but can become part of faithful participation in the gospel.
The central message of Philippians 1 is that Christian joy and faithfulness do not depend upon comfortable circumstances, because God can advance the gospel through imprisonment and suffering, believers can place Christ above personal success or survival, and the church is called to remain united, courageous, loving, spiritually discerning, and faithful whether circumstances bring continued service or ultimately bring believers into Christ's presence.
Paul begins with thanksgiving for the Philippians, remembering their partnership in the gospel with genuine joy and expressing confidence that the God who began His good work in them will continue transforming them until the day of Christ.
His prayer for them centers on growing love guided by knowledge and discernment, so that they can recognize what is truly excellent, live with sincerity and righteousness, and produce spiritual fruit that brings glory to God rather than merely seeking personal recognition.
Paul then explains that his imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel because his circumstances have made Christ known among people connected with his imprisonment and have encouraged other Christians to proclaim the message with greater courage.
Although some people preach Christ from sincere love while others act from rivalry or selfish ambition, Paul chooses to rejoice because Christ is being proclaimed, demonstrating that the advancement of the gospel matters more to him than personal competition, reputation, or recognition.
The chapter reaches its strongest personal expression when Paul declares that to live is Christ and to die is gain, because continued life would allow him to produce fruitful ministry while death would bring him into the presence of Christ.
Although Paul personally longs to be with Christ, he recognizes that remaining alive would benefit the Philippians by allowing him to continue helping them grow in faith, revealing that his own desires are willingly placed beneath the spiritual needs of the people he serves.
Paul therefore expects to continue serving them and encourages them to live in a manner worthy of the gospel whether he is physically present with them or separated from them.
He especially emphasizes unity, courage, perseverance, and freedom from fear, because Christian faithfulness may involve opposition and suffering.
Paul concludes by explaining that believers have received not only the privilege of believing in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him, showing that hardship does not necessarily indicate God's absence but can become part of faithful participation in the gospel.
The central message of Philippians 1 is that Christian joy and faithfulness do not depend upon comfortable circumstances, because God can advance the gospel through imprisonment and suffering, believers can place Christ above personal success or survival, and the church is called to remain united, courageous, loving, spiritually discerning, and faithful whether circumstances bring continued service or ultimately bring believers into Christ's presence.