REJOICE IN GROWTH AND SEEK INCREASE

Philippians 1:1-11 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

1 Paul and Timothy, servants[1] pledged to Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones[2] in Christ Jesus that are in Philippi, with the overseers[3] and servants:[4] ² Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

[1] Or slaves (Gk., doulos)
[2] Holy Ones, Saints: (Heb. qā·ḏôš; Gr. hagios) Persons who are dedicated to God physically, mentally, spiritually, and morally. These ones are God’s people, who are accredited a righteous standing before God based on the ransom sacrifice of Christ (Matt. 20:28), who are declared holy, pure, and clean in God’s eyes.–Mark 6:20; 1 Cor. 6:2; Php 1:1; 4:22; Rev 18:20; Rev 22:21.
[3] Gr episkopos, lit an overseer (epi, “over,” skopos, “to look over” or “to watch over”
[4] Or ministers, deacons; (Gr, diakonois)

Thanks to God; Paul’s Prayer

³ I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, ⁵ for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. ⁷ It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. ⁸ For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. ⁹ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in accurate knowledge[5] and all discernment;[6] ¹⁰ so that you may approve[7] what is excellent, and so be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

[5] Epignosis is a strengthened or intensified form of gnosis (epi, meaning “additional”), meaning, “true,” “real,” “full,” “complete” or “accurate,” depending upon the context. Paul and Peter alone use epignosis.
[6] Or insight, experience (Gr, aisthesei)
[7] Or discover; or differing

It is exceedingly difficult to compress this Epistle, which is the tenderest and most personal of them all. Every word merits consideration; every paragraph is full of linked sweetness, long drawn out. In the opening verses we are taught that we may further the gospel, not only by direct efforts, but by helping those who, like the Apostle, are devoted to its spread. From the early beginnings of their friendship, this Church had never faltered in its loving gifts, which Paul sought to repay with prayers on their behalf. He regarded them as fellow soldiers fighting the same enemy, on the same field, and sharing in the same grace.

The Apostle’s confidence that whatever God begins will have its perfect end, Php 1:6, is very reassuring. This is what we need, though we must not take it for granted apart from faith and prayer. Each of the Epistles has its “collect,” its comprehensive prayer offered in the name of Christ. This one is especially beautiful. Abounding love will lead to increased knowledge; and this to quicker discrimination between things that differ, however similar they may appear; and this, in turn, to freedom from blame and offense. And all will result in the fruit of a holy life, pleasing to Jesus and bringing glory and praise to God.