Philippians 1:7

Philippians 1:7-8 express the basis of Paul’s confidence that he just expressed (Philippians 1:6). They also develop the theme of partnership in the gospel.

How did Paul feel about the Philippians? He felt joyful (Philippians 1:4; cf. Philippians 1:9-11; cf. Philippians 1:25; cf. Philippians 1:27-28; Philippians 2:2; Philippians 2:12-18; Philippians 3:16-17; Philippians 4:17). The reason he said it was right for him to feel that way was the partnership in the gospel that they shared with him. The figurative use of "heart" (Gr. kardia) refers to the whole personality: intellect, emotions, and will, not just sentiment. [Note: Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, s.v. "kardia," by Friedrich Baumgartel and Johannes Behm, 3 (1965):605-14.] The Philippians were in Paul’s prayers (Philippians 1:3-4) and on his mind (not on his nerves). This is the proof that they were on his heart. Here is the first use of a key word in Philippians (Gr. phroneo) translated "to feel." The word means to hold a mind-set that expresses itself in proper action. Paul developed this concept later (cf. Philippians 2:1-5; Philippians 3:15; Philippians 3:19; Philippians 4:2; Philippians 4:10). The same "mind" is necessary if partners are to progress toward perfection (Philippians 1:6).

"The pastor who, like Paul, holds his people in his heart will find them holding him in their hearts." [Note: A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, 4:436.]

Even though many miles separated the writer and the original readers, Paul viewed their relationship as intimate since they shared salvation and their calling to spread the gospel. Not only were they bound together in the gospel (Philippians 1:5) but, more specifically, they were one in imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. The Philippians had not only been in prison with Paul in spirit, but they had been willing to associate with and minister to him in prison through Epaphroditus.

Defending and confirming the gospel are positive and negative aspects of proclaiming it. However, Paul may have meant more than that since these terms have legal connotations. A defense (Gr. apologia) elsewhere sometimes refers to a legal defense (e.g., Acts 22:1; Acts 25:16: 2 Timothy 4:16). Moreover confirming (Gr. bebaiosis) meant to guarantee security (e.g., Hebrews 6:16). Paul may have had his upcoming trial in mind. That occasion would be one more opportunity to herald the gospel. It was that great task that united Paul and the Philippians in such close bonds of fellowship.

"Partakers . . . with me" (NASB) and "you share . . . with me" (NIV) are translations of a Greek word (sugkoinonous) that means fellow partners. Paul and the Philippians partook together of the enabling grace that God provides for those who confirm and defend the gospel (cf. Philippians 1:29-30; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:4). Here Paul introduced the idea of suffering in the work of proclaiming the gospel, which he developed later.

"While suffering is not the dominant motif in Philippians, it constitutes the church’s primary historical context in Philippi and thus underlies much of the letter. . . .

"Second, opposition and suffering probably lie behind a further-seldom noted-major motif in the letter: Paul’s repeated emphasis on the believer’s sure future with its eschatological triumph." [Note: Fee, p. 30.]