Philippians 1:27

The first part of this verse gives the main command in the section (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 4:9) and the reason for it.

The phrase "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy" is just one word in the Greek text (politeuesthe). It means literally "to live as a citizen." This word was especially appropriate to use in a letter to people who took great pride in their Roman citizenship (cf. Acts 16:12; Acts 16:20-21). The Philippian Christians, however, were also citizens of a more important kingdom, a heavenly one. As such they needed to stand firm in one spirit. Philippi was a colony of Rome in Macedonia, and the church was a colony of heaven in Philippi.

"It [the Gr. word stekete, translated "stand firm"] conveys the idea of firmness or steadfastness, or unflinching courage like that possessed by soldiers who determinedly refuse to leave their posts irrespective of how severely the battle rages (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 5:1; Philippians 4:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; cf. Also Ephesians 6:13-17 . . .)." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 56.]

The following explanatory phrase "with one mind" (lit. with one soul, Gr. psyche) points to Christian unity being in Paul’s mind as well as their unity in the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 4:32).

Unity in the church is necessary so believers can work together effectively as a team carrying out the will of God. "Striving together" is an athletic metaphor. Specifically, the church’s task is to proclaim and promote the Christian faith embodied in the gospel message.

Paul identified two essential qualities in this verse, unity and steadfastness (cf. Philippians 1:5-6). He then proceeded to develop them more fully in the verses that follow.

"A ’worthy walk,’ then, means specifically the achievement of true Christian unity among themselves, and steadfastness against enemies of the gospel." [Note: Swift, p. 243.]