Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer (Philippians 1:1-11)
Introduction to Philippians 1:1–11: Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
The opening of Paul’s letter to the Philippians radiates gratitude, joy, and a deep sense of partnership in the Gospel. Writing from prison, Paul doesn’t focus on his own suffering but instead celebrates the faithfulness of the Philippian believers. He acknowledges their shared commitment to advancing the Gospel, highlighting the profound bond they’ve cultivated over time.
This passage is a window into Paul’s pastoral heart. His prayer reflects his confidence in God’s ongoing work in their lives and his hope for their continued growth in Christ. As we explore these verses, we’re reminded of the enduring power of gratitude, the joy of shared faith, and the assurance that God completes what God starts.
Verse-by-Verse Commentary and Breakdown of Philippians 1:1-11
Key Verse: “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NRSV).
Introduction: A Letter Overflowing with Gratitude
Paul’s letter to the Philippians opens with a note of personal warmth and thanksgiving. Unlike his correspondence to other churches, often filled with correction or theological defense, this letter shines with joy and gratitude. Writing from imprisonment, Paul greets his beloved Philippian congregation with the tender affection of a spiritual father.
What’s remarkable is how gratitude colors the entire introduction. In Philippians 1:1–11, Paul focuses not on his chains but on the flourishing partnership he shares with these believers. This passage reveals the heart of a pastor committed to his people and confident in God’s faithful work within them.
Philippians 1:1–2 Grace to you and peace
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul begins with humility, identifying himself and Timothy as servants—bondservants of Christ. His greeting isn’t about authority but shared identity in Jesus. Notice the inclusion of “bishops and deacons,” a unique address highlighting Philippi’s organized church leadership. This suggests the Philippian church had matured since its founding in Acts 16:11–40.
The dual blessing of grace and peace is no cliché. Grace reminds us of God’s unmerited favor, while peace points to the wholeness found in Christ—a peace Paul himself clung to during his imprisonment (Fee, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, p. 79).
Philippians 1:3–5 - I thank my God every time I remember you
“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Paul’s gratitude isn’t generic; it’s grounded in partnership. The word “sharing” (Greek: koinonia) underscores their active participation in the Gospel. The Philippians were not passive recipients of Paul’s ministry but co-laborers through their prayers, financial support, and witness.
This partnership is a model for today’s church. Gospel work isn’t confined to pastors or missionaries—it’s a shared effort of prayer, generosity, and action. Paul’s joy, even in chains, flows from knowing he isn’t alone in the mission (Silva, Philippians, p. 47).
Nothing brings joy to a minister's heart like being part of a ministry where everyone participates in and takes ownership of the gospel ministry among them!
Philippians 1:6 - He Who Began a Good Work in You
“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”
This verse is a theological gem. Paul’s confidence isn’t in the Philippians’ abilities but in God’s faithfulness. The “good work” refers to salvation, sanctification, and the ultimate glorification of believers. God doesn’t abandon us. God initiates and sustains the work of grace within us and brings it to its fullness, which others call perfection, or maturing.
For those struggling to see growth in their faith, this promise is an anchor. Spiritual progress isn’t linear, but it’s guaranteed because it’s God’s work, not ours. Paul’s assurance here is rooted in the trustworthiness of God’s character (Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters, p. 88).
Philippians 1:7–8 - Confirmation of the Gospel
“It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s affection is palpable. His language reflects the depth of their bond: mutual grace, shared trials, and a common mission. He sees their support during his imprisonment as evidence of their unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
The “compassion of Christ Jesus” (v. 8) isn’t mere sentimentality. It’s the self-giving love that mirrors Jesus’ sacrificial nature. For Paul, this isn’t just a feeling—it’s a lived expression of the Gospel (Cohick, Philippians, p. 41).
Where was Paul imprisoned? The most widely accepted view is that Paul wrote Philippians during his imprisonment as described in Acts 28:16-31). In Philippians 1:13 we will see that he says that his imprisonment is "known throughout the whole imperial guard," which suggest the presence of Roman authorities. In Philippians 4:22, Paul mentions "Caesar's household," further supporting Roman imprisonment.
Philippians 1:9–11 - To be Pure and Blameless
“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that on the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.”
Paul’s prayer for overflowing love is profound. This isn’t an indiscriminate or shallow love; it’s one grounded in knowledge and discernment. Love without truth can lead to compromise, while truth without love can become harsh. Paul prays for a balance that results in a “harvest of righteousness”—a life marked by Christlike character and deeds.
When Jesus came, he came with grace and truth. Tilted heavily to grace without the confrontation of the truth leads to license. Truth heavily administered without grace leads to abrasiveness, rigidity, and legalism. Jesus modeled the way for us.
Philippians 1:1–11: Meaning for Today
Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving offer a blueprint for our own spiritual lives. Gratitude and partnership in the Gospel are central to thriving as a Christian community. Like the Philippians, we’re called to share in Gospel work—through prayer, generosity, and encouragement.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us to trust God’s process. We live in an age of instant gratification, but spiritual growth often feels painstakingly slow. This verse assures us that our transformation is in God’s hands, and God will bring it to completion.
Finally, Paul’s prayer challenges us to pursue love that is both discerning and active. As we seek to overflow in Christlike love, we’re reminded that it’s not about perfection but faithfulness. And as God shapes us, the result is not just personal growth but a life that glorifies Him.
Sources
• Fee, Gordon D. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. NICNT, 1995, pp. 79–85. • Silva, Moises. Philippians. BECNT, 2005, pp. 47–50. • Wright, N.T. Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters. SPCK, 2004, pp. 87–90. • Cohick, Lynn. Philippians. Story of God Bible Commentary, 2013, pp. 38–42. • Hughes, Kent. Philippians: The Fellowship of the Gospel. Preaching the Word, 2007, pp. 28–34.