Philippians 1:1-11
Chapter 1
Greeting
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:May grace and peace be with you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving
I thank my God every time I remember you,
and I pray for you with joy.
I cannot forget all you shared with me in serving the gospel, from the first day until now.
Since God began such a good work in you, I am confident that he will complete it on the day of Christ Jesus.
This is my hope for you, for I carry you all in my heart: whether I am in prison, or defending and confirming the gospel, you are with me and share in the same grace.
God knows that I love you dearly, with the love of Christ Jesus,
and in my prayers, I ask that your love may guide you each day toward a deeper knowledge and clearer discernment,
so that you may have sound criteria for everything. This way, you may be pure of heart and blameless when Christ comes,
filled with the fruit of holiness that comes through Christ Jesus, for the glory and praise of God.
Commentaries
Greeting.
The sender of the letter is simply identified as “Paul,” without the title “apostle,” indicating that the Philippians accepted his role without doubt. He introduces himself alongside Timothy, one of his closest colleagues, as “servants of Christ Jesus” (1), a title that identifies them as Gospel missionaries. He refers to his recipients as “saints” or “consecrated ones,” as usual, referencing their belonging to Christ Jesus. Among these recipients are the community’s leaders.
Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is closely connected with supplication in a warm and friendly tone—emotions of joy, love, trust, and longing shape Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. The letter is very personal and highlights an important human aspect of Paul’s work: the friendship that linked him to those he preached to, following Jesus’ example: “I have called you friends” (Jn 15:15). The entire letter is a celebration of joy. His joy comes from the fact that the Philippians have not only embraced the Gospel but have also partnered with Paul in spreading it “from the first day until now” (5).