Question 1

Who are the “saints,” “bishops,” and “deacons” Paul greets at Philippi?

Accepted Answer

When Paul writes to “all the saints in Christ Jesus” at Philippi, he is talking about all believers there, not a special class. “Saints” are people set apart for God because they are in Christ, made holy by His grace, not by their own efforts. He also greets the “bishops” and “deacons.” The word “bishops” here refers to the pastors or elders who care for the church spiritually. “Deacons” are those who serve, especially in practical and material needs. Together they show an organized church where all belong to Christ.

Question 2

What does “he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it” mean?

Accepted Answer

This line means that God Himself started His work of grace in the Philippian believers, and He will not abandon it halfway. The “good work” is God changing their hearts, giving them faith, and growing them in holiness. Paul is sure that God will keep shaping them until “the day of Jesus Christ,” when Christ returns. So their hope does not rest on their own strength, but on God’s faithfulness to finish what He began. It is meant to comfort and steady them, especially in hard times.

Question 3

Why does Paul rejoice even though he is in prison and some preach Christ from envy?

Accepted Answer

Paul explains that his chains have actually helped the message about Christ spread, even into the palace. Other believers have become bolder because they see his example. Some people preach Christ out of love, but others from envy and rivalry, hoping to make his situation harder. Yet Paul still rejoices because Christ is being preached. His main concern is not his own comfort or reputation, but that Jesus is made known. This shows a heart that puts Christ’s honor above personal feelings, even in unfair situations.

Question 4

What does Paul mean by “to live is Christ, and to die is gain”?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says “to live is Christ,” he means that his whole life is centered on Christ: serving Him, speaking about Him, and helping others grow in faith. Living on in his body means more work and fruit for Christ. “To die is gain” means that death will bring him into Christ’s presence in a closer way, which he calls “far better.” He feels torn: he desires to be with Christ, yet sees that staying alive is more helpful for the believers. This shows how deeply he treasures Christ above everything.

Question 5

Why does Paul say it is given not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him?

Accepted Answer

Paul tells the Philippians that both believing in Christ and suffering for His sake are given to them. Faith is a gift from God, not something we create on our own. In the same way, when they suffer because they belong to Christ, this too is something God allows and uses. It is not a sign that God forgot them, but a mark of sharing in Christ’s path and in Paul’s own struggle. This teaching helps them see persecution as part of God’s plan to strengthen them, not as a reason to give up.

Question 6

How does Paul pray for the Philippians’ love, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Paul prays that their love would “abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.” He does not just want warm feelings, but a love shaped by knowing God and having good sense. This kind of love helps them “approve things that are excellent,” choosing what really pleases God. The goal is that they be sincere and without stumbling until the day of Christ, filled with “fruits of righteousness” that come through Jesus. So his prayer is that their inner life and outward actions both grow to honor God.

Question 7

What does it mean to live “as it becometh the gospel of Christ”?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says, “let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ,” he is telling the Philippians to live in a way that fits the message they believe. Their conduct should match the good news about Jesus. He wants to hear that they stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not being frightened by opponents. A life worthy of the gospel is marked by unity, courage, and steady faith, whether Paul can visit them or not.

Question 8

Why does Paul connect unity and courage in the face of adversaries?

Accepted Answer

Paul urges the Philippians to stand fast “in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” and not to be terrified by their adversaries. Unity helps them hold firm when pressure comes. When they are joined in heart and purpose, they can face threats and insults without being shaken. Their calm courage shows their enemies that fighting against Christ’s people leads to ruin, while their own steadfastness points to salvation from God. So unity and courage go together as a clear witness to whom they belong.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s role and our role in the Christian life?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows both God’s work and our response. God begins the good work in believers and promises to complete it. The fruits of righteousness come “by Jesus Christ,” not from our own strength. At the same time, believers are called to abound in love, grow in knowledge, approve what is excellent, live in a way that fits the gospel, stand firm together, and not be frightened by opponents. God’s grace is the source, and our changed lives are the result, bringing glory and praise to God.

Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Greetings from Paul and Timothy

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel

To Live Is Christ

Worthy of the Gospel

Greetings from Paul and Timothy

Cross References

Philippians 1:1

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

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Greetings from Paul and Timothy

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul’s Trials Advance the Gospel

To Live Is Christ

Worthy of the Gospel

Greetings from Paul and Timothy

Cross References