Philippians 1:3-6 Application

Philippians 1:3-6 is Paul’s opening thanksgiving to the church at Philippi. In these verses he tells them that he thanks God for them every time he thinks of them, and that he is confident God will finish the good work he has started in their lives.

The passage comes at the very beginning of the letter, right after Paul’s greeting. He is writing from prison, probably in the mid-50s to early 60s AD, and his words are warm, personal and full of hope even though his circumstances are hard.

3 I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, 5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; 6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:3-6 (WEB)

Philippians 1:3-6 Summary

Paul begins by saying that whenever he remembers the believers in Philippi, he gives thanks to God. He does not pray for them in a dull or routine way. He prays with joy, and the joy comes from what he has seen them do, which is to take part with him in spreading the Good News from the first day they heard it until the present moment.

Then he explains why he is so sure about them. The reason is not their perfection or their own strength. It is his confidence that God, who started a good work in them, will bring it to completion on the day Jesus Christ returns. The passage moves from gratitude, to joy in prayer, to a steady trust in what God is doing.

Context of Philippians 1:3-6

Philippians was written by Paul, who identifies himself at the start along with Timothy. It was addressed to the saints in Philippi, a Roman colony in northern Greece, along with their overseers and servants. Paul had founded this church during his earlier visit recorded in Acts 16, and the relationship between him and them is close and affectionate.

Verses 1 and 2 introduce the letter with greeting and grace. Verses 3 to 6 flow directly from that greeting, as Paul moves into thanksgiving. Verses 7 to 9 continue the thought by explaining that the Philippians share with him in God’s grace, even while he is in chains, and that he prays their love will keep growing in wisdom and discernment.

Philippians 1:3-6 Verse by Verse

Romans 8:28

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

(WEB)

Paul writes here that God works all things together for good for those who love him. This reflects the same confidence he shows in Philippians, that God is actively guiding the lives of his people toward a good end.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.

(WEB)

Paul again gives thanks for fellow believers, remembering their work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope. It shows the same pattern of gratitude and prayer that marks his letter to Philippi.

A Prayer Based on Philippians 1:3-6

Lord, thank you for the people you have placed in my life, and for the faith you have started in me. When I remember them, help me to give thanks instead of only noticing what is missing. Fill my prayers with joy as I bring their names before you, and let me share in the Good News with them from the first day until now. When I feel slow or unfinished, remind me that you are faithful to complete the good work you have begun in me. Keep me confident in you until the day of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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