Philippians 1 (BHT-ATN)

“To: All Those Set Apart to God as a Special Holy Possession in Union with Messiah Jesus in Philippi”

1 From: Paul and Timothy, slaves of Messiah Jesus.

To: All those set apart to God as a special holy possession+ in union with Messiah Jesus in Philippi, especially+ the overseers and deacons.+

2 To all of ᵖyou+ grace, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Messiah.

“I Give Thanks to My God Every Time I Think of You”

3 I give thanks to my God every time I think of you, 4 always, in all my prayers for all of you, presenting my requests with such great joy 5 because of your friendship and support and shared interest+ in relation to the gospel from the time we were first together+ until now, 6 being convinced of this very thing, that the one who began a good work in+ you will see it through to its completion on the Day of Messiah Jesus. 7 I am entirely justified in feeling+ this way about all of you, on account of the deep love that I have for you,+ since all of you are, whether I am in prison or on trial defending and confirming the truth of the gospel, sharers in the same gift that God has also so graciously put to work in me.+ 8 Yes, God is my witness of how deeply I love all of you with the affection of Messiah Jesus.+ 9 And here is what I am constantly praying for: That your love will continue to grow more and more and more, with true knowledge and every kind of moral insight, 10 so that you can discern the things that are of greater value and importance,+ that+ you will be genuine+ and blameless for+ the Day of the Messiah, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus the Messiah+ to the glory and praise of God.

“These Difficulties I Have Experienced Have Resulted, in Fact, in the Advancement of the Gospel”

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that these difficulties I have experienced+ have resulted, in fact, in the advancement of the gospel. 13 Because of what has happened,+ the whole imperial guard and all the others here are very aware that it is for the cause of the Messiah that I am in prison,+ 14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having gained greater confidence in the Lord as a result of my confinement, are daring to declare the message all the more courageously and fearlessly. 15 Although it is true that, in the case of some, envy and rivalry are what drive them to proclaim the news about the Messiah, in the case of others goodwill is the motivation. 16 Whereas the latter are impelled by love, knowing that it is for the purpose of defending the truth of the gospel that I have been placed here, 17 the former proclaim the news about the Messiah how? Out of selfish ambition, not with pure motives, hoping+ to stir up against me, while I am here in prison, even more trouble. 18 But what does it really matter?+ The important thing is that in every way, whether in pretense or from sincere motives, it is the Messiah who is being heralded; and because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 because I know that this will “turn out for my deliverance,+”+ thanks to+ your prayers and the help provided by the Spirit of Jesus the Messiah, 20 in keeping with my earnest and confident expectation,+ namely, that I will not be failed+ in any way, but that with the utmost boldness and courage, as always even now, the Messiah’s greatness will be displayed+ in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For as I see it, to go on living means the Messiah,+ and to die is gain.

22 Now if I am to remain in this weak and mortal body of mine,+ this will mean for me more harvest resulting from more labor. And yet I’m not sure which one it is I would prefer. 23 I’m torn between the two, having the desire to depart this life and be with the Messiah, which would be far better. 24 To remain in this lowly body, however, is more important for your sakes, 25 and of this being convinced, I know that I will remain alive and continue with all of you as your servant in order to help you mature and bring you joy in the faith,+ 26 so that you may have even more reason to praise the work of Messiah Jesus through me+ when I come to see you again.+ 27 Whatever happens,+ live your lives in a manner befitting the very gospel of the Messiah, so that, whether I actually am able to come and see you or not,+ I will receive news that you are standing firm in one spirit, fighting the battle side by side,+ because of your faith in the gospel,+ with one heart and purpose, 28 not allowing yourselves to be intimidated in any way by those who oppose you. Such unity and courage in the face of opposition is to your adversaries a sign that they will be consigned to utter ruin, but that you will be saved,+ and this by God.+ 29 For you have been granted for the sake of the Messiah+ the gracious privilege not only of believing in him, but also of suffering for his sake,++ 30 as evidenced by the fact that you are fighting the same battle that you saw me fight, and now hear that I’m still fighting.

+1:1Lit the saints/holy ones. ME(OTB)/IT (see Timothy Miller, “Paul’s Priestly Mission and Salvation from the Coming Wrath: A Missiological Probe of Romans 15:16 and the Question of Divine Anger through the Worldview of Leviticus” [PhD diss., Columbia International University, 2024]).+1:1Or including, with. In this context, σύν ( sun) is nearly synonymous with καὶ ( kai) (see BDAG, 962, sv 3.a.β.), and, because overseers and deacons are obviously included in the “saints,” most likely means “including” or “especially” in this context (see ESS [Php], 13; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf HCSB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:1Or helpers, or servants. In Paul’s lifetime, the word used here (διάκονος [ diakonos]), though describing some sort of leadership role related to certain responsibilities in the assembly (probably with a focus on financial matters, as an assistant), was most likely not yet used in a specialized or technical sense (see BDAG, 230, sv διάκονος 2; UBSHS [Rm], 290; UBSHS [Php], 7). Cf TEV; NCV at Rm 16:1.+1:2Unless otherwise marked (through superscript—ˢyou), all second person pronouns are in the second person plural.+1:5Lit because of your fellowship, or because of your close association. ME (see BDAG, 552, sv κοινωνία a.; translation and notes at Ga 2:9).+1:5Lit from the first day. ME/IT (see UBSHS [Php], 12).+1:6Or among.+1:7Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 13).+1:7Or because of the love and affection that you have for me. Lit because of the me to have in my heart you, or because of you to have in your heart me. ME (see BDAG, sv καρδία 1.b.ζ.). Cf NEB, REB, TNT.+1:7Lit sharers of my grace. ME (see BDAG, 1080, sv χάρις 4; Ibid, 952, sv συγκοινωνός; ESS [Php], 24; UBSHS [Php], 14). V 6 (“he who began a good work”), indicates that the power of God that is graciously given is primarily in view here. Cf Eph 1:17-20; 1 Th 2:13, 5:23-24; 2 Co 12:9.+1:8Lit how I long for all of you with the entrails of Messiah Jesus. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 938, sv σπλάγχνον 3; L-N, 25.47, 25.49).+1:10Maintaining consistency in translation with Rm 2:18 (see translation and notes there).+1:10Or so that, or and as a result. Purpose, result, or further discourse are all conceivable here, and in fact may be overlapping.+1:10Or pure, or sincere.+1:10Or on, or until.+1:11Cf Jn 15:1-11; Ga 2:17-20.+1:12Lit the things according to me. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 19).+1:13Lit as a result. Drawing from the UBSHS in translation here (see UBSHS [Php], 20).+1:13Lit so that my bonds have become manifest in the Messiah in all the praetorium and to all the rest. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 20-21). Cf HCSB, NCV, NET, NLT, TEV. The mismatch in languages here is obvious.+1:17Cf Phps.+1:18Lit For what? ME (see BDAG, 1007, sv τίς 1.a. β ה.). Cf HCSB, ISV, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:19Or salvation.+1:19Jb 13:16 (LXX)+1:19Cf NAB.+1:20Lit my eager expectation and hope. ME (see BSL, Php 1:20, sv ἐλπίς; NET Bible Notes, Php 1:20; translation and notes at 2 Co 1:7). The phrase here is interpreted as a hendiadys. This is reflected in the translation. Cf NET, NJB.+1:20Or disappointed, or put to shame.+1:20Or the Messiah will be honored, or the Messiah will be exalted. Lit the Messiah will be magnified, or the Messiah will be enlarged. Cf REB. The ESL has “to make conspicuous” as a metaphorical use of μεγαλύνω ( megalunō) (see ESL, #3170). Passages like 2 Cor 4:7-18 and Col 1:24 (see translation and notes there; cf also 2 Co 12:7-10), where Paul’s body (as the “instrument of human experience and suffering”; see BDAG, 983, sv σῶμα 1.b.) is described as the place where the Messiah’s life and sufferings are displayed in context to his ministry and witness, cause me to lean in favor of the interpretation reflected in the text.+1:21Cf 2 Cor 2:14-17, 4:7-18; Col 1:24.+1:22Lit If the to go on living in the flesh. Translated according to “Flesh” C, G (see FBT Chart).+1:25Lit for your progress and joy of/in the faith. ME. Cf translation and note at 1 Th 3:10.+1:26Lit so that your boast/reason to boast may abound in Christ Jesus in me. ME (see translation and notes at 1 Co 1:31 and 2 Co 1:14; UBSHS [Php], 37). Cf JB, NLT. The Greek here is somewhat ambiguous (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Php], 37).+1:26Cf Phps.+1:27Cf NIV, TNT.+1:27Cf TEV.+1:27Or competing in the games side by side.+1:27Or for the faith, that is, the gospel; or for the faith based on the gospel.+1:28Cf translation and notes at 2 Th 1:5.+1:28Cf Rm 2:1-5; 2 Th 1:5.+1:29Or on behalf of the Messiah.+1:29Lit to you has been graciously granted the for the sake of/on behalf of the Messiah, not only to be believing in him, but also to be suffering for his sake/on his behalf. ME (see UBSHS [Php], 43). Cf NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:29Cf Ac 5:41.