Philippians 1 25

Philippians 1:25 kjv

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Philippians 1:25 nkjv

And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,

Philippians 1:25 niv

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Philippians 1:25 esv

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

Philippians 1:25 nlt

Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 25 Meaning

Philippians 1:25 conveys Paul's deep conviction, derived from divine revelation and an understanding of God's will, that he will survive his present imprisonment. He believes his life is being preserved by God's providence to continue his ministry, specifically to help the Philippian believers in their spiritual advancement and to increase their joy that comes from faith in Christ. This verse highlights his unwavering commitment to the Church's edification over his personal desire for immediate release to Christ through death.

Philippians 1 25 Context

Philippians chapter 1 sets the tone of Paul's letter from prison in Rome. It begins with thanksgiving and prayer for the Philippians (vv. 1-11), transitions to his personal circumstances, declaring that his imprisonment has actually advanced the gospel (vv. 12-18). He then expresses his inner conflict between a desire to depart and be with Christ (v. 23) and the pressing need to remain alive for the sake of the Philippian believers' spiritual benefit. Verse 25 articulates his resolution of this tension: he is convinced he will be spared specifically for their "progress and joy of faith." This decision underscores his deep love for the church, prioritizing their spiritual well-being and growth in the gospel over his own comfort or desired release from earthly toil. The overarching context is Paul's unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church, even in suffering.

Philippians 1 25 Word analysis

• And: de (δὲ) - A common conjunction, but here indicates a logical continuation or contrast from the previous thoughts (Phl 1:21-24), signifying the outcome of his weighing of options.
• knowing: oida (οἶδα) - Implies a settled and deep conviction, often derived from personal experience, perception, or divine revelation, rather than mere logical deduction. It suggests certainty.
• this: Refers to the certainty of his continued presence with them, not a mere hope or possibility. It ties back to his reasoning in vv. 22-24.
• I know: oida (οἶδα) - The repetition of the Greek word oida (present active indicative) strongly reinforces the firm, internal, and spiritual assurance Paul possesses. It is not an assumption, but a revealed truth to him.
• that I shall remain: menō (μενῶ) - Future indicative of menō, "to stay, abide, continue." It contrasts sharply with analysai (to depart) from Phl 1:23. This is a divine determination Paul has been given.
• and: kai (καὶ) - Connects menō and paramenō, emphasizing the additive nature of his ongoing presence.
• continue: paramenō (παραμενῶ) - Compound verb, "to remain beside, to stay with, to stand by." The prefix para- adds a nuance of remaining in proximity or abiding through a period, indicating sustained presence for their benefit.
• with you all: syn pasin hymin (σὺν πᾶσιν ὑμῖν) - Highlights the corporate nature of his ministry. His purpose is not for select individuals but for the entire community of believers in Philippi.
• for: eis (εἰς) - A preposition denoting purpose or direction, "unto," "with a view to." His remaining has a distinct aim or objective.
• your: Possessive pronoun indicating the benefit is directly for the Philippians.
• progress: prokopē (προκοπῇ) - Literally "cutting a way forward," suggesting an advance, growth, or spiritual journey that pushes through obstacles. It signifies development, increase, or proficiency in their Christian life.
• and: kai (καὶ) - Links the two primary objectives of his remaining: "progress" and "joy." Both are essential outcomes of healthy spiritual life.
• joy: chara (χαρᾷ) - Deep-seated gladness, a spiritual fruit (Gal 5:22) that transcends circumstances. It is a defining characteristic of the Christian life in Philippians.
• of faith: tēs pisteōs (τῆς πίστεως) - A genitive construction indicating either the source of joy (joy from faith) or the sphere in which joy exists (joy in faith). It underscores that genuine Christian joy is rooted in one's trust and allegiance to Christ.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "And knowing this": This phrase signals a transition to a profound realization. Paul's oida isn't a mere human prediction, but an awareness shaped by God's guiding hand, revealing to him that his life has an appointed, continued purpose for the gospel's sake.
• "I know that I shall remain and continue": The strong repetition of "I know" coupled with the two verbs "remain" (menō) and "continue" (paramenō) demonstrates a resolute certainty. It signifies an enduring and steady presence. This is Paul affirming God's plan for him, prioritizing the ministry over martyrdom at this specific juncture.
• "with you all": Emphasizes Paul's deep relational bond and commitment to the Philippian community. His ministry is personal, directed towards their collective well-being as the body of Christ. It reflects genuine pastoral care.
• "for your progress and joy of faith": This encapsulates the dual purpose of his continued ministry. "Progress" speaks to their ongoing spiritual growth, increasing understanding of doctrine, and obedience to Christ. "Joy of faith" means the happiness and assurance that flows from their belief and trust in Christ. These two outcomes are deeply interconnected: genuine spiritual progress leads to a more profound, unwavering joy in Christ, even amidst trials. Paul recognizes that a mature faith leads to deep-seated joy, which is crucial for believers facing adversity.

Philippians 1 25 Bonus section

Paul's confidence expressed in Philippians 1:25 can be seen as an example of prophetic assurance, not merely an educated guess. The Holy Spirit had revealed to him God's will concerning his immediate future. This understanding gave him peace despite being in chains and facing the possibility of death. His focus on the Philippians' "progress and joy" speaks volumes about the New Testament understanding of leadership: it is primarily about equipping and encouraging believers towards Christlikeness and resilience. The "joy of faith" also highlights that Christianity is not merely a set of beliefs or moral codes but a vibrant, joyful relationship with Christ, which matures as faith grows. Paul's model suggests that effective ministry elevates believers, making them less dependent on the minister and more rooted in Christ themselves.

Philippians 1 25 Commentary

Philippians 1:25 reveals Paul's clear, Spirit-given conviction regarding his continued ministry. Having weighed the eternal gain of immediate departure (to be with Christ) against the pressing spiritual needs of the Philippian believers, Paul concludes that God's purpose for him, at this moment, is to live. His survival is not accidental but purposeful, aimed at fostering the church's spiritual maturity. "Progress" refers to the advancement of their Christian life – deeper knowledge of Christ, more consistent obedience, and increased spiritual strength. "Joy of faith" describes the happiness and contentment that stems from a robust and growing trust in God's faithfulness and promises. This joy is not circumstantial emotion, but a stable spiritual reality rooted in their union with Christ and the certainties of salvation. Paul's personal desires are subordinated to the greater calling of equipping and encouraging the saints, illustrating true servant leadership. He acts as a spiritual midwife, aiding their birth into fuller maturity and more abundant, enduring joy found solely in Christ.