Philippians 1 29

Philippians 1:29 kjv

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Philippians 1:29 nkjv

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,

Philippians 1:29 niv

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,

Philippians 1:29 esv

For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,

Philippians 1:29 nlt

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

Philippians 1 verses

Philippians 1 29 Meaning

Philippians 1:29 declares that both believing in Christ and suffering for Him are gracious gifts granted to believers for the sake of Christ. It posits suffering, when endured for the sake of the gospel, not as a curse or misfortune, but as a privilege and a divine bestowal, placed alongside the fundamental act of faith as a mark of genuine Christian experience and devotion. This highlights God's sovereignty in salvation, extending His grace not only for conversion but also for perseverance through hardship for His name's sake.

Philippians 1 29 Context

Philippians 1:29 stands within Paul's opening section to the church in Philippi, expressing his deep affection, gratitude, and prayer for them. Specifically, this verse follows Paul's encouragement for them to "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" (Phil 1:27) and to "stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" without being "frightened in any way by those who oppose you" (Phil 1:27-28). The context is one of Paul's imprisonment, which ironically served to advance the gospel (Phil 1:12). The Philippian believers were facing similar opposition (Phil 1:30), creating a bond of shared suffering with Paul. Thus, verse 29 serves as a theological foundation and encouragement for their steadfastness in the face of persecution, reframing suffering for Christ as a divine honor, not a burden or an indicator of God's displeasure.

Philippians 1 29 Word analysis

• For (hoti - ὅτι): A causal conjunction, introducing the reason or explanation for the preceding exhortation (Phil 1:27-28) to stand firm and not be intimidated. It explains why they can endure persecution joyfully.
• to you (hymin - ὑμῖν): Emphasizes the specific recipients, the Philippian believers, making the statement personal and applicable to their shared experience.
• it has been granted (echaristhe - ἐχαρίσθη): From charizomai (χαρίζομαι), meaning "to bestow a favor, to grant graciously." It's an aorist passive indicative, implying that God is the giver (divine passive). This word strongly emphasizes that both faith and suffering are not earned or merited, but are pure gifts of divine grace (charis). This challenges any self-righteousness or human boasting in spiritual experience. It implies a sovereign act of God.
• for Christ's sake (hyper Christou - ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ): Literally "on behalf of Christ" or "for the benefit of Christ." This crucial phrase qualifies both the belief and the suffering. It indicates that these gifts are given not just by Christ but for the sake of His purpose, His glory, and the advancement of His Kingdom. It means the suffering is not arbitrary but directly linked to one's identification with Jesus Christ.
• not only (ouch monon - οὐ μόνον): Highlights the connection and equal footing between believing and suffering. It underscores that one is not superior or preferred over the other; both are integral to the experience granted by God.
• to believe (pisteuein - πιστεύειν): Present active infinitive of pisteuo (πιστεύω), "to trust, rely upon, have faith in." It denotes an ongoing, active trust in Christ, which is foundational to salvation and Christian life. The emphasis on it being "granted" underlines that even saving faith is a gift (Eph 2:8).
• in Him (eis auton - εἰς αὐτόν): Refers directly to Christ, signifying the object and focus of saving faith. Faith is always directed into or towards a person, Christ Jesus.
• but also (all' kai - ἀλλὰ καί): A strong conjunction that adds an equally significant, though often counter-intuitive, element to the first.
• to suffer (paschein - πάσχειν): Present active infinitive of pascho (πάσχω), "to suffer, experience pain, undergo." It speaks of enduring hardship, affliction, persecution, or physical distress. This verb is also used for Christ's suffering.

• "it has been granted for Christ's sake": This phrase links the divine granting of gifts directly to Christ. It indicates that all spiritual privilege, including both faith and hardship, is filtered through His person and work and is ultimately for His glory and purposes. This dispels any notion of human merit in receiving either belief or the ability to suffer righteously.
• "not only to believe... but also to suffer": This is a profound paradox and a radical redefinition of suffering. In the prevailing culture, suffering was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure or personal sin. Here, Paul elevates suffering for Christ to the same level as faith—both are divinely given privileges, integral to Christian identity. This demonstrates a deep, counter-cultural theology where partnership with Christ extends to His afflictions (Col 1:24; Php 3:10), a mark of true discipleship.
• "to believe in Him... to suffer for His sake": The parallelism shows that genuine belief inevitably leads to a life that may involve suffering for the one believed in. The "for His sake" connects the two elements intimately, demonstrating that Christian suffering is never meaningless but is directly connected to Christ's identity and mission, serving as a powerful witness to His lordship and worthiness.

Philippians 1 29 Bonus section

The concept of suffering being a "gift" is a hallmark of Pauline theology, notably seen throughout his epistles (e.g., Colossians, 2 Timothy). This counters the human inclination to avoid pain at all costs, especially religious pain. Instead, it positions Christian suffering as a profound privilege that authenticates faith and fosters deep communion with Christ. It's a key aspect of discipleship often overlooked or deliberately avoided in contemporary Christian circles. The willingness to suffer for Christ confirms the reality of one's faith and provides an unparalleled testimony to the world of Christ's transforming power and ultimate worth. Furthermore, it implies an intrinsic link between salvation (granted faith) and sanctification (granted suffering for His sake), demonstrating that God equips believers not just for initial conversion but for the entire journey of following Christ, including its arduous aspects.

Philippians 1 29 Commentary

Philippians 1:29 presents a foundational truth of Christian life: both faith and suffering are not merely human experiences but divinely granted privileges for the sake of Christ. The use of "granted" (echaristhe) from the root "grace" underscores that neither belief nor the capacity to endure suffering comes from human effort or merit; rather, they are gracious endowments from God. This challenges any notion that suffering for one's faith is a failure or a sign of divine abandonment. Instead, Paul reframes it as a mark of divine favor, elevating it to the same honorable status as the act of believing.

The phrase "for Christ's sake" (hyper Christou) is pivotal. It means that both believing and suffering are intricately tied to Christ's person and mission. Suffering for Christ is not a passive endurance but an active participation in His ongoing work in the world, identifying the believer with Christ in a profound way, even to the point of sharing in His afflictions. This perspective was revolutionary for the original audience, who were experiencing opposition, and it serves as a powerful encouragement to believers across all ages that their hardships for the gospel are not futile but are part of a divine plan that glorifies Christ and advances His kingdom. It reminds us that walking with Christ entails both His blessings and the privilege of sharing in His burdens.

Practical examples:

• A student standing firm in their faith amidst ridicule from peers for their Christian values, viewing it as a privilege to suffer for Christ.
• A missionary facing physical danger or hardship in a hostile environment, finding strength and purpose in the understanding that their suffering is "granted" for Christ's sake.
• A believer sacrificing personal comfort or career advancement for a ministry calling, understanding that their choices, including associated difficulties, are gifts from God for His glory.