Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul, writing from a Roman prison, addresses the Philippian congregation in the opening thanksgiving of his letter.

The words — φρονεῖν (phronein) carries the sense of a settled, deliberate orientation of the mind, not a passing emotion; BSB's "feel" understates it. δίκαιον (dikaion) marks something morally fitting, a right that is owed, not merely a preference.

The thread — The "partnership" language here echoes Philippians 1:5's "partnership in the gospel from the first day until now," and the "in my chains" phrase finds a parallel in Colossians 4:18, where Paul asks for remembrance of his chains in the greeting.

Why it lands — The verse names the Philippian believers as co-holders of a grace that is being advanced in a courtroom, not spectators of Paul's suffering. It asks the reader to see their own participation in the gospel's progress as a concrete, shared stake rather than a distant theological fact.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 7:3 I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.
Philippians 1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Colossians 4:18 This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
2 Timothy 2:9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!
Acts 16:23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely.
Acts 20:23 I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles...
Ephesians 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should.
Philippians 1:16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Philippians 4:14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.