1 Hey, it’s Paul and Timothy here—servants of Jesus the Messiah. We’re writing to everyone in Philippi who belongs to Jesus, including your leaders and helpers. Paul opens the letter with Timothy, calling themselves servants, not putting themselves above anyone. He addresses the whole community, not just the leaders.
2 We hope you keep experiencing God’s kindness and peace, which come from our Father and from Jesus, the one he sent. Paul wishes them real grace and peace, not just as a greeting but as something they can actually feel from God and Jesus.
3 Every time I think about you, I can’t help but thank God. Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians is genuine and constant; he’s emotionally invested in them.
4 Whenever I pray for you all, I do it with a lot of joy. His prayers aren’t just routine; he’s genuinely happy when he prays for them.
5 I’m so grateful for how you’ve partnered with me in spreading the good news, ever since the first day until now. The Philippians have been consistently supportive, not just financially but in spirit and action, from the very beginning.
6 I’m totally confident that the one who started this good work in you will keep at it and finish it by the time Jesus comes back. Paul reassures them that God is the one driving their growth and won’t give up on them.
7 It makes sense for me to feel this way about all of you, because you’re in my heart. Whether I’m locked up or out there defending and explaining the message, you all share in God’s kindness with me. Paul’s affection is deep; he sees them as partners in everything, even in his suffering and work.
8 God knows how much I care about you—I miss you all with the same love Jesus has for you. Paul’s longing for them is intense and sincere, rooted in the love of Christ.
9 Here’s what I keep praying: that your love keeps growing, getting smarter and more insightful all the time. He wants their love to mature, not just in feeling but in wisdom and understanding.
10 I want you to be able to tell what really matters, so you can live with clean motives and not trip up when Jesus shows up. Paul’s goal is for them to have discernment, so their lives are genuine and ready for Christ’s return.
11 I hope your lives are packed with the kind of goodness that comes from Jesus, so that God gets all the credit and praise. He wants their actions to reflect Jesus, resulting in God being honored.
12 I want you to know, friends, that what’s happened to me has actually helped spread the message, not hold it back. Paul’s imprisonment, which might seem like a setback, has actually advanced the gospel.
13 Everyone here, including the guards and everyone else, knows I’m locked up because of my connection to the Messiah. His situation has made it clear to everyone around him that he’s in prison for his faith in Jesus.
14 Most of the believers here have gotten a lot bolder about speaking up for God because of my situation—they’re less afraid now. Paul’s courage has inspired others to be more open and fearless in sharing their faith.
15 Sure, some people are talking about the Messiah out of jealousy or rivalry, but others are doing it with good intentions. Not everyone’s motives are pure, but the message about Jesus is still being spread, for different reasons.
16 Some people are talking about Jesus because they genuinely care and want to help. They know I’m here because I stand up for the good news. Paul points out that some preach Christ out of sincere motives, understanding his imprisonment is for defending the gospel.
17 But others are just trying to stir up trouble for me while I’m locked up. Their motives aren’t pure. He contrasts the sincere with those who preach Christ out of selfishness or rivalry, hoping to make things harder for him.
18 But honestly, what does it matter? Either way, whether people are being fake or real, Christ is being talked about. And that makes me glad. In fact, I’ll keep on being glad. Paul says that regardless of people’s motives, he rejoices because Christ is being proclaimed.
19 I know this will all work out for my good, because you’re praying for me and God’s Spirit is helping me, just like Jesus promised. He’s confident that through the Philippians’ prayers and the Spirit’s help, his situation will turn out for his deliverance.
20 I’m hoping and expecting that I won’t be embarrassed about anything, but that I’ll have the courage to speak up—now, just like always—so that Christ will be honored in my life, whether I live or die. Paul expresses his hope to remain bold and honor Christ, no matter what happens to him.
21 For me, living means serving Christ, and dying would actually be even better. He sums up his perspective: life is about Christ, and death is gain because it brings him closer to Christ.
22 But if I keep on living, that means I can keep doing good work. Honestly, I don’t know which I’d choose. Paul is torn between wanting to continue his ministry and the desire to be with Christ.
23 I feel pulled in both directions. I really want to leave this life and be with Christ—that would be far better for me. He admits his personal longing to depart and be with Christ, which he sees as the best outcome for himself.
24 But for your sake, it’s better if I stay alive. He recognizes that his continued life is more helpful for the Philippians.
25 I’m convinced of this, so I know I’ll stick around and keep helping all of you grow and find real joy in your faith. Paul expresses confidence that he will remain alive to support their spiritual progress and joy.
26 That way, when I come back to you, you’ll have even more reason to celebrate what Christ has done through me. He looks forward to being reunited, which will give them more reason to rejoice in Christ.
27 No matter what happens, live in a way that matches the good news about Christ. Then, whether I come see you or just hear about you, I’ll know you’re standing strong together, united by your trust in the message. Paul urges them to live lives worthy of the gospel, showing unity and steadfastness whether he visits or not.
28 Don’t let your opponents scare you. That’s a sign to them that they’re headed for trouble, but it shows you’re being saved—and that’s from God. He encourages them not to be intimidated by opposition, which is evidence of their salvation and their opponents’ defeat.
29 God has given you the privilege—not just to trust in Christ, but also to suffer for him. Paul reminds them that both faith and suffering for Christ are gifts from God.
30 You’re going through the same kind of struggle you saw me face, and you know I’m still dealing with it now. He connects their suffering to his own, showing solidarity in their shared struggles for the gospel.
