Philippian Bits – 1:7 – Considering the Bible

For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

1:7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

Unity

Paul speaks of this church, this group of people as being in his heart, that he feels a certain way toward them, and that they all are partakers with him of grace. Again, he uses this term Koinōnia, but with a prefix, that speaks of these folks as being with him in the participation of preaching and imprisonment.

Their partnership in providing gifts brought them into a poverty, and both Paul and the Philippians suffered in their efforts for the furtherance of the gospel. And in that suffering, all partook of grace.

In this unity of suffering and advancement of the gospel, grace was provided to all.

Enter into someone’s suffering today, even if only with a listening ear, willing to give some of your time for someone else. Be one with that soul who may be struggling, and watch for the Lord in it.