Philippians 1:9-11

Paul's Prayer for the Philippian Church

Paul prayed for the Philippians. He first called God as a witness to his love for them, which was like Christ's love (Compare 1 Corinthians 11:1). He then prayed that their love might abound. This word "love" comes from the Greek word agape (Matthew 5:43-48). It is a love which desires the best for others (Romans 15:2; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 6:10). Paul wanted that love to continue to abound. Max Hughes wrote a study guide on this book in which he suggested the word "abound" actually "signifies running over, wave upon wave".

Paul did not want their love to be misdirected, so he further prayed their love would grow in knowledge of God's will. Their knowledge needed to develop so they could understand the difference between right and wrong (1 Peter 1:8-9). All Christians should grow in knowledge so that they can teach others. The Hebrew writer was concerned because those brethren had not grown into teaching. They were still like babies feeding on the milk of the word. "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:12-14).

Paul also prayed the brethren at Philippi would follow only those things that would keep them in a right relationship to God. His hope was that they would applaud, or encourage, righteous conduct (1 Thessalonians 5:21). He wanted them to be without any offense which might prevent them from entering heaven. Thus, he prayed they would be fruitful through Jesus (1 Peter 1:10-11; Galatians 5:22-25).

1 Peter 1:12-14

Opportunities Found In Imprisonment

Some might have thought imprisonment would have stopped Paul's work. However, Paul says God used the circumstances to present more opportunites to preach. Paul, in chains, found doors opened, which should encourage us to look for open doors in times of trouble (1 Peter 1:12). As Paul wrote to the Roman brethren, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (8:28). Good can come even from the imprisonment of one of God's great preachers.

Knowledge of Paul's imprisonment was widespread and gave people cause to question as to why. Such questions gave Paul numerous chances to tell about Christ. They could bind the minister, but not his message. As he told Timothy, "Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained (2 Timothy 2:8-9). Paul, in chains, was able to tell Caesar's elite that he was in bonds for Christ (1 Peter 1:13).

Paul's bondage was also used by God to embolden some brethren. His willingness to die for the preaching of Jesus stood as a great example for those around him who may have formerly been fearful (1 Peter 1:14). Paul's words to the Ephesian elders may very well have given them more courage to carry out God's work. He told them he did not know what would happen in Jerusalem, except that the Holy Spirit had revealed he would be put in chains and suffer through tribulations. Then, he said, "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:22-24; compare 21:13.)