Philippians 1:3

“I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you”

“I thank”: “Is in the present tense, denoting his constant gratitude for these beloved saints” (Jackson p. 23). “My God”: Which indicates. very close personal relationship (Acts 27:23 “of the God to whom. belong and whom. serve”). “The apostle stands alone before his God in prayer. The joint relationship with Timothy that was so apparent in the salutation has disappeared” (Hawthorne p. 15). Compare with Romans 1:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:4. Is our relationship with God of such. quality that we could freely and comfortably refer to God as "my” God? “Upon all my remembrance of you”: “Every recollection that. have of you is. cause of thankfulness to God” (TCNT). “Every time. think of you” (Muller p. 39).

“It is. lovely thing when, as Ellicott puts it, remembrance and gratitude are bound up together. In our personal relationships it is. great thing to have nothing but happy memories; and that was how Paul was with the Christians at Philippi. To remember brought no regrets. only happiness” (Barclay p. 13). “ Friendship has ever been regarded rightfully as. priceless gift. Even the most masterful and courageous of men have felt in their hearts. constant hunger for human sympathy and love. Such. man was Paul. Probably many strong and tender ties had been severed by his sudden conversion from Judaism to Christianity. His affections sought new channels and henceforth were poured out upon his fellow believers” (Erdman p. 46). Let us live in such. way that other Christians can fondly remember us in their prayers to God as well. Let us strive to never be. cause of grief or heartache to any other child of God.