Paul's Greeting and Prayer for the Church
Philippians 1:1-11
Phil.1.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Τιμοθεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δουλοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- ουσιν: PART,pres,act,dat,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Φιλιπποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- συν: PREP
- επισκοποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- διακονοις·: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:1 (verbal): Paul's self‑designation as 'a servant/slave of Christ Jesus' (δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ) echoes the same opening title in Philippians 1:1.
- 1 Corinthians 1:2 (verbal): Address 'to those sanctified in Christ Jesus' parallels Philippians' 'to all the saints in Christ Jesus'—same addressee language and theological framing.
- Colossians 1:2 (structural): Paul and Timothy writing 'to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae' mirrors Philippians' co‑sender formula and the 'saints... in Christ' greeting.
- Ephesians 1:1-2 (structural): Typical Pauline salutation 'to the saints who are in [place] and are faithful in Christ Jesus' corresponds to the formula and theological address used in Philippians 1:1.
- 1 Timothy 3:1-8 (thematic): Discussion of the qualifications for overseers (ἐπίσκοποι) and deacons (διάκονοι) relates to Philippians' mention 'with the overseers and deacons' in the salutation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
- Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.
Phil.1.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- ειρηνη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- απο: PREP
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πατρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:7 (verbal): Identical greeting formula—'grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ' occurs verbatim, reflecting Paul's standard epistolary opening.
- 1 Corinthians 1:3 (verbal): Same wording and sequence ('grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'), showing the common Pauline salutation.
- 2 Corinthians 1:2 (verbal): Repeats the exact greeting formula, linking Philippians 1:2 with Paul's consistent invocation of grace and peace from Father and Son.
- Ephesians 1:2 (verbal): Uses the same phrase ('grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'), illustrating the uniform theological and liturgical salutation in Paul's letters.
- Colossians 1:2 (verbal): Verbatim parallel in the opening salutation—'grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ'—emphasizing the recurring Trinitarian reference in Pauline greetings.
Alternative generated candidates
- Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Phil.1.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ευχαριστω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- επι: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- μνεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- Philemon 1:4 (verbal): Paul uses nearly identical language—'I thank my God' and 'making mention of you'—expressing thanksgiving upon remembering the recipient.
- Colossians 1:3 (verbal): Similar opening thanksgiving formula—'We give thanks to God... praying always for you'—linking remembrance/thanksgiving with prayer for the community.
- Romans 1:8 (verbal): Paul begins with 'I thank my God' for the Roman believers, a closely parallel opening and theme of gratitude when remembering the recipients.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (thematic): An earlier Pauline thanksgiving for a church—'we give thanks to God always for you'—shows the recurring theme of continual gratitude and remembrance.
- 2 Timothy 1:3 (thematic): Paul expresses thanksgiving as he remembers Timothy in his prayers—same pattern of grateful remembrance applied to a valued co-worker.
Alternative generated candidates
- I give thanks to my God whenever I remember you,
- I thank my God every time I remember you,
Phil.1.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παντοτε: ADV
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- δεησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- υπερ: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μετα: PREP
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δεησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ποιουμενος: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Philemon 1:4 (verbal): Paul opens with the same language of continual thanksgiving and mentioning the recipient in his prayers ('I always thank my God, making mention of thee in my prayers').
- Colossians 1:3 (verbal): Similar formula: 'We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,' linking constant thanksgiving with prayer for the recipients.
- Ephesians 1:16 (thematic): Paul expresses ongoing gratitude and remembrance in prayer for the Ephesian believers ('I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers'), paralleling the theme of continual intercession.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (verbal): Early Pauline thanksgiving-prayer formula: 'We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers,' closely mirroring Philippians 1:4's wording and intent.
- Romans 1:9 (structural): Paul emphasizes uninterrupted prayer for the Roman believers ('God is my witness... that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers'), paralleling the 'always'/'every prayer' motif in Philippians 1:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- always in every prayer of mine for you all, with joy,
- always in every prayer of mine for all of you, praying with joy
Phil.1.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επι: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- κοινωνια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πρωτης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- αχρι: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- νυν: ADV
Parallels
- Acts 2:42 (verbal): The early church 'devoted themselves to... fellowship (κοινωνία)' — same technical term and concept of shared participation that Paul describes as the Philippians' partnership in the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 (verbal): God 'called you into the fellowship (κοινωνία) of his Son' — uses the language of fellowship/participation to describe inclusion in the gospel community, echoing Phil 1:5's emphasis on partnership in Christ.
- Philippians 4:15 (structural): Paul reminds the Philippians that they were the only church to share with him 'in the beginning of the gospel' — directly parallels 1:5's 'from the first day' language about their ongoing partnership in the gospel.
- 2 Corinthians 8:4 (thematic): Paul speaks of churches urging to receive 'the grace of sharing/participation' for the relief of the saints — a similar notion of koinonia/partnership in practical support tied to gospel ministry.
Alternative generated candidates
- because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now;
- because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Phil.1.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πεποιθως: VERB,perf,act,part,nom,m,sg
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εναρξαμενος: VERB,aor,mid,part,nom,m,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- εργον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αγαθον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- επιτελεσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- αχρι: PREP
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου·: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (verbal): Explicitly affirms God's faithfulness to accomplish what he has begun in believers: 'He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.'
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 (structural): Promises preservation 'to the end' and vindication 'in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ,' paralleling Phil.1:6's 'until the day of Christ Jesus.'
- Philippians 2:13 (verbal): Speaks of God as the one who 'works in you, both to will and to work,' echoing Phil.1:6's claim that God initiates and effects spiritual work in believers.
- James 1:4 (thematic): Urges that perseverance complete its work so believers become mature—a parallel theme of God's work leading to spiritual completion/maturity.
- Romans 8:28-30 (thematic): Presents God's saving purpose as a sequence (foreknowledge, calling, justification, glorification), reflecting the idea that God brings his work in believers to its destined completion.
Alternative generated candidates
- and I am confident of this very thing: that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.
- And I am confident of this very thing: that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Phil.1.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- καθως: CONJ
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- δικαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- φρονειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υπερ: PREP
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- δια: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- εχειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- τε: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- δεσμοις: NOUN,dat,pl,masc
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- απολογια: NOUN,dat,sg,fem
- και: CONJ
- βεβαιωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,fem
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- συγκοινωνους: NOUN,acc,pl,masc
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαριτος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- οντας·: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,pl,masc
Parallels
- Philippians 1:5 (thematic): Both verses emphasize the Philippians' partnership/participation in the gospel (their 'partnership' or 'fellowship' in the proclamation) as the basis for Paul's affectionate confidence.
- Romans 16:3 (verbal): Paul calls Prisca and Aquila 'my fellow-workers' (συνεργούς μου); parallels the language of co-workers/partners in the ministry of the gospel.
- Acts 28:30-31 (thematic): Paul under custody yet boldly preaching and teaching the kingdom — parallels Paul’s description of continuing the defense and confirmation of the gospel 'in my bonds'.
- Colossians 1:24 (thematic): Paul speaks of rejoicing in his sufferings 'for you' and filling up what is lacking of Christ’s afflictions for the church, echoing the theme of sharing in suffering and ministry for the sake of the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 (verbal): 'We are God's fellow-workers' (συνεργοί τοῦ Θεοῦ) — the Pauline motif of being co‑workers/partners that undergirds Phil. 1:7's claim that the Philippians are fellow‑partakers of grace.
Alternative generated candidates
- It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart; you are all sharers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel.
- It is right for me to think this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart—since you are all sharers with me of God's grace, both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
Phil.1.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μαρτυς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- επιποθω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- σπλαγχνοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:9 (verbal): Uses the same formula 'For God is my witness' and links Paul's devotion/prayerful concern for the recipients to divine witness, paralleling Philippians' opening affirmation.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:8 (thematic): Speaks of Paul's affectionate longing for the Thessalonians—'being affectionately desirous of you'—echoing Phil.1:8's emphasis on deep, Christ-centered love and longing.
- 2 Timothy 1:4 (thematic): Paul expresses strong personal longing to see Timothy ('much desiring to see thee'), reflecting the intimate, heartfelt yearning found in Philippians 1:8.
- Galatians 4:19 (thematic): Paul's parental concern—'I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you'—conveys the same pastoral, Christ-shaped affection and intense care signaled in Phil.1:8.
- 2 Corinthians 7:3 (thematic): Paul's language about the Corinthians being 'in our hearts' and shared life/commitment mirrors the close, heart‑felt attachment and communal bond expressed in Phil.1:8.
Alternative generated candidates
- For God is my witness: how deeply I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- For God is my witness: how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.
Phil.1.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- προσευχομαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- αγαπη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ετι: ADV
- μαλλον: ADV
- και: CONJ
- μαλλον: ADV
- περισσευη: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- επιγνωσει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- αισθησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Colossians 1:9 (verbal): Paul's prayer language parallels Philippians: he prays that the readers be filled with knowledge and spiritual wisdom—similar request for 'knowledge' and discernment for believers.
- Ephesians 1:17 (thematic): Paul prays for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to give believers true 'knowledge' of God—shares the theme of prayer for deeper insight/knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (thematic): A Pauline prayer that the Lord make the readers 'increase and abound in love' (περισσεύω), closely matching Philippians' petition for love to abound.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1 (thematic): Links love and knowledge: 'Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up,' echoing Philippians' concern that love should be paired with true knowledge and right enactment of understanding.
- Hebrews 5:14 (thematic): Speaks of mature believers' trained powers of discernment—connects with Philippians' request that love increase 'in knowledge and all discernment' (πάσῃ αἰσθήσει).
Alternative generated candidates
- And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
- And this I pray: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
Phil.1.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δοκιμαζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- διαφεροντα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- ινα: CONJ
- ητε: VERB,pres,act,sub,2,pl
- ειλικρινεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- απροσκοποι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- ημεραν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (verbal): Prays that God establish believers blameless in holiness at the coming of our Lord—closely parallels being 'blameless for the day of Christ.'
- 1 Corinthians 1:8 (verbal): Paul says Christ will confirm you blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ—same eschatological language and assurance of blamelessness.
- Romans 16:19 (thematic): Urges believers to be wise about what is good and innocent about evil—resonates with discerning 'what is excellent' and being sincere/innocent.
- 2 Corinthians 13:5 (verbal): 'Examine/test yourselves' to see whether you are in the faith—parallels Philippians' call to test/approve what is excellent.
- 2 Peter 3:14 (thematic): Calls believers to be found 'without spot or blemish' at the coming of the Lord, echoing the concern for blamelessness on the day of Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
- so that you may approve what is excellent, and be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ,
Phil.1.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πεπληρωμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- καρπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- δικαιοσυνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επαινον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 3:22 (verbal): Speaks of ‘righteousness from God’ ‘through faith in Jesus Christ’—verbal parallel to δικαιοσύνης δια Ιησου Χριστου (righteousness through Jesus Christ).
- John 15:8 (thematic): Jesus links bearing much fruit with glorifying the Father—parallels the purpose of the fruit of righteousness ‘to the glory and praise of God.’
- Colossians 1:10 (thematic): Prays that believers ‘may walk worthy…bearing fruit in every good work’—similar emphasis on Christ‑empowered fruitful living for God’s glory.
- Romans 6:22 (thematic): Describes the believer’s ‘fruit’ leading to sanctification and its outcome—parallels Philippians’ fruit of righteousness as the moral/resultant fruit of new life.
- Titus 2:14 (thematic): Says Christ gave himself to purify a people ‘zealous for good works’—connects Christ’s work with a people bearing righteous fruit for God’s purposes.
Alternative generated candidates
- filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
- filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I give thanks to my God whenever I remember you,
always in every prayer of mine for all of you, making my requests with joy,
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am confident of this very thing: he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.
It is right for me to think this about you all, because I hold you in my heart; you all share with me the grace—both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
For God is my witness how I long for you all with the deep affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment,
so that you may be able to approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.