Philippians 1:29
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to miss that the original Greek suggests Paul started to say it's granted to suffer for Christ, but then realized he needed to add that believing in Him is also a gift. This shifts the focus: both believing and suffering are equally divine gifts, not one dependent on the other.
Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to live lives worthy of the gospel, especially in light of their opposition from non-believers. He tells them not to be terrified by their adversaries, because the adversaries' reaction is a sign of their own destruction, while the believers' steadfastness is a sign of their salvation. This verse explains why their steadfastness is a sign of salvation: it's not something they achieve on their own, but a divine gift.
When life throws punches, it's natural to feel like you're getting a raw deal. But what if the hard times aren't just happening to you, but are actually a gift for you?
The Bible doesn't shy away from the reality of suffering. In fact, Paul tells the Philippians in verse 29 that it has been granted to them not just to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for his sake.
A Gift, Not a Burden
Think about that word: 'granted.' It implies a divine bestowal, a privilege. The original Greek word suggests something given by grace, a favor. It's not that God wants us to suffer, but that He uses our suffering for His purposes, and participation in that can be a mark of honor.
More Than Just Belief
Believing in Jesus is a profound gift in itself. It's the key to forgiveness, peace, and eternal life. But Paul links this gift directly to suffering. This isn't a contradiction; it's a deeper revelation. The same grace that enables us to trust Christ also equips us to endure hardship for His name. It's a package deal – faith and the fellowship of His suffering.
It's one thing to suffer, but quite another to suffer 'for Christ.' What makes suffering redemptive and honorable, rather than just painful?
Paul is clear: the suffering isn't just random hardship. It's specifically 'for the sake of Christ.' This shifts the entire perspective.
A Cause Worthy of Sacrifice
When we suffer because we choose to follow Christ, to share His message, or to live out His commands in a world that opposes Him, our pain becomes meaningful. It's an act of loyalty, a public declaration that Christ and His kingdom are more valuable than our comfort or safety.
Reflecting the Savior
Suffering for Christ aligns us with Him. Jesus Himself endured unimaginable suffering. By sharing in His hardships, we enter into a deeper fellowship with Him, mirroring His sacrifice and experiencing His strength in a unique way. It becomes evidence that we truly belong to Him, not because we avoid pain, but because we are willing to face it for His name.
Understand the original words
charizomai · Greek Verb
The act of graciously bestowing a gift; emphasizes that something has been given by God that is beyond human merit or achievement.
paschō · Greek Verb
The endurance of hardship, pain, or persecution for the sake of one's faith or loyalty to Christ; viewed in the New Testament as a share in Christ's own sufferings.
Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned, likely in Rome. This verse speaks directly to the early Christian communities who faced hardship and persecution for their faith, understanding suffering not as a curse, but as a divinely granted privilege for Christ's sake.
c. 49 AD
Council of Jerusalem
A pivotal meeting where apostles and elders decided that Gentile converts did not need to follow all Jewish laws, easing their integration into the early Christian movement.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, establishing a church there. This period was marked by both success and opposition, laying the groundwork for future correspondence.
c. 53-57 AD
Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus
Paul's ministry in Ephesus was a period of great impact but also considerable conflict with local pagan traditions, particularly concerning the worship of Artemis.
c. 57-60 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea for about two years, during which he appealed to Caesar and awaited trial.
This passage shows the apostles rejoicing after being flogged, seeing it as an honor to suffer for Jesus' name, echoing the idea that suffering for Christ is a granted privilege.
2 Corinthians 8:2This verse describes the extreme poverty of the Macedonian churches, who generously gave even beyond their means, highlighting the context of suffering and joy Paul often associated with giving and faith.
Colossians 1:24Paul speaks of completing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, the church, showing a profound connection between Christ's suffering and the suffering of believers.
1 Peter 4:13This passage encourages believers to rejoice when they share in the sufferings of Christ, directly linking suffering with Christ and framing it as a cause for joy.
Matthew 5:11-12Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, stating that their reward is great in heaven, which aligns with the idea that suffering for Christ is a granted privilege with eternal significance.
vincentPhilippians 1:29: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
It is given - to suffer for His sake (ἐχαρίσθη τὸ ὑπὲρ - αὐοτῦ πάσχειν)Every word here is significant. Suffering is a gift of grace. "It is given" should be "it was given," referring to the gift bestowed when they became Christians. Suffering was the marriage-gift when they were espoused to Christ: the bounty when they enlisted in His service. Becoming one…
gillPhilippians 1:29: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,.... For the sake of his Gospel, for the good of his interest, and the glory of his name. The Alexandrian copy reads, "to us it is given", &c, not only to believe in him; for faith in Christ, which is not merely believing that he is the Christ, and all that is said of him, or all that he himself says, but is a seeing…
It's easy to miss that the original Greek suggests Paul started to say it's granted to suffer for Christ, but then realized he needed to add that believing in Him is also a gift. This shifts the focus: both believing and suffering are equally divine gifts, not one dependent on the other.
Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to live lives worthy of the gospel, especially in light of their opposition from non-believers. He tells them not to be terrified by their adversaries, because the adversaries' reaction is a sign of their own destruction, while the believers' steadfastness is a sign of their salvation. This verse explains why their steadfastness is a sign of salvation: it's not something they achieve on their own, but a divine gift.
Paul is encouraging the Philippian believers to live lives worthy of the gospel, especially in light of their opposition from non-believers. He tells them not to be terrified by their adversaries, because the adversaries' reaction is a sign of their own destruction, while the believers' steadfastness is a sign of their salvation. This verse explains their steadfastness is a sign of salvation: it's not something they achieve on their own, but a divine gift.
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c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Paul's First Roman Imprisonment
While under house arrest in Rome, Paul wrote several epistles, including Philippians. He was able to receive visitors and continue to spread the gospel, despite his confinement.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome and Persecution
Following the fire, Emperor Nero blamed Christians, initiating a brutal period of persecution in Rome. This historical event likely influenced the context of suffering for believers.
"For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake," — It's easy to miss that the original Greek suggests Paul started to say it's granted to suffer for Christ, but then realized he needed to add that believing in Him is also a gift. This shifts the…
