because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 1:5
What does Philippians 1:5 mean?
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Philippians 1:5
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The core idea isn't just that they received the gospel, but that they actively partnered in it, a partnership that included cheerful financial support from their very first days as believers until the present. This "fellowship" meant they shared in both the blessings and the burdens of spreading God's good news.
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul begins by expressing his deep gratitude for the Philippian believers, specifically noting their continuous partnership in the Gospel. This partnership isn't just about shared beliefs, but also their active support, especially their financial contributions, which began from the very first day the Gospel reached them and has continued without interruption. This unwavering commitment is a testament to their steadfastness in the faith and a significant reason for Paul's joy and thankfulness.
Paul thanks the Philippians for their 'fellowship in the gospel.' What exactly does that mean? It’s richer than just a financial gift!
The Greek word translated as 'fellowship' (koinonia) is powerful. While it certainly includes practical support and generosity (like the Philippians' repeated gifts to Paul, as noted in Philippians 4:15-16), it’s much broader than that.
A Deeper Communion:
Paul doesn't just thank them for a one-time act; he emphasizes the duration of their partnership. What does this constancy reveal?
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The phrase 'from the first day until now' is crucial. It tells us that the Philippians' commitment to the gospel, their fellowship, wasn't a fleeting emotion or a single event. It was a sustained, long-term dedication.
The Power of Endurance:
Understand the original words
euangelion · Greek Noun
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, including His life, death, resurrection, and the establishment of His kingdom.
koinōnia · Greek Noun
The active, shared participation or fellowship in the work of God; it signifies a deep, committed union in purpose and resources for the cause of Christ.
The 'fellowship in the gospel' mentioned here wasn't just a spiritual concept; it was a tangible expression of the Philippians' deep commitment, demonstrated through their financial support for Paul's ministry from the very beginning of their faith journey until the time he wrote this letter from prison.
c. AD 49-50— this verse
Paul's First Ministry in Philippi
Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke travel to Philippi during Paul's second missionary journey, leading to the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailer. This marks the 'first day' of the Philippians' involvement with the gospel.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Philippian Church
Following the conversions and the dramatic escape from prison, Paul and his companions establish the church in Philippi, a significant Roman colony in Macedonia.
c. AD 55-57
Paul's Imprisonment in Ephesus or Caesarea
During this period, the Philippian church sends financial support to Paul, demonstrating their ongoing 'fellowship in the gospel' and their concern for his ministry.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians from his Roman imprisonment, likely in AD 60-62. He expresses deep gratitude for their consistent partnership in the gospel, which includes their financial support and prayer.
This passage speaks of the Philippians' incredible generosity and eager participation in supporting the wider work of the gospel, directly mirroring the 'partnership in the gospel' Paul is thanking them for.
Acts 16:11-15This describes the very beginning of the gospel reaching Philippi, showing that their partnership in the gospel wasn't a new development but something that started from the 'first day' Paul encountered them.
Galatians 6:6Paul connects the idea of 'sharing in all good things' with those who teach the word, highlighting the practical, tangible aspect of 'fellowship in the gospel' as sharing resources to support ministry.
1 John 1:3This verse speaks of true fellowship with God and one another through Christ, providing a spiritual depth to the 'fellowship' the Philippians shared, which extended beyond mere financial support.
vincentPhilippians 1:5: "For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;"
For your fellowship (ἐπὶ τῇ κοινωνίᾳ ὑμῶν)Connect with I thank God. For fellowship, see on 1 John 1:3. The word sometimes has the meaning of almsgiving, contributions, as Romans 15:26; Hebrews 13:16. Though here it is used in the larger sense of sympathetic cooperation, yet it is no doubt colored by the other idea, in view of the Philippians' pecuniary contributions to Paul. See Philippians 4:10, Philippi…
barnesPhilippians 1:5: "For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;"
For your fellowship in the gospel - "For your liberality toward me, a preacher of the gospel." - Wetstein. There has been, however, no little difference of opinion about the meaning of this phrase. Many - as Doddridge, Koppe, and others - suppose it refers to the fact that they participated in the blessings of the gospel from the first day that he preached it until the time when he wrote this Epistle. Others supp…
The core idea isn't just that they received the gospel, but that they actively partnered in it, a partnership that included cheerful financial support from their very first days as believers until the present. This "fellowship" meant they shared in both the blessings and the burdens of spreading God's good news.
Paul begins by expressing his deep gratitude for the Philippian believers, specifically noting their continuous partnership in the Gospel. This partnership isn't just about shared beliefs, but also their active support, especially their financial contributions, which began from the very first day the Gospel reached them and has continued without interruption. This unwavering commitment is a testament to their steadfastness in the faith and a significant reason for Paul's joy and thankfulness.
Paul begins by expressing his deep gratitude for the Philippian believers, specifically noting their continuous partnership in the Gospel. This partnership isn't just about shared beliefs, but also their active support, especially their financial contributions, which began from the very first day the Gospel reached them and has continued without interruption. This unwavering commitment is a testament to their steadfastness in the faith and a significant reason for Paul's joy and thankfulness.
"because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." — The core idea isn't just that they received the gospel, but that they actively partnered in it, a partnership that included cheerful financial support from their very first days as believers unti…
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Last reviewed October 2026