Philippians 2:16
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul's phrase "holding fast to the word of life" isn't just about belief; it's an active posture of grasping and presenting the Gospel like a guiding light. This "word of life" is the very essence of the Gospel, so powerful it becomes a source of eternal life, and the Philippians are meant to embody it. It's this living testimony, not just their adherence, that gives Paul confidence his efforts weren't wasted.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live out their faith with excellence, contrasting their shining example with the negative behavior of others. He explains that their consistent adherence to the gospel message, the "word of life," is crucial, especially since he can't be with them physically. This faithfulness on their part would serve as a source of pride and vindication for Paul when Christ returns, proving his ministry to them was fruitful and effective.
Paul urges believers to 'hold fast' to something precious. What is this 'word of life,' and why is it so crucial?
The Gospel as Life-Giving Truth
The phrase "word of life" points directly to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. It's called the "word of life" because it's the divinely powerful way the Holy Spirit brings spiritual life, freeing us from sin and death.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Philippians 2:16 is available in the Sola app.
Paul speaks of 'running' and 'laboring.' What does this athletic imagery mean for our faith, and what's the ultimate goal?
Faith as an Enduring Race
The apostle Paul often used athletic metaphors, like running a race or wrestling, to describe the Christian life. This imagery emphasizes dedication, endurance, and striving toward a goal.
Understand the original words
logos zoes · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to the message of the Gospel, which is the source of spiritual life, salvation, and eternal existence for the believer. It is the living, active revelation of God that empowers and sustains the life of the church.
hemera Christou · Greek Noun phrase
Refers to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, when He will return to judge the living and the dead and establish His kingdom. It is the climactic moment of history and the goal of the Christian life.
The apostle Paul's ministry was often marked by hardship and imprisonment, yet his focus remained on the spiritual 'race' and 'labor' he undertook for Christ. This verse, written from prison, underscores his profound desire that the Philippians' faithful lives would be the proof and crown of his own sacrificial efforts, not in vain, when they stand before Christ.
c. AD 49-50
Founding of the Church in Philippi
The Apostle Paul, along with Silas, establishes the church in Philippi during his second missionary journey. This marks the beginning of Paul's deep spiritual connection with the believers there.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul Writes Philippians from Prison
While imprisoned, likely in Rome or possibly Ephesus, Paul pens this letter to the Philippian believers. He expresses his deep affection for them and his confidence in their spiritual growth.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Defense Before Caesar
During his Roman imprisonment, Paul had the opportunity to defend his ministry before Emperor Nero. This period, while challenging, allowed him to continue his work and spread the gospel.
c. AD 64-68
Paul's Later Imprisonment and Execution
Following his release and further ministry, Paul is re-arrested and imprisoned again in Rome, this time awaiting execution. It is during this final period that he likely wrote 2 Timothy.
This passage uses the same metaphor of a race to describe Christian living and ministry, highlighting the importance of running with purpose and endurance, echoing Paul's desire not to run in vain.
1 Thessalonians 2:19Paul expresses a similar longing to be able to 'rejoice' over the Thessalonians in the 'day of the Lord Jesus,' viewing them as his 'crown of boasting,' which aligns with his hope in Philippians 2:16 for pride in his labor.
John 1:4This verse connects life and light, stating 'In him was life, and the life was the light of men,' which directly relates to Paul's phrase 'word of life' and the imagery of believers shining as lights.
Hebrews 12:1This passage also employs the imagery of a race, urging believers to 'throw off everything that hinders' and 'run with perseverance the race marked out for us,' reinforcing the idea of running with purpose for a greater reward.
Galatians 2:2Paul mentions running 'in vain' in relation to presenting the gospel to others, showing a consistent concern throughout his ministry that his efforts for the spiritual well-being of believers would yield lasting fruit.
vincentPhilippians 2:16: "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
Holding forth (ἐπέχοντες)The verb means literally to hold upon or apply. Hence to fix attention upon, as Luke 14:7; Acts 3:5; 1 Timothy 4:16. In Acts 19:22, stayed: where the idea at bottom is the same - kept to. So in Sept., Job 27:8, of setting the heart on gain. Job 30:26, "fixed my mind on good." In Genesis 8:10, of Noah waiting. In classical…
barnesPhilippians 2:16: "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
Holding forth the word of life - That is, you are under obligation to hold forth the word of life. It is a duty incumbent on you as Christians to do it. The "word of life" means the gospel, called the "word of life" because it is the message that promises life; or perhaps this is a Hebraism, denoting the living, or life-giving word. The gospel stand…
Paul's phrase "holding fast to the word of life" isn't just about belief; it's an active posture of grasping and presenting the Gospel like a guiding light. This "word of life" is the very essence of the Gospel, so powerful it becomes a source of eternal life, and the Philippians are meant to embody it. It's this living testimony, not just their adherence, that gives Paul confidence his efforts weren't wasted.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live out their faith with excellence, contrasting their shining example with the negative behavior of others. He explains that their consistent adherence to the gospel message, the "word of life," is crucial, especially since he can't be with them physically. This faithfulness on their part would serve as a source of pride and vindication for Paul when Christ returns, proving his ministry to them was fruitful and effective.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live out their faith with excellence, contrasting their shining example with the negative behavior of others. He explains that their consistent adherence to the gospel message, the "word of life," is crucial, especially since he can't be with them physically. This faithfulness on their part would serve as a source of pride and vindication for Paul when Christ returns, proving his ministry to them was fruitful and effective.
"holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain." — Paul's phrase "holding fast to the word of life" isn't just about belief; it's an active posture of grasping and presenting the Gospel like a guiding light. This "word of life" is the very essence of…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
