What does Philippians 1:6 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 1:6 conveys a message of hope and reassurance to believers.

The verse speaks to the faithfulness of God in completing the work He has started in the lives of believers.

The "good work" mentioned refers to the transformative process of salvation and sanctification, beginning with faith in Jesus Christ and continuing through a Christian's life until its culmination.

The term "perform it" (or "will bring it to completion" in other translations) suggests a continuous action by God, indicating His active role in their spiritual growth.

The "day of Jesus Christ" is understood to mean the return of Christ, which is regarded as the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Historical Context

Philippians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia.

Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned, around AD 60-62.

The Philippian church had a special place in Paul's heart, as he founded it during his second missionary journey.

The historical context of this verse includes the early Christian understanding of eschatology (the study of end times) and the expectation of Christ's return.

The church faced various challenges, including persecution and internal disputes, and Paul's message sought to encourage and unify the believers.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints may interpret this verse in various ways:

• From a Calvinist perspective, this verse is often cited in support of the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, suggesting that God's sovereign grace ensures that those who are truly saved will persevere in faith until the end.
• An Arminian viewpoint may emphasize human cooperation with divine grace, seeing the completion of God's work as a synergistic process involving human faithfulness and God's empowerment.
• Catholic theology might see the "good work" as sanctifying grace, which God initiates in an individual through baptism and nurtures throughout their life, with the individual's response being necessary for its fruition.

Practical Applications

Philippians 1:6 can be applied to daily life in numerous ways: 1.

Encouragement in times of doubt, reminding believers that God is continually working in their lives even when progress seems slow or invisible. 2.

Inspiration to maintain a positive outlook when facing spiritual setbacks, trusting that God will ultimately complete His work. 3.

Motivation for moral and spiritual growth, recognizing that sanctification is an ongoing process that God is committed to finishing.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 1:12 (KJV): "Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it."
• 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV): "Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it."
• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (KJV): "Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts."

Language Study

The original Greek language provides a richer understanding of key terms in this verse:

• "He which hath begun" (ἐναρξάμενος) implies the initiation of an action.
• "A good work" (ἔργον ἀγαθὸν) typically signifies a morally good or beneficial act that is divinely inspired.
• "Will perform it" (ἐπιτελέσει) suggests bringing something to completion or perfection.
• "The day of Jesus Christ" (ἡμέραν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) denotes the eschatological event of Christ's second coming.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this Christian teaching to other ancient myths and religious beliefs:

• The notion of a deity completing a work in humans echoes some Greek myths where gods intervene in human lives to accomplish their divine plans.
• In Buddhism, the concept of ongoing spiritual growth toward enlightenment has some parallels to the Christian idea of God perfecting the believer, though it lacks the personal deity agent at work.
• Hinduism's idea of personal growth towards moksha (liberation) through various lives may contrast with the Christian one-life arc centered on divine intervention.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse contains no direct scientific claims, the concept of growth and completion can be metaphorically related to the scientific understanding of development and maturation in nature and human life, illustrating how an initiating event or cause can lead to a complex, unfolding process with an end goal.

Commentaries

Some biblical scholars and commentators have offered insights into Philippians 1:6:

• John Calvin spoke of this verse in terms of the assurance of salvation, emphasizing God's unending faithfulness and support until the day of final redemption.
• Matthew Henry considered this a comfort to the righteous, a warning to sinners, and an incentive for diligence in all Christians, as it assures believers of the certainty of God's good purpose.
• William Barclay noted that the verse teaches the continuing process of Christian growth, which is God's work in man, but also requires man's cooperation.