PHP 1:27-30

Worthy of the Gospel

27Only, conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I hear concerning you that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving together as one soul for the faith of the gospel,

28and not being frightened in anything by those who oppose you — which is to them a sign of destruction, but to you of salvation, and this from God.

29Because to you it has been granted, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him but also to suffer on his behalf,

30having the same contest you saw in me and now hear is in me.

In the world it was spoken into

In Philippi, a Roman colony, the term would have evoked the civic responsibilities of its citizens, emphasizing communal life and shared identity. The call to 'stand firm in one spirit' reflects the Greco-Roman ideal of unity and collective purpose, often seen in civic or military contexts. The phrase 'striving together' draws from athletic or military imagery, suggesting a shared struggle against opposition. The 'conflict' mentioned would have been understood as a public contest, whether in the arena or in civic disputes, where endurance and solidarity were paramount. Suffering for Christ would have resonated with Philippian Christians, who likely faced social ostracism or persecution for their allegiance to a crucified Messiah, contrasting sharply with Roman imperial values. The mention of Paul’s own suffering would have underscored the communal nature of their struggle, framing it as a shared honor in the face of societal opposition.

›See the receipts

How other translations render this

PHP 1:27

KJV: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
BSB: Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,
Koinōnos: Only, conduct yourselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I hear concerning you that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving together as one soul for the faith of the gospel,

PHP 1:28

KJV: And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
BSB: without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.
Koinōnos: and not being frightened in anything by those who oppose you — which is to them a sign of destruction, but to you of salvation, and this from God.

PHP 1:29

KJV: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
BSB: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him,
Koinōnos: Because to you it has been granted, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him but also to suffer on his behalf,

PHP 1:30

KJV: Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
BSB: since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
Koinōnos: having the same contest you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

PHP 1:27

do conduct yourselves,:The word translated 'do conduct yourselves' refers to living as a citizen, emphasizing one's public life and responsibilities within a community, much like a citizen of a city-state.
mind:The word translated 'mind' here often refers to the whole person, or the life-force itself, rather than just the intellectual faculty. It encompasses one's inner being and vitality.
striving together:The term 'striving together' evokes the imagery of athletes competing side-by-side in a contest or struggle, highlighting a shared, intense effort and partnership.

PHP 1:30

conflict:The word translated 'conflict' originally referred to a public assembly or gathering, specifically one where games or contests were held, implying a struggle or competition for a prize.