Chapter
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Verse
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Philippians 1:7
ESV It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
NIV It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.
NASB For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.
CSB Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
NLT So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News.
KJV Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
NKJV just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

What does Philippians 1:7 mean?

In verse 6, Paul expresses his confidence that God will continue to sanctify the believers of the Philippian church. This conviction comes from Paul's trust in the power of Jesus Christ. And, it is supported by his experiences with the believers of Philippi. Paul knows that this is the correct view, because he was closely connected with these believers. He had lived among them for a time (Acts 16) and had apparently stayed in communication with them since those days.

Interestingly, the Greek phrase translated as "I hold you in my heart" can also mean, "you hold me in your heart." In context, Paul is clearly speaking about his feelings towards the Philippian church. However, this phrase shows how the connection between them was hardly one-sided.

These believers shared in Paul's ministry in two major areas. First, they shared in his imprisonment. Whether Paul was free to preach, or trapped in a prison cell, the Philippian Christians sent him their love and support. Many others would leave Paul during his ministry, yet the Philippians remained faithful. Second, they shared in his ministry of the gospel. This included defense (speaking against false teaching) and confirmation (positively presenting the gospel).
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