Philippians 1:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

NIV: so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

NASB: so that you may discover the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and blameless for the day of Christ;

CSB: so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ,

NLT: For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.

KJV: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

NKJV: that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,

A growing love helps us "approve what is excellent." Paul also used the Greek word diapheronta, translated "excellent," in Romans 2:18.In 1 Corinthians 12:31, setting up 1 Corinthians 13, love is the "more excellent way." In Titus 3:8, Paul's teachings were as described excellent and profitable for all people.

Those who grow in love will be morally pure. Paul will again mention purity in Philippians 4:8, adding, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Paul also notes his goal for the Philippian believers to be "blameless" in Philippians 2:15. He considered himself "blameless" in the eyes of law, though it was only Christ who could make him blameless before the Lord (Philippians 3:6).

Similarly to verse 6, verse 10 refers to the "day of Christ." This may be a reference to the rapture, or to the beginning of the millennial kingdom. More likely, it is a general allusion to the hopeful future awaiting all true believers.

Philippians 1:3–11 is Paul's expression of thanks and gratitude for the believers of Philippi. Not only have they been generous in their support of Paul, they have been faithful even when he was imprisoned. Paul claims to thank God for these Christians in all of his prayers. At the same time, Paul has high hopes that the church of Philippi will continue to mature and strengthen their relationship with Christ.

In chapter 1, Paul thanks the Philippian believers for supporting his ministry. Even when Paul was jailed, or persecuted, they had been generous and loyal. Paul encourages these Christians by explaining that all of his suffering has been for a good cause. Even better, these attempts to persecute Paul have actually caused the gospel to spread. For this, Paul is grateful. He fully expects to be released, and to see the believers of Philippi again.

Chapter 1 introduces the major themes of Paul's letter. A large proportion of the passage is given to thanking the Philippian church for their loyal support of Paul. Paul also encourages them with a reminder that, good or bad, anything a Christian experiences can be used for the glory of God. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter, where Paul will continue to stress the importance of living out the Christian life. This, he says, starts with having a proper attitude and approach.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.