Philippians 1:5

Fellowship. Gr. koinonia (see on Acts 2:42; Romans 15:26). Though koinonia is used in the larger sense of sympathetic cooperation, it also carries the meaning of “almsgiving,” and so possibly here in view of the Philippians’ generous contributions to Paul’s welfare (see Philippians 4:10, 15, 16). By now this is a well-tried fellowship of mutual love existing from the first day of his preaching the gospel among them, until the time of his writing. The thought of this holy friendship is a wellspring of unending joy to the apostle, particularly since he is in prison.

In the gospel. The gospel of Christ was responsible for the personal fellowship, but, more than that, their fellowship was in the furtherance of the gospel. Nothing else binds hearts so firmly together as does the common belief in the gospel and the sharing of the joys and sorrows of Christian life. This fellowship should result in united efforts to include others within its circle. Such efforts draw believers still more closely to one another.