Philippians 1:7

It is meet. Rather, “it is right,” that is, morally right, on the basis of God’s procedures (v. 6) and the Philippians’ own qualities.

To think. Rather, “to be minded,” “to feel” (RSV), suggesting the state of Paul’s mind rather than an actual thought.

This. That is, the assurance of the Philippians’ complete salvation.

Of you all. Rather, “on behalf of you all.” Paul rarely thought detachedly: he was so vitally interested in his converts’ welfare that he thought in terms of their actual situations.

In my heart. Paul cites his love, his holding the believers in his heart, as justification of his high hopes on their behalf. He held these beloved converts in his heart because he could not be personally with them. He who enshrines his benefactors and his co-workers in his heart safeguards against selfishness. He who carries his brethren elsewhere than in his heart will soon wish to cast them out of his thinking.

In my bonds. A reference to his imprisonment in Rome (see p. 138).

Defence. Gr. apologia, “verbal defense,” “speech in defense.”

Confirmation. Gr. bebaidsis, “an establishing,” “a confirmation,” from bebaiod, “to make firm,” “to establish,” “to confirm.”

Partakers of my grace. Literally, “partakers [or, “sharers”] with me of the grace.” If this phrase is introduced earlier in the verse and the phrase “inasmuch as” is omitted, Paul’s meaning becomes clearer. The Philippians were sharers with the apostle in the grace of God. This grace had made them partakers, as it were, of his imprisonment by their sympathizing assistance and by their enduring persecution similar to what he endured. All this was for the sake of the gospel, for its defense against opponents, and for its confirmation among believers.