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Philippians 1:27
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;

Psalm 40:9
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalm 71:17
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

the word.

John 6:63,68
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you,they are spirit, andthey are life…

Acts 13:26
Menand brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

2 Timothy 2:15-17
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth…

that I may.

Philippians 1:26
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

2 Corinthians 1:14
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye alsoare ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 2:19
For whatis our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

that I have.

Isaiah 49:4
Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain:yet surely my judgmentis with the LORD, and my work with my God.

1 Corinthians 9:26
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Galatians 2:2
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

in order that I may boast on the day of Christ
Paul speaks of the "day of Christ," which refers to the future return of Jesus and the final judgment. This eschatological perspective is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing accountability and the fulfillment of God's promises (1 Corinthians 1:8,2 Corinthians 1:14). Paul's desire to "boast" is not in a prideful sense but as a reflection of his joy and fulfillment in seeing the fruits of his labor in the lives of the Philippians. This is similar to his sentiments in1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, where he considers the believers his "glory and joy."

that I did not run or labor in vain
Paul uses athletic and labor metaphors to describe his ministry efforts, common in his writings (1 Corinthians 9:24-27,Galatians 2:2). The imagery of running suggests a race with a goal, while labor implies hard work and perseverance. Paul expresses a deep concern that his efforts would be fruitful and not wasted, echoingIsaiah 49:4, where the servant of the Lord laments laboring in vain but ultimately trusts in God's justice. This reflects Paul's dedication to his mission and his desire for the Philippians to remain steadfast in their faith, ensuring that his work among them yields eternal results.

“ As you hold forth the word of life ” (Philippians 2:16) pictures believers extending God’s life-giving message like a torch into a dark world (Philippians 2:15).

– The “word” is the gospel that imparts eternal life (John 1:1–4;1 John 1:1–2).

– Holding it “forth” means both clinging to it personally (Psalm 119:105) and offering it publicly (Matthew 5:14–16;Acts 13:47).

– Scripture is reliable, sufficient, and authoritative for this task (2 Timothy 3:15–17).

By living and speaking the gospel consistently, the Philippians verify its power and keep the church’s witness vibrant.

Paul’s motive is “ in order that I may boast ” (compare2 Corinthians 1:14;1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).

– This is not self-centered pride but rejoicing in what Christ accomplished through his ministry (Romans 15:17-18).

– The faithfulness of the Philippians would be tangible evidence of God’s grace at work (Philippians 1:6).

– Their perseverance would vindicate Paul’s investment and encourage other believers (2 Corinthians 7:4).

The time of that boasting is “ on the day of Christ ” (Philippians 1:10;1 Corinthians 1:8).

– This “day” refers to Christ’s future return to judge and reward (2 Corinthians 5:10;2 Peter 3:12-14).

– Paul’s sights are set beyond present circumstances, anchoring hope in the certain, literal return of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

– Faithful service today gains eternal significance then (Matthew 25:21;Revelation 22:12).

Paul longs to know “ that I did not run or labor in vain .”

– “Run” evokes the athlete striving for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27;Hebrews 12:1-2).

– “Labor” highlights strenuous, sacrificial work (Colossians 1:28-29;1 Corinthians 15:10).

– Fruitful believers prove that such effort was purposeful, not empty (Galatians 2:2; 4:11).

– Their ongoing obedience safeguards them from drifting (Hebrews 3:14) and guarantees rewards for both pastor and people (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Philippians 2:16 calls Christians to grip and give out the life-giving gospel so visibly that, when Christ returns, both shepherds and sheep can rejoice together. As we faithfully shine and share Scripture, we ensure that every mile run and every ounce of labor counts for eternity.

The word of life.--The phrase "the word of life" is remarkable. Here it signifies, of course, the gospel of Christ. But the gradual progress of this expression should be noted. Of Him His disciples declared that He "has the words" (i.e.,the expressed words; see Note onEphesians 6:17) "of eternal life" (John 6:68); He Himself goes further, and declares that His words are themselves spirit and life (John 6:63); here the gospel, as giving that knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ which is "eternal life" (John 17:3), is a "word of life;" and all these lead up to the final declaration that He Himself is "the Word of life" (1John 1:1). . . .