Welcome to the first part of our series, "Piece of Work."
Here is today's text:

(Philippians 1:1-11) This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and deacons.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 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. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 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. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Dive Deeper with PB's Personal Commentary. Click Here.
The Bible Breakdown: Philippians 01.

Overall Commentary: 🌎

The book of Philippians is a joyful letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, written while he was in prison. It encourages believers to live with humility, unity, and joy in Christ, regardless of circumstances. Paul highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of selfless service and reminds readers that true contentment comes from knowing Him.

There are so many things to enjoy about this book. Here are a few to give context:

The people of Philippi were very loyal to the Roman Empire. Most of the inhabitants were retired military. This is why Paul mentions the courts of Caesar and the military guard.
Paul teaches about joy, contentment, and God doing a work in their lives while sitting in jail.
Philippi was the first church Paul planted in Europe.
The city was named after Alexander the Great's father.
The city's ruins are still available today.

Commentary.

Verse 1-2. We're All In This Together.

Verse 1.

"Paul and Timothy"- It was customary to begin a Roman letter by stating who the letter was from. Timothy's name is mentioned because they would have known who he was, and possibly to inform the people that Timothy had written the letter while Paul dictated the content.
"Slaves of Christ Jesus"- The word "slave" is often translated as servant due to the negative connotation the word has in modern culture. During that time, it showed that they served the Lord completely.

Verse 2.

"All God's Holy people... who belong to Christ Jesus."- This reminds us that Paul is writing to the Christian church.
"Church leaders and deacons." All the church is included. Paul reminds them of his servanthood and their leadership.

Verse 3-8. God Has a Plan.

Verse 3-4- Paul shows his sincere love and thankfulness.

Verse 5- Many scholars believe Philippi was Paul's most loyal church. While Paul normally did not receive payment for his position of leadership, they had supported him in times past.

Verse 6- Paul reminds the church that God is author and finisher of our faith. God is the one who begins the work in us and continues the work until we are finally mature in Christ.

Verse 6- "Return of Christ"- Jesus has said He will return one day to restore all things. Paul is saying that He will never stop growing, developing, renewing, and setting free His Church... even until the day He returns.

Verse 7-8- During this time, it would have been considered a shame for Paul to be in prison. However, the church has continued to stand with Paul and have supported him while he could not support himself.

Verse 9-11. Stand Strong.

Verse 9- "Keep growing in knowledge and understanding."

Knowledge- Acquiring information. Study.
Understanding- Knowing how to use knowledge. Wisdom.

Verse 10- “What really matters"- Paul is remind the church there so many things that get in the way and cloud our judgement. Understanding God's Word creates a filter system in our lives to keep the good and take away all that is unhelpful.

Verse 11- “fruit of your salvation"- One of the greatest miracles is that salvation does not come from obedience. Salvation produces obedience. Salvation is about surrender.