1:3-5
Many of Paul’s letters begin with prayers of thanksgiving,even the first letter to the Corinthians. Galatians is an exception to this, indicating how serious the matters in Galatia were. It is evident from this letter that Paul had a very good relationship with the Philippians. Paul thanked God for them because he saw the fruit of the gospel in them. The purpose of the gospel is to produce new life in people, this is what we should be looking for. And evidence of the new life is a life that is dedicated to Christ and is becoming ever more Christlike.
Joy is the hallmark of this letter, and Paul prayed with joy. He did so because of their partnership, or fellowship, in the gospel, right from the start. How did they have this fellowship? It started by repenting and turning to Christ. People who say they are Christians but do not repent are liars. It is evident from the rest of the letter that they actively supported Paul in his work. Note that Paul had spent a relatively short time in Philippi. It does not necessarily take a long time to establish a deep relationship.
1:6
The focus in the gospel is in what God has done. He has sent His Son into the world to die for our sins and to rise again. He works in our hearts to call us to Himself, and when we believe He gives us the Holy Spirit to continue the work of transformation in our lives. Note that it says “work in you”, the work of the gospel is not just external, ie what Jesus did on the cross, but internal, what the Holy Spirit does within us. So Paul is confident that God will carry this work forward to completion at the day of Christ Jesus. We can face many trials and pressures in life, but we can be confident, for it is God who is at work in us (2:12,13). There is also an end in sight, a day of completion. Jesus will return, and on that day all things will be brought to completion.
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