Philippians 1:5,6 - He who began a good work

1:5

So why does Paul have this attitude of thankfulness and joy? It is because the Philippians have been partners with him in the gospel. They supported him when he first went to Philippi, and while he was in prison they sent money to him. Churches are always wanting to build up unity, and often go about this in ways which are focused on unity itself. The Biblical way is that unity is achieved (or, perhaps better expressed as saying “maintained”, Eph 4:3) by our being Christ focused, and focused on doing the work of the gospel.

1:6

There may have been concerns that the Philippians were struggling,maybe losing their first love. Paul will later give them instruction relating to this, but he is confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion”.  Note that Paul’s confidence is founded in God. Christ is our basis for everything. We should be looking and praying for God to work in people’s lives. It does not mean that we don’t do anything, far from it! Rather it means that unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain (Ps 127:1).