King James Version

What Does Philippians 1:29 Mean?

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake ;”

Context

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;

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake ;

Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

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Topics in This Verse

Faith

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **For** (or, *because*) **unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ.**—The force lies, first, in the phrase “it is given” (rather, *it was given, *from the beginning)—for the original signifies “it was granted as a privilege” or “favour” (as in Acts 27:24; 1Corinthians 2:12; Galatians 3:18)—and next in the words “on behalf of Christ.” The fearlessness of the Christian is a gift of God, not an inherent stoic self-sufficiency. It rests indeed upon the sense that it is a privilege to suffer (see Acts 5:41) in the cause of truth, yet still more on the belief that such suffering is for no abstract principle, but on behalf of Christ and with Christ. (See Philippians 2:17-18.) **Not only to believe . . .**—The original shows that St. Paul speaks as if he originally intended simply to say “it is given on behalf of Christ to suffer.” But to show whence the impulse of that brave willingness to suffer proceeds, he inserts “not only to believe on Him,” and then finishes the sentence, “but on His behalf to suffer.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 1:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.