New Testament
Philippians 1:6
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I am confident of this very thing, that God, who began a good work in you, will carry it on until the day of Jesus Christ.
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Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
What Philippians 1:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Philippians 1:6, Paul expresses his strong belief that God is actively working in the lives of believers. He reassures them that the good work God started in them—such as their faith, growth, and transformation—will not be abandoned. Instead, God will continue to nurture and develop this work until the return of Jesus Christ. This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and commitment to His people, assuring them that their spiritual journey is secure and ongoing. It highlights the idea that salvation and spiritual growth are not just one-time events but a continuous process. The phrase 'until the day of Jesus Christ' indicates that this work will be completed when Christ returns, reminding believers of the hope and future they have in Him. Overall, this verse encourages Christians to trust in God's ongoing work in their lives, reinforcing the belief that they are not alone in their spiritual journey.
How to apply Philippians 1:6 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in God's ongoing work in their lives. It reminds us to remain confident in our spiritual journey, knowing that God is actively shaping us. We can find comfort in the assurance that our growth and transformation will continue until Christ returns.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary · Philippians 1:6 Meaning
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Plain Meaning
Paul is confident that God, who started a good work in the Philippians, will keep working in them and finish that work by the day of Jesus Christ. The verse says God is the one who began the work, and God is the one who will complete it. The Philippians do not have to worry that the work will be left unfinished.
Read It in Context
Paul is thanking God for the Philippians and praying for them. In verse 5 he thanks them for their partnership in the gospel from the beginning until now. Verse 6 is the reason he is confident about them going forward: God started this, so God will see it through.
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At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 1:6 mean?
Philippians 1:6 expresses the belief that God will continue the good work He started in believers, ensuring their spiritual growth and transformation until the return of Jesus Christ.
What is the meaning of 'good work' in Philippians 1:6?
The 'good work' in Philippians 1:6 refers to the faith, growth, and transformation that God initiates in the lives of believers, indicating that their spiritual journey is an ongoing process.
How does Philippians 1:6 provide assurance to believers?
Philippians 1:6 provides assurance by emphasizing God's faithfulness, reminding believers that their spiritual journey is secure and that God will not abandon the work He has started in them.
What does 'until the day of Jesus Christ' mean in Philippians 1:6?
'Until the day of Jesus Christ' signifies that God's work in believers will continue until Christ's return, highlighting the hope and future that Christians have in Him.
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