New Testament
Philippians 2:16
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holding out the word of life. Then on the day of Christ, I'll have reason to be proud that I didn't run my race for nothing or work for nothing.
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Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
What Philippians 2:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul encourages the Philippians to actively share the message of the Gospel, which he refers to as the "word of life." By doing so, they contribute to the spread of faith and hope in Christ. Paul expresses his desire to rejoice on the day of Christ's return, knowing that his efforts in preaching and teaching were not in vain. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance in faith and the impact of their collective work. The imagery of 'holding out' suggests a proactive stance in sharing the truth of the Gospel, which can lead to spiritual growth and encouragement for both the giver and the receiver. Paul’s confidence in their efforts reflects his deep commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel and the joy that comes from seeing lives transformed through it. Ultimately, this verse serves as a reminder that our labor in faith has eternal significance, and it encourages believers to remain steadfast in their efforts to live out and share their faith.
How to apply Philippians 2:16 to your life
As believers, we are called to actively share our faith with others. This verse reminds us that our efforts in spreading the Gospel are meaningful and can lead to lasting change in people's lives. We should seek opportunities to hold out the word of life in our daily interactions.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Philippians 2:16
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Key themes
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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 2:16 mean?
Philippians 2:16 encourages believers to actively share the Gospel, referred to as the 'word of life.' Paul expresses hope that his efforts in preaching will not be in vain, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in faith and the collective impact of their work.
What is the meaning of 'holding out the word of life' in Philippians 2:16?
'Holding out the word of life' means actively sharing the message of the Gospel with others. It signifies a proactive approach to spreading faith and hope in Christ, which can lead to spiritual growth for both the giver and the receiver.
How does Philippians 2:16 relate to perseverance in faith?
This verse relates to perseverance in faith by reminding believers that their efforts in sharing the Gospel are meaningful and impactful. Paul expresses his desire to rejoice on the day of Christ, knowing that their labor in faith has eternal significance.
What themes are present in Philippians 2:16?
Key themes in Philippians 2:16 include Gospel proclamation, perseverance in faith, the eternal significance of our work, joy in ministry, collective effort, and spiritual growth. These themes highlight the importance of actively sharing faith and supporting one another.
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