Philippians 1:6
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:Philippians 1:6
What does Philippians 1:6 mean?
Paul expresses confidence that God, who began a good work in the Philippians, will carry it on to completion by the day of Christ. It's a promise of ongoing, faithful spiritual growth — not dependent on human perfection along the way.
Context
This verse is part of Paul's opening thanksgiving in his letter to the Philippians, a church he had a warm, affectionate relationship with. Paul expresses joy over their partnership in the gospel (vv.3-5) before grounding his confidence in their future not in their own consistency, but in God's ongoing work.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Bible study
- What does it mean that the 'good work' is something God 'began,' rather than something people started on their own?
- How does the promise that God will 'perform it until the day of Jesus Christ' shape how you view your own spiritual growth?
- Where do you need this kind of confidence — not in yourself, but in God's ongoing work in you?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
Lord, thank You for beginning a good work in me. I trust You to carry it on to completion, even when I don't feel finished or consistent. Amen.
Memorize this verse
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:
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Frequently asked questions
What is the context of this verse in Philippians?
It's part of Paul's opening thanksgiving, expressing joy over the Philippians' partnership in the gospel before grounding his confidence in God's ongoing work in them.
Does this verse mean believers don't need to grow or make effort?
It emphasizes God's faithfulness to complete the work He starts, which throughout Paul's letters works alongside — not instead of — a believer's active participation in spiritual growth.