All believers have received a gracious gift from God. It is the privilege of suffering for Jesus Christ. The Greek word echaristhe, translated "granted," comes from charis, meaning "grace." Few Christians view suffering for their testimony as a blessing, but that is really what it is. Suffering is one of the tools God uses to mold his children into vessels that bring glory to His Son (cf. James 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Suffering even perfected the Lord Jesus ( Hebrews 2:10). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 1:22-30 - Privileged To Suffer In Christ's Behalf
Our "manner of life" is all-important. In the open day and in the hours of darkness it must be worthy of the gospel. We must show ourselves to be of a heavenly tone and temper, as citizens of that "city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Lady Powerscourt used to say that she dwelt in heaven, but came down for a few hours each day to do her work on earth, returning home at night. Clearly, then, our dress, accent, and behavior should betray us as strangers and pilgrims who can well endure the discomfort of the inn or the troublous experiences of the place of our sojourn.
Notice that remarkable expression, For unto you if is given in the behalf of Christ"¦ to suffer, Philippians 1:29. This is an added honor conferred on us by our Lord. The King gives us the opportunity of lying in the stocks with Him, of standing at the same pillory, and of being crucified on the same Calvary. But those who have drunk of His cup shall share His throne. When earth and heaven shall pass away, His fellow-sufferers shall be His chosen body-guard and attendants in a world where all shall love and honor Him. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 1
1Paul testifies his thankfulness to God, and his love toward the Philippians, 9daily praying for their increase in grace; 12he shows what good the faith of Christ had received by his troubles at Rome; 21and how ready he is to glorify Christ either by his life or death; 27exhorting them to unity; 28and to fortitude in persecution
Greek Commentary for Philippians 1:29
In the behalf of Christ [το υπερ Χριστου] Literally, “the in behalf of Christ.” But Paul divides the idea and uses the article to again both with πιστευειν pisteuein and with πασχειν paschein Suffering in behalf of Christ is one of God‘s gifts to us. [source]
It is given - to suffer for His sake [ἐχαρίσθη τὸ ὑπὲρ - αὐοτῦ πάσχειν] Every word here is significant. Suffering is a gift of grace. “It is given” should be “it was given,” referring to the gift bestowed when they became Christians. Suffering was the marriage-gift when they were espoused to Christ: the bounty when they enlisted in His service. Becoming one with Him they entered into the fellowship of His suffering (Phlippians 3:10). The gift was not suffering as such. Its meaning and value lay in its being for His sake. The Macedonian churches, and the Philippian church especially, were preeminently suffering churches. See 2 Corinthians 8:2. [source]
What do the individual words in Philippians 1:29 mean?
Forto youit has been granted-concerningChristnotonlyinHimto believebutalsoHimto suffer
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: χαρίζομαι
Sense: to do something pleasant or agreeable (to one), to do a favour to, gratify.
Greek Commentary for Philippians 1:29
Literally, “the in behalf of Christ.” But Paul divides the idea and uses the article to again both with πιστευειν pisteuein and with πασχειν paschein Suffering in behalf of Christ is one of God‘s gifts to us. [source]
Every word here is significant. Suffering is a gift of grace. “It is given” should be “it was given,” referring to the gift bestowed when they became Christians. Suffering was the marriage-gift when they were espoused to Christ: the bounty when they enlisted in His service. Becoming one with Him they entered into the fellowship of His suffering (Phlippians 3:10). The gift was not suffering as such. Its meaning and value lay in its being for His sake. The Macedonian churches, and the Philippian church especially, were preeminently suffering churches. See 2 Corinthians 8:2. [source]