In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Gospel reminders between fellow co-laborers keep us focused. Paul sends a letter to the Philippians who are dear to him and he reminds them of their corporate partnership in the gospel. He also encourages them by what he sees: Paul is certain that what they have among them will enable them to continue to work on, until Jesus’s return.
While Paul endured his own hurdles and barriers, he took time to send some people who were dear to him a gospel reminder. We all need someone—and to be someone—who reminds us what is promised for those who are called according to God’s purpose. The “yous” in Paul’s letter to the Philippians are plural. Whether they had corporate frustrations or individual hurdles, Paul gave them all both a reminder of what had happened and also the encouragement of what was to come.
First, he reminded them that what had happened was a corporate partnership. People in the city embraced the Gospel and its implications and the result was that they partnered with Paul in advancing the Gospel. Whether he was present with them or away they were active in supporting one another in this grace (Philippians 1:7). There was a reciprocity of prayer and love for one another. This reciprocity of love (Philippians 1:6; 4:1; 4:10) is what prompted the letter: Paul had received from the Philippians what they sent through another partner, Epaphroditus. He sent them a letter because of their support and repeatedly reminded them that they were working together.
Paul also reminded the Philippians of what was to come. It was clear that they needed this reminder: The one who has begun this noble work among you all (plural pronoun in the Greek language) will carry it through till the day of Christ Jesus. God will bring everything to completion.
We all need good reminders from time to time of the truth of the Gospel. It is encouraging that this body of believers partnered in such noble work with the apostle. It is inspiring that this body of believers in the city of Philippi gave and received with Paul although they were not rich. But what adds to the beauty of these reminders is that Paul was convinced that their work was not in vain.
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