Philippians - A Painful Grace

In the opening prayer of Philippians, Paul is thanking God for the partnership (v5) of the church in the work of the gospel. He then goes on to explain that his affection for them is due to the fact that they are "all partakers with [him] of grace, both in [his] imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel" (v7). What can be easily overlooked is how Paul defines the grace. This is not the general "unmerited favor" flavor of grace. No, Paul tells the Philippians that this grace is expressed in two ways: they are sharing 1) in his imprisonment and 2) in defending and confirming the gospel. This is a painful grace.

To put it another way, I believe this is the type of grace that is given to those who suffer for Christ's sake. The Philippian church had been granted faith! And Paul wanted them to see that they were also "graced" with the honor to suffer for Christ (v29). Paul has affections toward them, because this is the heart of Christ, to be near to those who suffer for his sake.

Lord, may I fear no man, but trust that when suffering comes as a result of following you that you will grant me this grace, so that whether by life or by death you will be honored (v20). For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (v21).