Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds… I. COMMUNION IN SUFFERING. "In my bonds." These Philippians had to endure hardship in the cause of the gospel. Every Christian has to endure such hardships, either external or internal. Such conflicts are necessary links which unite us to the family of God. "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." II. COMMUNION IN MINISTRY. "In the defense and confirmation of the gospel." The little which we can do, each in our own restricted sphere, for the furtherance of God's kingdom, partakes of the character of the work of even a St. Paul, and brings us into communion with him. III. COMMUNION IN SYMPATHY. "I have you in my heart." However humble may be the work which we can do for God, or the sufferings which we can endure for him, if they are done or borne according to the ability which he has given us, they bring us into sympathy with all who in every age have sought to do like work and to endure like sufferings. IV. COMMUNION IN GRACE. "Ye all are partakers of my grace." As all the faithful are blessed with faithful Abraham (Galatians 2:9), even although their faith is but a faint shadow of his, so all workers and sufferers in God's service share in the blessing which has been bestowed upon apostles and martyrs. V. COMMUNION IN CHARITY. St. Paul speaks as if the fact that "all" were partakers of his grace depended upon his being able to speak thus of them "all." The want of unity among Christians deprives them of the full benefits of the communion of saints (Matthew 18:20; Acts 2:1; Acts 4:32). - V.W.H. Parallel Verses KJV: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. |
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