Salutation

Paul et Timothée[a], serviteurs de Jésus-Christ, saluent tous ceux qui, par leur union à Jésus-Christ, sont membres du peuple saint, et qui vivent à Philippes[b], ainsi que les dirigeants de l’Eglise et les diacres[c].

Que la grâce et la paix vous soient accordées par Dieu notre Père et par le Seigneur Jésus-Christ.

Prière de reconnaissance

J’exprime à mon Dieu ma reconnaissance chaque fois que je pense à vous ; je prie pour vous tous en toute occasion, et c’est toujours avec joie que je le fais. Oui, je remercie Dieu pour votre solidarité qui, depuis le premier jour jusqu’à maintenant, a contribué à l’annonce de l’Evangile. Et, j’en suis fermement persuadé : celui qui a commencé en vous son œuvre bonne la poursuivra jusqu’à son achèvement au jour de Jésus-Christ.

Tels sont mes sentiments envers vous tous ; et il est juste que je les éprouve ; en effet, vous occupez une place particulière dans mon cœur, car vous prenez tous une part active à la grâce que Dieu m’accorde, aussi bien quand je suis enchaîné dans ma cellule[d] que lorsque je défends l’Evangile et que je l’établis fermement. Oui, Dieu m’en est témoin : je vous aime tous de l’affection que vous porte Jésus-Christ[e].

Et voici ce que je demande dans mes prières : c’est que votre amour gagne de plus en plus en pleine connaissance et en parfait discernement 10 pour que vous puissiez discerner ce qui est important. Ainsi vous serez purs et irréprochables au jour de Christ, 11 où vous paraîtrez devant lui chargés d’œuvres justes, ce fruit que Jésus-Christ aura produit en vous, à la gloire et à la louange de Dieu.

Nouvelles de Paul et de son ministère

12 Je tiens à ce que vous le sachiez, frères et sœurs : ce qui m’est arrivé a plutôt servi la cause de l’Evangile. 13 En effet, toute la garde prétorienne et tous les autres savent que c’est parce que je sers Christ que je suis en prison. 14 De plus, mon emprisonnement a encouragé la plupart des frères et sœurs à faire confiance au Seigneur ; aussi redoublent-ils d’audace pour annoncer sans crainte la Parole de Dieu[f]. 15 Quelques-uns, il est vrai, sont poussés par la jalousie et par un esprit de rivalité. Mais d’autres annoncent Christ dans un bon esprit. 16 Ces derniers agissent par amour. Ils savent que si je suis ici, c’est pour défendre l’Evangile. 17 Quant aux premiers, ils annoncent Christ dans un esprit de rivalité[g], avec des motifs qui ne sont pas innocents : ils veulent rendre ma captivité encore plus pénible.

18 Qu’importe, après tout ! De toute façon, que ce soit avec des arrière-pensées ou en toute sincérité, Christ est annoncé, et je m’en réjouis. Mieux encore : je continuerai à m’en réjouir. 19 Car je suis certain que toutes ces épreuves aboutiront à mon salut, grâce à vos prières pour moi et à l’assistance de l’Esprit de Jésus-Christ.

20 Car ce que j’attends et que j’espère de toutes mes forces, c’est de n’avoir à rougir de rien mais, au contraire, maintenant comme toujours, de manifester en ma personne, avec une pleine assurance, la grandeur de Christ, soit par ma vie, soit par ma mort. 21 Pour moi, en effet, la vie, c’est Christ, et la mort est un gain. 22 Mais si je continue à vivre dans ce monde, alors je pourrai encore porter du fruit par mon activité. Je ne sais donc pas que choisir.

23 Je suis tiraillé de deux côtés : j’ai le désir de quitter cette vie pour être avec Christ, car c’est, de loin, le meilleur. 24 Mais il est plus nécessaire que je demeure dans ce monde à cause de vous. 25 Cela, j’en suis convaincu. Je sais donc que je resterai et que je demeurerai parmi vous tous, pour contribuer à votre progrès et à votre joie dans la foi. 26 Ainsi, lorsque je serai de retour chez vous, vous aurez encore plus de raisons, à cause de moi, de placer votre fierté en Jésus-Christ.

Le combat pour la foi

27 Quoi qu’il en soit, menez une vie digne de l’Evangile de Christ, en vrais citoyens de son royaume. Ainsi, que je vienne vous voir ou que je reste loin de vous, je pourrai apprendre que vous tenez bon, unis par un même esprit, luttant ensemble d’un même cœur pour la foi fondée sur l’Evangile, 28 sans vous laisser intimider en rien par les adversaires. C’est pour eux le signe qu’ils courent à leur perte, et pour vous celui que vous êtes sauvés. Et cela vient de Dieu. 29 Car en ce qui concerne Christ, Dieu vous a accordé la grâce, non seulement de croire en lui, mais encore de souffrir pour lui. 30 Vous êtes en effet engagés dans le même combat que moi, ce combat que vous m’avez vu soutenir[h] et que je soutiens encore maintenant, comme vous le savez.

Footnotes

  1. 1.1 Timothée a collaboré avec Paul à la fondation de l’Eglise à Philippes (Ac 16). Il est auprès de l’apôtre au moment de la rédaction de la lettre.
  2. 1.1 Philippes était une colonie romaine en Macédoine (4.15). Paul y avait fondé l’Eglise lors de son deuxième voyage missionnaire (voir Ac 16.12).
  3. 1.1 Le mot grec qui a donné par francisation le mot diacre signifiait serviteur. Il est devenu, dans certaines des Eglises primitives, un titre désignant sans doute des assistants des dirigeants des Eglises.
  4. 1.7 Paul est en prison soit à Ephèse ou à Césarée, soit à Rome où il a été transféré et enchaîné dans la prison du prétoire en vue de son procès.
  5. 1.8 Autre traduction : qui me vient de Jésus-Christ.
  6. 1.14 Les mots : de Dieu sont absents de certains manuscrits.
  7. 1.17 Autre traduction : égoïsme.
  8. 1.30 Allusion aux persécutions endurées par l’apôtre lors de la fondation de l’Eglise à Philippes (Ac 16.19-24).

From Paul and Timothy [2:19–24; Acts 16:1–5; 1 Cor. 16:10–11; 1 and 2 Timothy], ·servants [slaves; bondservants] of Christ Jesus.

To all of ·God’s holy people [T the saints] in Christ Jesus who live in Philippi [C a city located in Macedonia, present-day northern Greece; Acts 16], including your ·overseers [T bishops; C perhaps the same as elders] and ·deacons [servants; ministers]:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer

I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying with joy for all of you. I thank God for ·the help you gave me [L your partnership/participation] in ·spreading the Good News [L the Good News/Gospel] from the first day you believed until now. God began doing a good work in you, and I am ·sure [confident; persuaded] he will continue it until it is ·finished [completed; perfected] ·when Jesus Christ comes again [L on the day of Christ Jesus; C the final day of judgment and reward].

And I know that I am right to think like this about all of you, because ·I have you in my [or you have me in your] heart. All of you ·share [are partners/co-sharers] in God’s grace with me while I am in ·prison [chains; C Paul is probably writing from house arrest in Rome, about ad 60; see Acts 28:30–31] and while I am defending and ·proving the truth of [confirming] the ·Good News [Gospel]. [L For] God ·knows [L is my witness] that I ·want [long] to see you very much, because I love all of you with the ·love [affection] of Christ Jesus.

This is my prayer for you: that your love will ·grow [increase; abound] more and more; that you will have knowledge and ·understanding [insight; discernment] with your love; 10 that you will ·see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good [L discern/test and prove what is best]; that you will be pure and ·without wrong [blameless] ·for the coming [in the day; v. 6] of Christ; 11 that you will be filled with the ·good things produced in your life by Christ [L fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ] to bring glory and praise to God.

Paul’s Troubles Help the Work

12 I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to ·spread [advance] the ·Good News [Gospel]. 13 All the ·palace guards [imperial guard; L praetorium; C Caesar’s elite troops] and everyone else knows that I am in ·prison [chains] ·because I am a believer in [or for the cause of] Christ. 14 Because I am in prison, most of the ·believers [L brothers (and sisters)] have become more ·bold [confident] in the Lord and ·are not afraid [L dare without fear] to speak the word of God.

15 It is true that some preach about Christ because of ·jealousy [envy] and ·ambition [rivalry], but others preach about Christ because ·they want to help [of good will/intentions]. 16 They preach because they have love, and they know that ·God gave me the work of [I have been appointed for; or I have been put here (in prison) for] defending the ·Good News [Gospel]. 17 But the others preach about Christ for ·selfish [selfish ambition; or rivalry] and ·wrong reasons [not sincerely], wanting to make trouble for me in ·prison [my chains].

18 ·But it doesn’t matter [What difference does it make? or What is the result? L For what?]. The important thing is that in every way, whether ·for right or wrong reasons [from false motives or true], they are preaching about Christ. So ·I am happy [L in this I rejoice], ·and [indeed] I will continue to ·be happy [rejoice]. 19 Because I know ·this trouble [L this] will ·bring my [result in] ·freedom [deliverance; or salvation], through your prayers and the ·help of [support from] the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 I expect and hope that I will not ·fail Christ in [L be ashamed about] anything but that I will have the ·courage [boldness] now, as always, ·to show the greatness of Christ [or so that Christ will be exalted] in my ·life here on earth [L body], whether I live or die. 21 [L For] To me ·the only important thing about living [L to live] is Christ, and ·dying would be profit for me [L to die is gain/profit]. 22 If I continue living in my ·body [flesh], ·I will be able to work for the Lord [L this is productive/fruitful work for me]. I do not know what to choose—living or dying. 23 ·It is hard to choose [I am torn/hard pressed] between the two. I ·want [desire; long] to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better, 24 but ·you need me here [or it is better for you that I remain] in ·my body [the flesh]. 25 Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you ·to help you grow and have [L for your progress/success and] joy in your faith. 26 [L …so that] ·You will be very happy [or Because of me, your confidence/pride will increase; L Your boasting in me will abound] in Christ Jesus when I am with you again.

27 ·Only one thing concerns me [or Whatever happens; L Only]: Be sure that you ·live [conduct yourselves; live as citizens] in a way that ·brings honor to [is worthy of] the ·Good News [Gospel] of Christ. ·Then [L …so that] whether I come and ·visit [see] you or am away from you, I will hear that you are standing strong ·with one purpose [with one spirit; or in the one Spirit], that you work together ·as one [with one mind/soul] for the faith ·of [or that is; or in] the ·Good News [Gospel], 28 and that you are not ·frightened [intimidated] in any way by ·those who are against you [your opponents]. All of this is ·proof [evidence; a sign] that ·your enemies [they] will be destroyed but that you will be saved. And ·this salvation [or this proof/evidence/sign; L this] is from God. 29 ·God gave you the honor [L For it has been granted/given to you] not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for him. 30 You yourselves are having the same kind of struggles that you saw ·I had when I was with you [L in me], and ·you hear that I am still having now [L now hear in me].

Paul and Timothy,(A) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people(B) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,(C) together with the overseers(D) and deacons[a]:(E)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

I thank my God every time I remember you.(G) In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray(H) with joy because of your partnership(I) in the gospel from the first day(J) until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion(K) until the day of Christ Jesus.(L)

It is right(M) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart(N) and, whether I am in chains(O) or defending(P) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify(Q) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love(R) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,(S) 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,(T) 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness(U) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains(V) for Christ. 14 And because of my chains,(W) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(X)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.(Y) 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,(Z) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.(AA) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers(AB) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ(AC) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d](AD) 20 I eagerly expect(AE) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage(AF) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,(AG) whether by life or by death.(AH) 21 For to me, to live is Christ(AI) and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart(AJ) and be with Christ,(AK) which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy(AL) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm(AM) in the one Spirit,[e] striving together(AN) as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you(AO) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer(AP) for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle(AQ) you saw(AR) I had, and now hear(AS) that I still have.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  2. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
  3. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
  4. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
  5. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit

Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

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:

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.

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Greeting

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the [a]bishops and (A)deacons:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness and Prayer

(B)I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in (C)every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, (D)for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun (E)a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness (F)which are by Jesus Christ, (G)to the glory and praise of God.

Christ Is Preached

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident (H)to the whole [b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

19 For I know that (I)this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but (J)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life (K)or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [d]cannot tell. 23 [e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a (L)desire to depart and be with Christ, which is (M)far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that (N)your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Striving and Suffering for Christ

27 Only (O)let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, (P)with one mind (Q)striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [f]to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you (R)it has been granted on behalf of Christ, (S)not only to believe in Him, but also to (T)suffer for His sake, 30 (U)having the same conflict (V)which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 1:1 Lit. overseers
  2. Philippians 1:13 Or Praetorium
  3. Philippians 1:16 NU reverses vv. 16 and 17.
  4. Philippians 1:22 do not know
  5. Philippians 1:23 NU, M But
  6. Philippians 1:28 NU of your salvation