What does Philippians 2:16 say Paul's joy in the day of Christ depends on?
Philippians 2:16 connects Paul's joy in the day of Christ to the Philippians holding forth the word of life. He rejoices if they continue in that word, so his labor was not in vain, neither his running nor his labor for them was empty.
Les explains that Philippians 2:16 reads, “holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” The joy Paul anticipates in the day of Christ is tied to the Philippians’ faithful holding forth of the word of life, so that his ministry among them would not prove empty. Les also points to verse 17, where Paul says if he is offered upon the sacrifice and service of their faith, he joys and rejoices with them all. The surrounding context shows Paul under constant persecution and pressure, yet full of joy and able to rejoice because of their faith, an inner thing. Les contrasts that with how spoiled believers today can be, asking what would happen if the tables turned and being a Christian brought arrest.
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
More Questions
What did Paul mean by rejoicing in the day of Christ in Philippians 2:16?
In Philippians 2:16 Paul's rejoicing in the day of Christ is tied to the Philippians holding forth the word of life, so that he had not run or labored in vain, and he even rejoiced at being offered upon the sacrifice and service of their faith.