Philippians 1:5

1 Peter 1:5 “for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now”

“For”: “In view of” (NASV). “What calls forth his grateful joy more particularly here is the energetic wholeheartedness with which the Philippian Christians had cooperated with him in the gospel since first he visited their city” (Bruce p. 31). “Fellowship”: Partnership and participation. “In furtherance of the gospel”: This "fellowship” included financial assistance (Philippians 4:15-18; 2 Corinthians 11:8), but it included more than this. “It certainly refers to their sympathy, common faith with Paul in the truths he had taught them, common sufferings they had endured for the truth, and the watchful interest with which they followed him and the prayers in his behalf, and the contributions sent to him” (Lipscomb p. 158). We must come to terms with the truth that the gospel cannot be furthered without the cooperation from God's own people. The gospel will not preach itself, and neither will it travel on its own. When one becomes. Christian one is making the commitment to do one's part to further the gospel message and support those who "do the leg work". The primary work of the Church is to proclaim the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). “From the first day until now”: The congregation in this city had existed from around 52 A.D. For the last ten years this congregation had faithfully backed Paul, even when he was not preaching to them personally.

As soon as the first person in Philippi (Lydia) had been converted she welcomed Paul and his companions into her home (Acts 16:14). The same was true of the Jailer (Acts 16:19). Seriously consider the zeal, unselfishness and commitment of this congregation. As soon as Paul had left Philippi for the very next town on his second journey, not one, but two separate contributions arrived from this congregation (1 Peter 4:16). On this same journey, while at Corinth more money came in (2 Corinthians 11:9). “The recent heroic mission of Epaphroditus, who had risked his very life in the interest of the good cause (Philippians 2:25)” (Hendriksen). Their love went deeper than just Paul, they loved the gospel! They gave beyond their means to help the needy saints in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1). When they gave it was given freely, cheerfully and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:2). “It was not. matter of fleeting impulse but of lasting principle. The very phrase ‘from the first day until present' stresses perseverance in spite of all obstacles. The prayers, the sympathies, the testimonies, the willingness to make. pecuniary contribution, all these had never ceased. The Philippians had not lost their first love during this entire decade” (Hendriksen pp. 53-54).

We are at times quick to forget that this church did not have. "large church budget" (2 Corinthians 8:1). What the members of. congregation make is not as important as their attitude toward giving and their dedication to spreading the gospel message. Giving is not. problem when members are "sold" on the importance of people hearing the gospel. This verse also reveals something about "fellowship". "Fellowship" is always "in" something. It does not constitute. separate category of it's own. Very simply, fellowship is "participation" in something. The "something" is always mentioned in the verse or context (Ephesians 5:11). If. do not "participate" in the local congregation, use my talents, financially support the work, and so on, then. do not really have fellowship, do I?. only have fellowship in the local church to the extent that. am willing to participate.