Philippians 1:27
What does Philippians 1:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Philippians 1:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Philippians 1:27 means
Paul urges them to conduct themselves as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ, whether he can visit or not. This worthy walk includes standing firm in one Spirit and striving together with one soul for the faith of the gospel. Their unity and steadfastness are the visible proof that the gospel has transformed them. They must not depend on Paul’s presence to be faithful. The language evokes disciplined teamwork and shared resolve. The church is to be a cohesive body, energized by the Spirit, contending for the truth in love. Such a corporate witness adorns the gospel before a watching world.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Only 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;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Only worthily of the good news of the Christ conduct ye yourselves, that, whether having come and seen you, whether being absent I may hear of the things concerning you, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul, striving together for the faith of the good news,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Only let your conversation be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you, or, being absent, may hear of you, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind labouring together for the faith of the gospel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Only conduct yourselves worthily of the glad tidings of the Christ, in order that whether coming and seeing you, or absent, I may hear of what concerns you, that ye stand firm in one spirit, with one soul, labouring together in the same conflict with the faith of the glad tidings;
Context
Having discussed his own situation, Paul now exhorts the church. The focus moves from Paul’s chains to their conduct. Unity and perseverance begin the list because the following verses will address adversaries (verse 28) and suffering (verses 29–30). Whether or not Paul can come, he wants to hear that they stand together for the gospel. This sets the frame for fearless courage and a theology of suffering as grace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called,
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
- Colossians 1:10
to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
- Philemon 1:5
hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;
- Romans 10:8
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:
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