Philippians 1:29-30 29Because it has been granted to you not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him, 30struggling in the same that you saw in me and now hear in me.
These verses show another connection of the Philippian church to Paul in the form of a generalized statement. Paul informs them that their lifestyle of courage for the gospel would bring opposition to them, just as his own ministry had brought suffering to him. He states this in an unusual way. He says that this suffering has been granted (echaristhē) to them. This word is shares the same root as “grace,” which is a gift of God. This verb is passive, with God as the assumed actor.
They have been given two gifts, stated in the form of two articular infinitives: to believe and to suffer. The article in front of these infinitives make these more than actions (verbal nuance) with emphasis more on the outcome (noun nuance). These are actions that produce certain experiences and character development. God gives the gift of faith to all people. Theologians call this “prevenient grace.” This grace overcomes total depravity that keeps people from any good in their lives. God shines light into every person and plants the seed of faith. It is then up to people to allow this seed to grow by following the light. This light will lead to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
The challenging part of this statement is how suffering is also a gift from God. Jesus warned his disciples in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world.” To believe in Christ will make us different from the people around us. Some of these people will not like us because as people of light, we will expose the darkness in their own souls. The world rejects the light because of the deep depravity and rebellion against God that remains in the unsaved hearts of people.
How is suffering a gift? Verse 30 suggests that it binds believers together. We realize that our suffering is shared by other believers. It is a privilege to bear the name of Christ and a greater privilege to suffer for this badge. There is a special strength God gives to those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. Those who suffer will inherit God’s kingdom and receive an eternal reward because they have learned to depend upon God and not themselves (Matthew 5:10-12). It is difficult to see suffering as a gift when we are in the middle of it. Paul is setting a high goal for the Philippians and encouraging them to grow closer to God in their faith and closer to one another in their unity. They will find strength together to stand firm against opposition.
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