1:7a

In Greek this verse begins with a conjunction meaning “just as, for.” The Berean Standard Bible moves it to the beginning of 1:7b to make more natural English, but if it is more natural in your language to use such a connection in 1:7a, you should do so.

It is right: This means “it is proper, it is appropriate, it is good.” In some languages it may be better to put it in the negative; for example, “it is not strange.”

feel this way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates feel is translated as “think” in most contexts. It refers to the activity of the mind and will, and is not just an emotion. The phrase this way refers back to all the things that Paul had said about why he was thankful for the Philippians in 1:3–6.

I have you in my heart: This Greek idiom means “I love you very much.”

1:7b–c

For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel: The Greek is literally “in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” Neither the Greek nor the Berean Standard Bible translation means that Paul was in prison at one time and proclaimed the gospel at another time. Even while he was in prison, he was proclaiming the gospel. It is therefore better not to follow the Good News Translation here (“both now that I am in prison and also while I was free to defend…”).

1:7b

in my chains: The phrase in…chains translates a Greek idiom for being in prison. But it also implies that the guards literally tied Paul up or chained him to something so he could not escape.

1:7c

my defense and confirmation of the gospel: It is possible to interpret this phrase two ways:

(1) It refers to a court trial. Paul defended the gospel and proved its truth in a Roman court.

(2) It refers more generally to any time Paul was explaining the gospel and showing why it was true.

Paul may have had both of these in mind, and in some languages the translation can allow for both interpretations. However, if you must choose, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

my defense…of the gospel: This means that Paul was explaining why the gospel was not false. He tried to remove objections and to show that criticisms of the gospel were wrong.

confirmation of the gospel: This means basically the same thing as “defense…of the gospel,” but from a positive angle: Paul was explaining why the gospel was true. In your translation, you may need to combine the ideas “defense” and confirmation into one phrase. For example:

explaining to enemies of the good news why it is true beyond doubt

1:7d

you are all partners in grace with me: In Greek this literally says “sharers of me of grace.” It is therefore not clear how the word meaning “of me” (or “my”) is connected to the rest of the phrase. There are two possibilities:

(1) It is connected to the word “sharers.” This means that Paul and the Philippians shared together in God’s grace. The word grace thus refers to God’s goodness toward Paul and the Philippians, a goodness that he showed in letting them work for him. For example:

We have shared together the blessings of God (New Living Translation (2004))

(2) It is connected to the word grace. In this case “my” grace means the special grace that God gave to Paul as an apostle. The Philippians shared in Paul’s grace by supporting him financially. For example:

All of you have helped in the work that God has given me (Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1). God was kind to both Paul and the Philippians and gave them the privilege of working together to spread the gospel.

General Comment on 1:7b–d

It may be clearer in some languages to alter the order of the phrases in 1:7b–d and to place 1:7d before 1:7b–c. One way to do this would be:

God is kindly allowing us to work together ⌊in telling the good news about Jesus Christ,⌋ whether I am in prison or whether I am defending the good news and proving/showing that the good news is true.

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