Chapter 1

1Commends the Philippians for their respect to those who suffered for the Gospel; and for their own faith . POLYCARP, and the presbyters that are with him, to the church of God which is at Philippi: mercy unto you and peace from God Almighty; and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, be multiplied.
2I rejoiced greatly with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye received the images of a true love, and accompanied, as it is behooved you, those who were in bonds, becoming saints; which are the crowns of such as are truly chosen by God and our Lord:
3As also that the root of the faith which was preached from ancient times, remains firm in you to this day; and brings forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered himself to be brought even to the death for our sins.
4Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, whom having not seen, ye love; in whom though now ye see him not, yet believing ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
5Into which many desire to enter; knowing that by grace ye are saved; not by works, but by the will of God through Jesus Christ.
6Wherefore girding up the loins of your minds; serve the Lord with fear, and in truth: laying aside all empty and vain speech, and the error of many; believing in him that raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and hath given him glory and a throne at his right hand.
7To whom all things are made subject, both that are in heaven, and that are in earth; whom every living creature shall worship; who shall come to be the judge of the quick and dead.: whose blood God shall require of them that believe in him.
8But he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also raise up us in like manner, if we do his will and walk according to his commandments; and love those things which he loved:
9Abstaining from all unrighteousness; Click to enlarge (Left) MARRIAGE OF CANA IN GALILEE. (Right) THE BURIAL OF CHRIST. FROM LATIN MANUSCRIPTS OF THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY. inordinate affection, and love of money; from evil speaking; false witness; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, or striking for striking, or cursing for cursing.
10But remembering what the Lord has taught us saying, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; forgive and ye shall be forgiven; be ye merciful, and ye shall obtain mercy; for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.
11And again, that blessed are the poor, and they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of God.