Paul and Timothy are writing to all the saints in Philippi, including their elders and deacons. In particular, Paul praises and gives thanks for their ‘partnership’ in the gospel. This word in Greek is the familiar ‘koinonia’. You’d think this word would be all over the place throughout the New Testament, but in fact it only occurs an ample nineteen times. In other places, it is translated as taking part, fellowship, contribution, and sharing. But most importantly, it speaks foremost of our mysterious union with Christ, in which we not only have his inheritance but also very HIMSELF; this mysterious transformation is based on the forensic (legal) transformation whereby God has announced us ‘righteous’ for the sake of Christ. From the forensic to the mysterious, there is the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives us faith to be ‘koinoniaed’ to Christ. This is why in v. 6, the partnership ‘they’ seem to be taking part in is called the work of one who started it and will carry on to the Day of Christ. This is indeed the Holy Spirit of God in Eph. 4:30, with whom we have been sealed for the day of complete redemption.

Lord, let me give thanks for the partnership I dare have with you, my Lord, because of Christ. Let me honour this unbelievable partnership by actively giving thanks whenever I remember the saints around me (v. 3).