Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
The same conflict is the opposition, disgrace, suffering, and unjust imprisonment endured at Philippi while establishing the church there. What had been seen in Paul there was that struggle of opposition and suffering, and the same kind of suffering was afterward appointed to others.
For Christ's sake it was given to believers not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him by enduring that same conflict. Believers share the same conflict and suffering for Christ that was seen in Paul and is now heard to be in him. The church at Philippi did not escape persecution after Paul left.
Paul's zeal and willingness to suffer for Christ exerted a deep and lasting influence, leading the converts to highly prize the truth he had sacrificed for and to give themselves in wholehearted devotion to Christ and to their Redeemer. Despite persecution they remained steadfast in the faith and in fellowship in the gospel from the first day. For that steadfast fellowship Paul thanked God with joy upon every remembrance of them. Trials do not prevent believers from representing Christ in character.
The same conflict is the opposition, disgrace, suffering, and unjust imprisonment endured at Philippi while establishing the church there. What had been seen in Paul there was that struggle of opposition and suffering, and the same kind of suffering was afterward appointed to others.
For Christ's sake it was given to believers not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for Him by enduring that same conflict. Believers share the same conflict and suffering for Christ that was seen in Paul and is now heard to be in him. The church at Philippi did not escape persecution after Paul left.
Paul's zeal and willingness to suffer for Christ exerted a deep and lasting influence, leading the converts to highly prize the truth he had sacrificed for and to give themselves in wholehearted devotion to Christ and to their Redeemer. Despite persecution they remained steadfast in the faith and in fellowship in the gospel from the first day. For that steadfast fellowship Paul thanked God with joy upon every remembrance of them. Trials do not prevent believers from representing Christ in character.