Philippians 1:5
“For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul gives thanks for the Philippians' partnership in the gospel, unbroken from the start until now.
What Does Philippians 1:5 Mean?
From the day Lydia opened her home and the first converts believed, the Philippians had thrown themselves into the work of spreading the good news, sharing in it through prayer, support, and their own witness. Paul calls this their fellowship in the gospel.
The word translated fellowship means a genuine sharing, a partnership where each gives and each is bound to the others. The Philippians were not spectators to Paul's mission but partners in it, and that bond had held firm across many years. The gospel still creates this kind of partnership, drawing strangers into common cause and lasting friendship. Faith was never meant to be carried alone; it joins us to others in a shared and lifelong work for Christ.
In the Original Language
koinonia (κοινωνία), 'fellowship' -- a sharing or partnership in which people hold something in common.