Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion….
—Philippians 2:1
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
– Philippians 1:27
The Greek word for “encouragement” in this verse is paraklesis. This word includes the root klesis, which means “calling” (Kittel, p. 394). The thought is one of purposeful support, that is, we walk alongside others to strengthen them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27).
Adapted from Philippians: That I May Gain Christ, pages 91-92.
Tomorrow: “Encouragement in Christ” (4)