Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 1:4

"always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy," — Philippians 1:4 (ASV)

Paul begins his letter by thanking God for his readers—a pattern followed in all his letters except Galatians. With the Philippians Paul had a warm relationship, and this tone is established at the outset of the letter. By stating his thanks to “my God,” the author reveals his personal devotion. This was no stereotyped formula, but the natural outflow from the heart of a deeply spiritual man. The thanksgiving was prompted by the joyous memory Paul had of his Philippian friends. “Joy” (a word used five times in this letter, with “rejoice” occurring seven times) permeated his prayers even while he prayed for their needs.