Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 1:6

"being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:" — Philippians 1:6 (ASV)

Of course, it was God who had produced their transformed lives by the work of regeneration. Even though Paul rejoiced in the Philippians’ generous gift and their evidences of spiritual growth, his confidence did not rest ultimately on them but on God, who would preserve them and enable them to reach the goal. The “good work” refers to the salvation begun at their conversion. God not only initiates this salvation, but continues it and guarantees its consummation at the glorious coming of Jesus Christ, which will vindicate both the Lord and his people. Nothing in this life or after death can prevent the successful accomplishment of God’s good work in every Christian.

“The day of Christ Jesus” is a phrase occurring six times in the NT (1 Corinthians 1:8; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Php 1:6, 10; 2 Corinthians 2:16). This expression is similar to the “day of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) and the OT “day of the LORD” (Amos 5:18–20). It will be the time when Christ returns for his church, salvation is finally completed, everyone’s works are examined, and believers are rewarded.