“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for him — Paul reframes suffering as charis (grace, gift), not curse: suffering for Christ is a privilege (echaristhē, given as gift). The structure ('not only... but also') elevates suffering: faith alone is insufficient; suffering extends faith into costly witness. This verse invokes a theology of vicarious representation: as Christ suffered, so his witnesses suffer. Suffering becomes identification with Christ.
Church Fathers on Philippians 1:29
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer in his behalf.” Again does he teach them moderation of spirit by referring all to God, and saying that sufferings in behalf of Christ are of grace, the gift of grace, a free gift. Be not then ashamed of the gift of grace, for it is more wonderful than the power of raising the dead, or working miracles; for there I am a debtor, but here I have Christ for my debtor. Wherefore…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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