It is likely that the Philippians view the opposition they encounter as something negative. Paul shows the positive side. It has been granted to them by grace (as an undeserved favour) not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for him. Believing and suffering are both gifts of God. See also what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:10–12), and what is said about the apostles of Jesus in Acts 5:41; about Paul and Silas in Philippi in Acts 16:25; as well as in Romans 5:3, 1 Peter 4:12–13, and James 1:2. Obviously, Paul is not writing this about suffering in general, but specifically about suffering for Christ’s sake.
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,