1. Philippians 1:24 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Whom does Paul have in view when saying "on your account"?

Philippians 1:24 (ESV)

24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.

For some it is a question whether the apostle’s words on your account (di’ hymas) refer only to the congregation at Philippi or, as Greijdanus and Gnilka believe,1,2 all the congregations the apostle founded. Matter considers the idea of the your as referring to all Christians to be simplistic and contrary to the personal character of the letter.3 When we consider Paul’s love for all the congregations it ought not to surprise us that he might have had the entire church in mind, including the congregation at Philippi. But indeed the apostle is here referring to the Philippians first and foremost. After all, the letter is addressed to them.4