points out the recurrent theme in Philippians of Christian growth being ascribed simultaneously to God’s activity and to enrolling the believer’s own efforts (note especially 2:12–13). Most importantly, however, God has ‘begun the good work’ in them, and he is sure to complete it (see below on 2:13 and cf. similarly 1 Thess. 5:24; Ep. Arist. 195, 239; also 1 Cor. 1:8–9). God’s good work in these Christians, then, is to make them active participants in the gospel and its benefits. This participation