Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 1:29

29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ , not onely to believe on him , but also to suffer for his sake .

He adds a further argument to move them unto that he had exhorted, from God's freely bestowing of his mere grace what he had required of them.

Upon the account of Christ's Merit, and Mediation; not that they could have either Evangelical Faith, or Patience, by virtue of their own strength, ch. 4.13.

That they did not onely believe Christ, but believe on him, was not from any power of their own, Ioh. 6.37, 44. but of God's free gift, Eph. 2.8. as they had an instance amongst them in Lydia, Act. 16.14. unto Her and others was this victorious Grace of Faith freely given by the hearing of the Word, which was not unto many others that heard, Mat. 13.11. 2 Thess. 3.2. Tit. 1.1. and as the grace it self was given, so was the exercise of it.

Sith, upon the account of Christ, patience was given, so that to suffer here, doth not onely import a power to suffer, but actual suffering; not onely the habit of Faith, but the act of Believing, even as the Fruits of Trees at the first Creation were produced, aswell as the Trees which had a power to hear them: wherefore, if by the Grace of God, and Spirit of Faith, they were impowred actually to believe, Mark 9.24. 1 Cor. 15.10. 2 Cor. 4.13. having trust through Christ God-ward, 2 Cor. 3.4. and upon the same account they were continually enabled to suffer not simply, but in bearing testimony to Christ, Act. 5.41. 1 Pet. 3.14. & 4.16. They might be of good comfort and courage, to the daunting of their Adversaries.

Marginal references: Act. 5.41.