John Chrysostom

"I thank my God," he says, "upon all my remembrance of you." He said in another of his writings, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief." If then the "grief" be due to the wickedness of the disciples, the doing it "with joy" would be due to their advancement. As often as I remember you, I glorify God. But this he does from his being conscious of many good things in them. …

Homily on Philippians 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Every time I remember you, says the apostle (and this I do always), I glorify God for the fact that you have advanced so much in virtue.

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then he begins the letter's message, in which he does two things: first, he gives thanks for past benefits; secondly, he urges them to continue making progress (1:12). In regard to the first: first, he gives thanks for them; secondly, he mentions the subject matter (1:5). First, therefore, he expresses thanks along with joy and a prayer. And so, touching these three things he says, I thank my God. To give thanks is to acknowledge a favor conferred on oneself: "Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess. 5:18). …

Commentary on Philippians ↗