STRONGS NT 1728a: ἐνγράφωἐνγράφω, see ἐν, III. 2 and 3.

The verb translated “to begin” appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, both times in Pauline letters. In each instance Paul anchors the believer’s experience of salvation to a divine initiative that continues toward completion.

Contextual Clarity: Beginning in the Spirit (Galatians 3:3)

“Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh?” Galatians 3:3

Paul rebukes the Galatians for reverting to law-keeping after the Spirit’s gracious work had already inaugurated their life in Christ. The term signals an unmistakable contrast between a God-initiated beginning and a man-centered attempt to finish. By selecting this rare verb, Paul reminds the churches that spiritual birth is neither self-generated nor self-sustained; any effort to perfect what God has launched by reverting to human effort is folly. The verse thus grounds the doctrine of sanctification in the same grace that effects justification, maintaining the unity and consistency of the gospel.

Pastoral Assurance: God’s Unfinished Work (Philippians 1:6)

“…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Here the same verb is used to instill confidence. The “good work” describes both individual transformation and corporate partnership in gospel advance (Philippians 1:5). Paul’s certainty rests not in human resolve but in the character of the One who initiates. The word choice for “began” links the church’s present trials to a prior, sovereign act of God and to an eschatological goal. By pairing the verb with “will continue to perfect,” Paul draws a straight line from conversion to glorification, emphasizing the reliability of divine perseverance.

Divine Initiative in Salvation and Sanctification

Across both passages, the underlying theology is clear: salvation is God’s project from inception to completion. What begins by the Spirit cannot be finished by the flesh; neither can it be thwarted by suffering or time. The believer’s assurance rests on an unbroken chain of divine action: election, calling, justification, sanctification, and final glorification (Romans 8:29-30). The rare verb therefore functions as a linguistic beacon, highlighting God’s primordial act that secures every subsequent stage.

Continuity from Old Testament Foundations

Old Testament narratives repeatedly attribute “beginnings” to the Lord—creation (Genesis 1:1), covenant initiation with Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3), and temple construction under Solomon (1 Kings 6:1). In each case God both starts and sustains His purposes. The New Testament usage carries that same covenantal logic into the new covenant era: what God commences, He completes.

Relation to Teleioō (to Perfect) and Christian Perseverance

In Philippians 1:6, the verb for “began” stands in tandem with teleioō (“to perfect”), framing the Christian life as a project headed toward an appointed culmination. The coupling of the two terms reinforces the biblical doctrine of perseverance of the saints: persistence is guaranteed not by human fidelity but by divine faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Historical Witness in Early Church Teaching

Early Christian writers like Ignatius of Antioch echoed Paul’s confidence, urging believers to “run in harmony with the mind of God,” certain that He who starts faith will bring it to its goal. The patristic consensus saw no division between initiation and completion; baptism, Eucharist, and discipleship were viewed as outworkings of a single divine beginning.

Ministry Application for Today

1. Assurance in discipleship: Pastors can ground believers’ confidence in the God who began their salvation, countering both legalism and despair.
2. Perseverance in mission: Church planters and missionaries derive courage from knowing that every authentic gospel work originates with God and will reach its intended harvest (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).
3. Holiness without legalism: Sanctification is pursued not to finish what God started but because God is actively finishing it within the believer (Philippians 2:12-13).
4. Pastoral counseling: Those struggling with sin are reminded that their account is not complete; the Author who penned the first line will write the final chapter.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1728 shines a spotlight on the divine initiative that launches and guarantees the believer’s journey. Whether warning against self-reliance or offering steadfast hope, its two appearances proclaim a single truth: the God who begins is the God who completes.