Paul recognized Christ as the source of all his own power, hence there is no element of boasting here. All that needed to be done could be done by Christ-given strength. When the divine commands are faithfully followed, the Lord makes Himself responsible for the success of the work undertaken by the Christian (COL 333, 363; 8T 16). In Christ there is strength to fulfill duty, power to resist temptation, vigor to endure affliction, patience to suffer without complaint. In Him there is grace for daily growth, courage for multiplied battles, energy for devoted service.

Rather, “in Christ.” Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the name “Christ,” but “Christ” is implied in Paul’s language (see following comment).

Gr. ischuō, “to have power,” “to be able.”