1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
1 Paul G3972 and G2532 Timotheus, G5095 the servants G1401 of Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 to all G3956 the saints G40 in G1722 Christ G5547 Jesus G2424 which are G5607 at G1722 Philippi, G5375 with G4862 the bishops G1985 and G2532 deacons: G1249
2 Grace G5485 be unto you, G5213 and G2532 peace, G1515 from G575 God G2316 our G2257 Father, G3962 and G2532 from the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547
3 I thank G2168 my G3450 God G2316 upon G1909 every G3956 remembrance G3417 of you, G5216
4 Always G3842 in G1722 every G3956 prayer G1162 of mine G3450 for G5228 you G5216 all G3956 making G4160 request G1162 with G3326 joy, G5479
5 For G1909 your G5216 fellowship G2842 in G1519 the gospel G2098 from G575 the first G4413 day G2250 until G891 now; G3568
6 Being confident G3982 of this G5124 very thing, G846 that G3754 he which hath begun G1728 a good G18 work G2041 in G1722 you G5213 will perform G2005 it until G891 the day G2250 of Jesus G2424 Christ: G5547
7 Even as G2531 it is G2076 meet G1342 for me G1698 to think G5426 this G5124 of G5228 you G5216 all, G3956 because G1223 I have G2192 you G5209 in G1722 my G3165 heart; G2588 inasmuch as both G5037 in G1722 my G3450 bonds, G1199 and G2532 in the defence G627 and G2532 confirmation G951 of the gospel, G2098 ye G5209 all G3956 are G5607 partakers G4791 of my G3450 grace. G5485
8 For G1063 God G2316 is G2076 my G3450 record, G3144 how G5613 greatly I long after G1971 you G5209 all G3956 in G1722 the bowels G4698 of Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547
9 And G2532 this G5124 I pray, G4336 that G2443 your G5216 love G26 may abound G4052 yet G2089 more G3123 and G2532 more G3123 in G1722 knowledge G1922 and G2532 in all G3956 judgment; G144
10 That G1519 ye G5209 may approve G1381 things that are excellent; G1308 that G2443 ye may be G5600 sincere G1506 and G2532 without offence G677 till G1519 the day G2250 of Christ; G5547
11 Being filled G4137 with the fruits G2590 of righteousness, G1343 which G3588 are by G1223 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 unto G1519 the glory G1391 and G2532 praise G1868 of God. G2316
12 But G1161 I would G1014 ye G5209 should understand, G1097 brethren, G80 that G3754 the things which happened unto G2596 me G1691 have fallen out G2064 rather G3123 unto G1519 the furtherance G4297 of the gospel; G2098
13 So that G5620 my G3450 bonds G1199 in G1722 Christ G5547 are G1096 manifest G5318 in G1722 all G3650 the palace, G4232 and G2532 in all G3956 other G3062 places;
14 And G2532 many G4119 of the brethren G80 in G1722 the Lord, G2962 waxing confident G3982 by my G3450 bonds, G1199 are much more G4056 bold G5111 to speak G2980 the word G3056 without fear. G870
15 Some G5100 indeed G3303 preach G2784 Christ G5547 even G2532 of G1223 envy G5355 and G2532 strife; G2054 and G1161 some G5100 also G2532 of G1223 good will: G2107
16 The one G3303 preach G2605 Christ G5547 of G1537 contention, G2052 not G3756 sincerely, G55 supposing G3633 to add G2018 affliction G2347 to my G3450 bonds: G1199
17 But G1161 the other of G1537 love, G26 knowing G1492 that G3754 I am set G2749 for G1519 the defence G627 of the gospel. G2098
18 What G5101 then? G1063 notwithstanding, G4133 every G3956 way, G5158 whether G1535 in pretence, G4392 or G1535 in truth, G225 Christ G5547 is preached; G2605 and G2532 I G5463 therein G1722 G5129 do rejoice, G5463 yea, G235 and G2532 will rejoice. G5463
19 For G1063 I know G1492 that G3754 this G5124 shall turn G576 to G1519 my G3427 salvation G4991 through G1223 your G5216 prayer, G1162 and G2532 the supply G2024 of the Spirit G4151 of Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547
20 According G2596 to my G3450 earnest expectation G603 and G2532 my hope, G1680 that G3754 in G1722 nothing G3762 I shall be ashamed, G153 but G235 that with G1722 all G3956 boldness, G3954 as G5613 always, G3842 so now G3568 also G2532 Christ G5547 shall be magnified G3170 in G1722 my G3450 body, G4983 whether G1535 it be by G1223 life, G2222 or G1535 by G1223 death. G2288
21 For G1063 to me G1698 to live G2198 is Christ, G5547 and G2532 to die G599 is gain. G2771
22 But G1161 if G1487 I live G2198 in G1722 the flesh, G4561 this G5124 is the fruit G2590 of my labour: G2041 G3427 yet G2532 what G5101 I shall choose G138 I wot G1107 not. G3756
23 For G1063 I am in a strait G4912 betwixt G1537 two, G1417 having G2192 a desire G1939 to G1519 depart, G360 and G2532 to be G1511 with G4862 Christ; G5547 which is far G4183 G3123 better: G2908
24 Nevertheless G1161 to abide G1961 in G1722 the flesh G4561 is more needful G316 for G1223 you. G5209
25 And G2532 having this G5124 confidence, G3982 I know G1492 that G3754 I shall abide G3306 and G2532 continue G4839 with you G5213 all G3956 for G1519 your G5216 furtherance G4297 and G2532 joy G5479 of faith; G4102
26 That G2443 your G5216 rejoicing G2745 may be more abundant G4052 in G1722 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 for G1722 me G1698 by G1223 my G1699 coming G3952 to G4314 you G5209 again. G3825
27 Only G3440 let your conversation be G4176 as it becometh G516 the gospel G2098 of Christ: G5547 that G2443 whether G1535 I come G2064 and G2532 see G1492 you, G5209 or G1535 else be absent, G548 I may hear G191 of your G5216 affairs, G4012 that G3754 ye stand fast G4739 in G1722 one G1520 spirit, G4151 with one G3391 mind G5590 striving together G4866 for the faith G4102 of the gospel; G2098
28 And G2532 in G1722 nothing G3367 G3361 terrified G4426 by G5259 your adversaries: G480 which G3748 is G2076 to them G846 G3303 an evident token G1732 of perdition, G684 but G1161 to you G5213 of salvation, G4991 and G2532 that G5124 of G575 God. G2316
29 For G3754 unto you G5213 it is given G5483 in the behalf G5228 of Christ, G5547 not G3756 only G3440 to believe G4100 on G1519 him, G846 but G235 also G2532 to suffer G3958 for G5228 his sake; G846 G5228
30 Having G2192 the same G846 conflict G73 which G3634 ye saw G1492 in G1722 me, G1698 and G2532 now G3568 hear G191 to be in G1722 me. G1698
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you,
4 always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,
5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now;
6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 even as it is right for me to be thus minded on behalf of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers with me of grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
10 so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;
11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things `which happened' unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel;
13 so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest;
14 and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
16 the one `do it' of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel;
17 but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.
18 What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be put to shame, but `that' with all boldness, as always, `so' now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if to live in the flesh, --`if' this shall bring fruit from my work, then what I shall choose I know not.
23 But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better:
24 yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith;
26 that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you and be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;
28 and in nothing affrighted by the adversaries: which is for them an evident token of perdition, but of your salvation, and that from God;
29 because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:
30 having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
1 Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with overseers and ministrants;
2 Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I give thanks to my God upon all the remembrance of you,
4 always, in every supplication of mine for you all, with joy making the supplication,
5 for your contribution to the good news from the first day till now,
6 having been confident of this very thing, that He who did begin in you a good work, will perform `it' till a day of Jesus Christ,
7 according as it is righteous for me to think this in behalf of you all, because of my having you in the heart, both in my bonds, and `in' the defence and confirmation of the good news, all of you being fellow-partakers with me of grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ,
9 and this I pray, that your love yet more and more may abound in full knowledge, and all judgment,
10 for your proving the things that differ, that ye may be pure and offenceless -- to a day of Christ,
11 being filled with the fruit of righteousness, that `is' through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things concerning me, rather to an advancement of the good news have come,
13 so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to the other places -- all,
14 and the greater part of the brethren in the Lord, having confidence by my bonds, are more abundantly bold -- fearlessly to speak the word.
15 Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ;
16 the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ do proclaim, not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds,
17 and the other out of love, having known that for defence of the good news I am set:
18 what then? in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed -- and in this I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.
19 For I have known that this shall fall out to me for salvation, through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Christ Jesus,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, and in all freedom, as always, also now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death,
21 for to me to live `is' Christ, and to die gain.
22 And if to live in the flesh `is' to me a fruit of work, then what shall I choose? I know not;
23 for I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart, and to be with Christ, for it is far better,
24 and to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account,
25 and of this being persuaded, I have known that I shall remain and continue with you all, to your advancement and joy of the faith,
26 that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence again to you.
27 Only worthily of the good news of the Christ conduct ye yourselves, that, whether having come and seen you, whether being absent I may hear of the things concerning you, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul, striving together for the faith of the good news,
28 and not terrified in anything by those opposing, which to them indeed is a token of destruction, and to you of salvation, and that from God;
29 because to you it was granted, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also on behalf of him to suffer;
30 the same conflict having, such as ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
1 Paul and Timotheus, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with [the] overseers and ministers;
2 grace to you, and peace from God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God for my whole remembrance of you,
4 constantly in my every supplication, making the supplication for you all with joy,
5 because of your fellowship with the gospel, from the first day until now;
6 having confidence of this very thing, that he who has begun in you a good work will complete it unto Jesus Christ's day:
7 as it is righteous for me to think this as to you all, because ye have *me* in your hearts, and that both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad tidings ye are all participators in my grace.
8 For God is my witness how I long after you all in [the] bowels of Christ Jesus.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in full knowledge and all intelligence,
10 that ye may judge of and approve the things that are more excellent, in order that ye may be pure and without offence for Christ's day,
11 being complete as regards the fruit of righteousness, which [is] by Jesus Christ, to God's glory and praise.
12 But I would have you know, brethren, that the circumstances in which I am have turned out rather to the furtherance of the glad tidings,
13 so that my bonds have become manifest [as being] in Christ in all the praetorium and to all others;
14 and that the most of the brethren, trusting in [the] Lord through my bonds, dare more abundantly to speak the word of God fearlessly.
15 Some indeed also for envy and strife, but some also for good will, preach the Christ.
16 These indeed out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings;
17 but those out of contention, announce the Christ, not purely, supposing to arouse tribulation for my bonds.
18 What is it then? at any rate, in every way, whether in pretext or in truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, yea, also I will rejoice;
19 for I know that this shall turn out for me to salvation, through your supplication and [the] supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ;
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but in all boldness, as always, now also Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death.
21 For for me to live [is] Christ, and to die gain;
22 but if to live in flesh [is my lot], this is for me worth the while: and what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 But I am pressed by both, having the desire for departure and being with Christ, [for] [it is] very much better,
24 but remaining in the flesh [is] more necessary for your sakes;
25 and having confidence of this, I know that I shall remain and abide along with you all, for your progress and joy in faith;
26 that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus through me by my presence again with you.
27 Only conduct yourselves worthily of the glad tidings of the Christ, in order that whether coming and seeing you, or absent, I may hear of what concerns you, that ye stand firm in one spirit, with one soul, labouring together in the same conflict with the faith of the glad tidings;
28 and not frightened in anything by the opposers, which is to them a demonstration of destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God;
29 because to you has been given, as regards Christ, not only the believing on him but the suffering for him also,
30 having the same conflict which ye have seen in me, and now hear of in me.
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers{The word translated "overseers" (episkopos) can also be translated superintendents, guardians, curators, or bishops.} and deacons{Or, servants}:
2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,
4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,
5 for your partnership{The word translated "partnership" (koinonia) also means "fellowship" and "sharing."} in furtherance of the Gospel from the first day until now;
6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.
8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;
10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;
11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now I desire to have you know, brothers,{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Gospel;
13 so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
14 and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.
16 The former insincerly preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel.
18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.
19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.
23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.
25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
26 that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Gospel of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Gospel;
28 and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.
29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,
30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the Bishops and Deacons of the church:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I give praise to my God at every memory of you,
4 And in all my prayers for you all, making my request with joy,
5 Because of your help in giving the good news from the first day till now;
6 For I am certain of this very thing, that he by whom the good work was started in you will make it complete till the day of Jesus Christ:
7 So it is right for me to take thought for you all in this way, because I have you in my heart; for in my chains, and in my arguments before the judges in support of the good news, making clear that it is true, you all have your part with me in grace.
8 For God is my witness, how my love goes out to you all in the loving mercies of Christ Jesus.
9 And my prayer is that you may be increased more and more in knowledge and experience;
10 So that you may give your approval to the best things; that you may be true and without wrongdoing till the day of Christ;
11 Being full of the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
12 Now it is my purpose to make clear to you, brothers, that the cause of the good news has been helped by my experiences;
13 So that it became clear through all the Praetorium, and to all the rest, that I was a prisoner on account of Christ;
14 And most of the brothers in the Lord, taking heart because of my chains, are all the stronger to give the word of God without fear.
15 Though some are preaching Christ out of envy and competition, others do it out of a good heart:
16 These do it from love, conscious that I am responsible for the cause of the good news:
17 But those are preaching Christ in a spirit of competition, not from their hearts, but with the purpose of giving me pain in my prison.
18 What then? only that in every way, falsely or truly, the preaching of Christ goes on; and in this I am glad, and will be glad.
19 For I am conscious that this will be for my salvation, through your prayer and the giving out of the stored wealth of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 In the measure of my strong hope and belief that in nothing will I be put to shame, but that without fear, as at all times, so now will Christ have glory in my body, by life or by death.
21 For to me life is Christ and death is profit.
22 But if I go on living in the flesh--if this is the fruit of my work--then I do not see what decision to make.
23 I am in a hard position between the two, having a desire to go away and be with Christ, which is very much better:
24 Still, to go on in the flesh is more necessary because of you.
25 And being certain of this, I am conscious that I will go on, yes, and go on with you all, for your growth and joy in the faith;
26 So that your pride in me may be increased in Christ Jesus through my being present with you again.
27 Only let your behaviour do credit to the good news of Christ, so that if I come and see you or if I am away from you, I may have news of you that you are strong in one spirit, working together with one soul for the faith of the good news;
28 Having no fear of those who are against you; which is a clear sign of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God;
29 Because to you it has been given in the cause of Christ not only to have faith in him, but to undergo pain on his account:
30 Fighting the same fight which you saw in me, and now have word of in me.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible » Commentary on Philippians 1
Commentary on Philippians 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 1
Php 1:1-30. Inscription. Thanksgiving and Prayers for the Flourishing Spiritual State of the Philippians. His Own State at Rome, and the Result of His Imprisonment in Spreading the Gospel. Exhortation to Christian Consistency.
1. Timotheus—mentioned as being well known to the Philippians (Ac 16:3, 10-12), and now present with Paul. Not that Timothy had any share in writing the Epistle; for Paul presently uses the first person singular, "I," not "we" (Php 1:3). The mention of his name implies merely that Timothy joined in affectionate remembrances to them.
servants of Jesus Christ—The oldest manuscripts read the order, "Christ Jesus." Paul does not call himself "an apostle," as in the inscriptions of other Epistles; for the Philippians needed not to be reminded of his apostolic authority. He writes rather in a tone of affectionate familiarity.
all—so Php 1:4, 7, 8, 25; Php 2:17, 26. It implies comprehensive affection which desired not to forget any one among them "all."
bishops—synonymous with "presbyters" in the apostolical churches; as appears from the same persons being called "elders of the Church" at Ephesus (Ac 20:17), and "overseers" (Ac 20:28), Greek, "bishops." And Tit 1:5, compare with Php 1:7. This is the earliest letter of Paul where bishops and deacons are mentioned, and the only one where they are separately addressed in the salutation. This accords with the probable course of events, deduced alike from the letters and history. While the apostles were constantly visiting the churches in person or by messengers, regular pastors would be less needed; but when some were removed by various causes, provision for the permanent order of the churches would be needed. Hence the three pastoral letters, subsequent to this Epistle, give instruction as to the due appointment of bishops and deacons. It agrees with this new want of the Church, when other apostles were dead or far away, and Paul long in prison, that bishops and deacons should be prominent for the first time in the opening salutation. The Spirit thus intimated that the churches were to look up to their own pastors, now that the miraculous gifts were passing into God's ordinary providence, and the presence of the inspired apostles, the dispensers of those gifts, was to be withdrawn [Paley, "Horæ Paulinæ]. "Presbyter," implied the rank; "bishop," the duties of the office [Neander]. Naturally, when the apostles who had the chief supervision were no more, one among the presbyters presided and received the name "bishop," in the more restricted and modern sense; just as in the Jewish synagogue one of the elders presided as "ruler of the synagogue." Observe, the apostle addresses the Church (that is, the congregation) more directly than its presiding ministers (Col 4:17; 1Th 5:12; Heb 13:24; Re 1:4, 11). The bishops managed more the internal, the deacons the external, affairs of the Church. The plural number shows there was more than one bishop or presbyter, and more than one deacon in the Church at Philippi.
2. Grace … peace—The very form of this salutation implies the union of Jew, Greek, and Roman. The Greek salutation was "joy" (chairein), akin to the Greek for "grace" (charis). The Roman was "health," the intermediate term between grace and peace. The Hebrew was "peace," including both temporal and spiritual prosperity. Grace must come first if we are to have true peace.
from … from—Omit the second "from": as in the Greek, "God our Father" and "the Lord Jesus Christ," are most closely connected.
3. Translate, "In all my remembrance of you."
4. making request—Translate, "making my request."
for you all—The frequent repetition in this Epistle of "all" with "you," marks that Paul desires to declare his love for all alike, and will not recognize any divisions among them.
with joy—the characteristic feature in this Epistle, as love is in that to the Ephesians (compare Php 1:18; Php 2:2, 19, 28; 3:1; 4:1, 4). Love and joy are the two first-fruits of the Spirit. Joy gives especial animation to prayers. It marked his high opinion of them, that there was almost everything in them to give him joy, and almost nothing to give him pain.
5. Ground of his "thanking God" (Php 1:3): "For your (continued) fellowship (that is, real spiritual participation) in (literally, 'in regard to') the Gospel from the first day (of your becoming partakers in it) until now." Believers have the fellowship of the Son of God (1Co 1:9) and of the Father (1Jo 1:3) in the Gospel, by becoming partakers of "the fellowship of the Holy Ghost" (2Co 13:14), and exercise that fellowship by acts of communion, not only the communion of the Lord's Supper, but holy liberality to brethren and ministers (Php 4:10, 15, "communicated … concerning giving"; 2Co 9:13; Ga 6:6; Heb 13:16, "To communicate forget not").
6. confident—This confidence nerves prayers and thanksgivings (Php 1:3, 4).
this very thing—the very thing which he prays for (Php 1:4) is the matter of his believing confidence (Mr 11:24; 1Jo 5:14, 15). Hence the result is sure.
he which hath begun—God (Php 2:13).
a good work—Any work that God begins, He will surely finish (1Sa 3:12). Not even men begin a work at random. Much more the fact of His beginning the work is a pledge of its completion (Isa 26:12). So as to the particular work here meant, the perfecting of their fellowship in the Gospel (Php 1:5; Ps 37:24; 89:33; 138:8; Joh 10:28, 29; Ro 8:29, 35-39; 11:1, 2 Heb 6:17-19; Jas 1:17; Jude 24). As God cast not off Israel for ever, though chastening them for a time, so He will not cast off the spiritual Israel (De 33:3; Isa 27:3; 1Pe 1:5).
perform it until—"perfect it up to" [Alford, Ellicott, and others].
the day of … Christ—(Php 1:10). The Lord's coming, designed by God in every age of the Church to be regarded as near, is to be the goal set before believers' minds rather than their own death.
7. meet—Greek, "just."
to think this—to have the prayerful confidence I expressed (Php 1:4-6).
of you—literally, "in behalf of you." Paul's confident prayer in their behalf was that God would perfect His own good work of grace in them.
because, &c.—Punctuate and translate, "Because I have you in my heart (so Php 1:8; otherwise the Greek and the words immediately following in the verse, favor the Margin, 'Ye have me in your heart … being partakers of my grace') (both, in my bonds, and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel), you (I say) all being fellow partakers of my grace." This last clause thus assigns the reason why he has them in his heart (that is, cherished in his love, 2Co 3:2; 7:3), even in his bonds, and in his defense and confirmation of the Gospel (such as he was constantly making in private, Ac 28:17-23; his self-defense and confirmation of the Gospel being necessarily conjoined, as the Greek implies; compare Php 1:17), namely, "inasmuch as ye are fellow partakers of my grace": inasmuch as ye share with me in "the fellowship of the Gospel" (Php 1:5), and have manifested this, both by suffering as I do for the Gospel's sake (Php 1:28-30), and by imparting to me of your substance (Php 4:15). It is natural and right for me thus confidently to pray in your behalf. (Ellicott, and others translate, "To be thus minded for you all"), because of my having you in my warmest remembrances even in my bonds, since you are sharers with me in the Gospel grace. Bonds do not bind love.
8. Confirmation of Php 1:7.
record—that is, witness.
in the bowels of Jesus Christ—"Christ Jesus" is the order in the oldest manuscripts. My yearning love (so the Greek implies) to you is not merely from natural affection, but from devotedness to Christ Jesus. "Not Paul, but Jesus Christ lives in Paul; wherefore Paul is not moved in the bowels (that is, the tender love, Jer 31:20) of Paul, but of Jesus Christ" [Bengel]. All real spiritual love is but a portion of Christ's love which yearns in all who are united to Him [Alford].
9. The subject of his prayer for them (Php 1:4).
your love—to Christ, producing love not only to Paul, Christ's minister, as it did, but also to one another, which it did not altogether as much as it ought (Php 2:2; 4:2).
knowledge—of doctrinal and practical truth.
judgment—rather, "perception"; "perceptive sense." Spiritual perceptiveness: spiritual sight, spiritual hearing, spiritual feeling, spiritual taste. Christianity is a vigorous plant, not the hotbed growth of enthusiasm. "Knowledge" and "perception" guard love from being ill-judged.
10. Literally, "With a view to your proving (and so approving and embracing) the things that excel" (Ro 2:18); not merely things not bad, but the things best among those that are good; the things of more advanced excellence. Ask as to things, not merely, Is there no harm, but is there any good, and which is the best?
sincere—from a Greek root. Examined in the sunlight and found pure.
without offence—not stumbling; running the Christian race without falling through any stumbling-block, that is, temptation, in your way.
till—rather, "unto," "against"; so that when the day of Christ comes, ye may be found pure and without offense.
11. The oldest manuscripts read the singular, "fruit." So Ga 5:22 (see on Ga 5:22); regarding the works of righteousness, however manifold, as one harmonious whole, "the fruit of the Spirit" (Eph 5:9) Jas 3:18, "the fruit of righteousness" (Heb 12:11); Ro 6:22, "fruit unto holiness."
which are—"which is by (Greek, 'through') Jesus Christ." Through His sending to us the Spirit from the Father. "We are wild and useless olive trees till we are grafted into Christ, who, by His living root, makes us fruit-bearing branches" [Calvin].
12. understand—Greek, "know." The Philippians probably had feared that his imprisonment would hinder the spread of the Gospel; he therefore removes this fear.
the things which happened unto me—Greek, "the things concerning me."
rather—so far is my imprisonment from hindering the Gospel. Faith takes in a favorable light even what seems adverse [Bengel] (Php 1:19, 28; Php 2:17).
13. my bonds in Christ—rather as Greek, "So that my bonds have become manifest in Christ," that is, known, as endured in Christ's cause.
palace—literally, "Prætorium," that is, the barrack of the Prætorian guards attached to the palace of Nero, on the Palatine hill at Rome; not the general Prætorian camp outside of the city; for this was not connected with "Cæsar's household," which Php 4:22 shows the Prætorium here meant was. The emperor was "Prætor," or Commander-in-Chief; naturally then the barrack of his bodyguard was called the Prætorium. Paul seems now not to have been at large in his own hired house, though chained to a soldier, as in Ac 28:16, 20, 30, 31, but in strict custody in the Prætorium; a change which probably took place on Tigellinus becoming Prætorian Prefect. See Introduction.
in all other places—so Chrysostom. Or else, "TO all the rest," that is, "manifest to all the other" Prætorian soldiers stationed elsewhere, through the instrumentality of the Prætorian household guards who might for the time be attached to the emperor's palace, and who relieved one another in succession. Paul had been now upwards of two years a prisoner, so that there was time for his cause and the Gospel having become widely known at Rome.
14. Translate as Greek, "And that (Php 1:13) most of the brethren in the Lord," &c. "In the Lord," distinguishes them from "brethren after the flesh," Jewish fellow countrymen. Ellicott translates, "Trusting in the Lord."
by my bonds—encouraged by my patience in bearing my bonds.
much more bold—Translate as Greek, "are more abundantly bold."
15. "Some indeed are preaching Christ even for envy, that is, to carry out the envy which they felt towards Paul, on account of the success of the Gospel in the capital of the world, owing to his steadfastness in his imprisonment; they wished through envy to transfer the credit of its progress from him to themselves. Probably Judaizing teachers (Ro 14:1-23; 1Co 3:10-15; 9:1, &c.; 2Co 11:1-4).
some also of—rather, "for"
good will—answering to "the brethren" (Php 1:14); some being well disposed to him.
16, 17. The oldest manuscripts transpose these verses, and read, "These (last) indeed out of love (to Christ and me), knowing (the opposite of 'thinking' below) that I am set (that is, appointed by God, 1Th 3:3) for the defense of the Gospel (Php 1:7, not on my own account). But the others out of contention (or rather, 'a factious spirit'; 'cabal'; a spirit of intrigue, using unscrupulous means to compass their end; 'self-seeking' [Alford]) proclaim (the Greek is not the same as that for 'preach,' but, 'announce') Christ, not sincerely (answering to 'but of a spirit of intrigue,' or 'self-seeking'). Literally, 'not purely'; not with a pure intention; the Jewish leaven they tried to introduce was in order to glorify themselves (Ga 6:12, 13; however, see on Php 1:18), thinking (but in vain) to raise up (so the oldest manuscripts read) tribulation to my bonds." Their thought was, that taking the opportunity of my being laid aside, they would exalt themselves by their Judaizing preaching, and depreciate me and my preaching, and so cause me trouble of spirit in my bonds; they thought that I, like themselves, sought my own glory, and so would be mortified at their success over mine. But they are utterly mistaken; "I rejoice" at it (Php 1:18), so far am I from being troubled at it.
18. What follows from this? Does this trouble me as they thought it would? "Notwithstanding" their unkind thought to me, and self-seeking intention, the cause I have at heart is furthered "every way" of preaching, "whether in pretense (with a by motive, Php 1:16) or in truth (out of true 'love' to Christ, Php 1:17), Christ is proclaimed; and therein I do rejoice, yea, and I will rejoice." From this it would seem that these self-seeking teachers in the main "proclaimed Christ," not "another Gospel," such as the Judaizers in Galatia taught (Ga 1:6-8); though probably having some of the Jewish leaven (see on Php 1:15,16), their chief error was their self-seeking envious motive, not so much error of doctrine; had there been vital error, Paul would not have rejoiced. The proclamation of Christ," however done, roused attention, and so was sure to be of service. Paul could thus rejoice at the good result of their bad intentions (Ps 76:10; Isa 10:5, 7).
19. turn to my salvation—"turn out to me for, (or unto) salvation." This proclamation of Christ every way will turn out to my spiritual good. Christ, whose interests are my interests, being glorified thereby; and so the coming of His kingdom being furthered, which, when it does come, will bring completed "SALVATION" (Heb 9:28) to me and all whose "earnest expectation" (Php 1:20) is that Christ may be magnified in them. So far is their preaching from causing me, as they thought, tribulation in my bonds (Php 1:16). Paul plainly quotes and applies to himself the very words of the Septuagint (Job 13:16), "This shall turn out to my salvation," which belong to all God's people of every age, in their tribulation (compare Job 13:15).
through your prayer and the supply—The Greek intimately joins the two nouns together, by having but one preposition and one article: "Through your prayer and (the consequent) supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (obtained for me through your prayer)."
20. According to my earnest expectation—The Greek expresses, "expectation with uplifted head (Lu 21:28) and outstretched neck." Ro 8:19 is the only other place in the New Testament that the word occurs. Tittmann says, in both places it implies not mere expectation, but the anxious desire of an anticipated prosperous issue in afflictive circumstances. The subject of his earnest expectation which follows, answers to "my salvation" (Php 1:19).
in nothing I shall be ashamed—in nothing have reason to be ashamed of "my work for God, or His work in me" [Alford]. Or, "in nothing be disappointed in my hope, but that I may fully obtain it" [Estius]. So "ashamed" is used in Ro 9:33.
all boldness—"all" is opposed to "in nothing," as "boldness" is the opposite to "ashamed."
so now also—when "my body" is "in bonds" (Php 1:17).
Christ—not Paul, "shall be magnified."
life, or by death—Whatever be the issue, I cannot lose; I must be the gainer by the event. Paul was not omniscient; in the issue of things pertaining to themselves, the apostles underwent the same probation of faith and patience as we.
21. For—in either event (Php 1:20) I must be the gainer, "For to me," &c.
to live is Christ—whatever life, time, and strength, I have, is Christ's; Christ is the sole object for which I live (Ga 2:20).
to die is gain—not the act of dying, but as the Greek ("to have died") expresses, the state after death. Besides the glorification of Christ by my death, which is my primary object (Php 1:20), the change of state caused by death, so far from being a matter of shame (Php 1:20) or loss, as my enemies suppose, will be a positive "gain" to me.
22. Rather as Greek, "But if to live in the flesh (if), this (I say, the continuance in life which I am undervaluing) be the fruit of my labor (that is, be the condition in which the fruit of my ministerial labor is involved), then what I shall choose I know not (I cannot determine with myself, if the choice were given me, both alternatives being great goods alike)." So Alford and Ellicott. Bengel takes it as English Version, which the Greek will bear by supposing an ellipsis, "If to live in the flesh (be my portion), this (continuing to live) is the fruit of my labor," that is, this continuance in life will be the occasion of my bringing in "the fruit of labor," that is, will be the occasion of "labors" which are their own "fruit" or reward; or, this my continuing "to live" will have this "fruit," namely, "labors" for Christ. Grotius explains "the fruit of labor" as an idiom for "worthwhile"; If I live in the flesh, this is worth my while, for thus Christ's interest will be advanced, "For to me to live is Christ" (Php 1:21; compare Php 2:30; Ro 1:13). The second alternative, namely, dying, is taken up and handled, Php 2:17, "If I be offered."
23. For—The oldest manuscripts read, "But." "I know not (Php 1:22), BUT am in a strait (am perplexed) betwixt the two (namely, 'to live' and 'to die'), having the desire for departing (literally, 'to loose anchor,' 2Ti 4:6) and being with Christ; FOR (so the oldest manuscripts) it is by far better"; or as the Greek, more forcibly, "by far the more preferable"; a double comparative. This refutes the notion of the soul being dormant during its separation from the body. It also shows that, while he regarded the Lord's advent as at all times near, yet that his death before it was a very possible contingency. The partial life eternal is in the interval between death and Christ's second advent; the perfectional, at that advent [Bishop Pearson]. To depart is better than to remain in the flesh; to be with Christ is far, far better; a New Testament hope (Heb 12:24), [Bengel].
24. to abide—to continue somewhat longer.
for you—Greek, "on your account"; "for your sake." In order to be of service to you, I am willing to forego my entrance a little sooner into blessedness; heaven will not fail to be mine at last.
25. Translate, "And being confident of this."
I know, &c.—by prophetical intimations of the Spirit. He did not yet know the issue, as far as human appearances were concerned (Php 2:23). He doubtless returned from his first captivity to Philippi (Heb 13:19; Phm 22).
joy of faith—Greek, "joy in your faith."
26. Translate, "That your matter of glorying (or rejoicing) may abound in Christ Jesus in me (that is, in my case; in respect to me, or for me who have been granted to your prayers, Php 1:19) through my presence again among you." Alford makes the "matter of glorying," the possession of the Gospel, received from Paul, which would abound, be assured and increased, by his presence among them; thus, "in me," implies that Paul is the worker of the material of abounding in Christ Jesus. But "my rejoicing over you" (Php 2:16), answers plainly to "your rejoicing in respect to me" here.
27. Only—Whatever happens as to my coming to you, or not, make this your one only care. By supposing this or that future contingency, many persuade themselves they will be such as they ought to be, but it is better always without evasion to perform present duties under present circumstances [Bengel].
let your conversation be—(Compare Php 3:20). The Greek implies, "Let your walk as citizens (namely, of the heavenly state; 'the city of the living God,' Heb 12:22, 'the heavenly Jerusalem,' 'fellow citizens of the saints,' Eph 2:19) be," &c.
I … see … hear—so Php 1:30. "Hear," in order to include both alternatives, must include the meaning know.
your affairs—your state.
in one spirit—the fruit of partaking of the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:3, 4).
with one mind—rather as Greek, "soul," the sphere of the affections; subordinate to the "Spirit," man's higher and heavenly nature. "There is sometimes natural antipathies among believers; but these are overcome, when there is not only unity of spirit, but also of soul" [Bengel].
striving together—with united effort.
28. terrified—literally, said of horses or other animals startled or suddenly scared; so of sudden consternation in general.
which—your not being terrified.
evident token of perdition—if they would only perceive it (2Th 1:5). It attests this, that in contending hopelessly against you, they are only rushing on to their own perdition, not shaking your united faith and constancy.
to you of salvation—The oldest manuscripts read, "of your salvation"; not merely your temporal safety.
29. For—rather, a proof that this is an evident token from God of your salvation, "Because," &c.
it is given—Greek, "it has been granted as a favor," or "gift of grace." Faith is the gift of God (Eph 2:8), not wrought in the soul by the will of man, but by the Holy Ghost (Joh 1:12, 13).
believe on him—"To believe Him," would merely mean to believe He speaks the truth. "To believe on Him," is to believe in, and trust through, Him to obtain eternal salvation. Suffering for Christ is not only not a mark of God's anger, but a gift of His grace.
30. ye saw in me—(Ac 16:12, 19, &c.; 1Th 2:2). I am "in nothing terrified by mine adversaries" (Php 1:29), so ought not ye. The words here, "ye saw … and … hear," answer to "I come and see you, or else … hear" (Php 1:27).