Reference: Philippians, Epistle To
Easton
was written by Paul during the two years when he was "in bonds" in Rome (Php 1:7-13), probably early in the year A.D. 62 or in the end of 61.
The Philippians had sent Epaphroditus, their messenger, with contributions to meet the necessities of the apostle; and on his return Paul sent back with him this letter. With this precious communication Epaphroditus sets out on his homeward journey. "The joy caused by his return, and the effect of this wonderful letter when first read in the church of Philippi, are hidden from us. And we may almost say that with this letter the church itself passes from our view. To-day, in silent meadows, quiet cattle browse among the ruins which mark the site of what was once the flourishing Roman colony of Philippi, the home of the most attractive church of the apostolic age. But the name and fame and spiritual influence of that church will never pass. To myriads of men and women in every age and nation the letter written in a dungeon at Rome, and carried along the Egnatian Way by an obscure Christian messenger, has been a light divine and a cheerful guide along the most rugged paths of life" (Professor Beet).
The church at Philippi was the first-fruits of European Christianity. Their attachment to the apostle was very fervent, and so also was his affection for them. They alone of all the churches helped him by their contributions, which he gratefully acknowledges (Ac 20:33-35; 2Co 11:7-12; 2Th 3:8). The pecuniary liberality of the Philippians comes out very conspicuously (Php 4:15). "This was a characteristic of the Macedonian missions, as 2Co 8 and 2Co 9 amply and beautifully prove. It is remarkable that the Macedonian converts were, as a class, very poor (2Co 8:2); and the parallel facts, their poverty and their open-handed support of the great missionary and his work, are deeply harmonious. At the present day the missionary liberality of poor Christians is, in proportion, really greater than that of the rich" (Moule's Philippians, Introd.).
The contents of this epistle give an interesting insight into the condition of the church at Rome at the time it was written. Paul's imprisonment, we are informed, was no hindrance to his preaching the gospel, but rather "turned out to the furtherance of the gospel." The gospel spread very extensively among the Roman soldiers, with whom he was in constant contact, and the Christians grew into a "vast multitude." It is plain that Christianity was at this time making rapid advancement in Rome.
The doctrinal statements of this epistle bear a close relation to those of the Epistle to the Romans. Compare also Php 3:20 with Eph 2:12,19, where the church is presented under the idea of a city or commonwealth for the first time in Paul's writings. The personal glory of Christ is also set forth in almost parallel forms of expression in Php 2:5-11, compared with Eph 1:17-23; 2:8; and Col 1:15-20. "This exposition of the grace and wonder of His personal majesty, personal self-abasement, and personal exaltation after it," found in these epistles, "is, in a great measure, a new development in the revelations given through St. Paul" (Moule). Other minuter analogies in forms of expression and of thought are also found in these epistles of the Captivity.
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Silver or gold, or clothing, of none have I eagerly desired. And ye yourselves know, that to my necessities, and to those being with me, these hands served. read more. I shewed you all things, that so being wearied ye must support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that himself said, It is happy to give rather than receive.
That in much proof of pressure the abundance of their joy and their poverty according to depth abounded to the abundance of their simplicity.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, might give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in his knowledge: The eyes of your understanding enlightened; for you to know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the holy ones, read more. And what the surpassing greatness of his power to us believing, according to the action of the might of his strength, Which he performed in Christ, having raised him from the dead, and he sat on his right hand in the heavenlies, Above every beginning, and authority, and power, and property, and every name named, not only in this life, but in that about to be: And placed all things under his, feet, and gave him head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the completion of him completing all things in all.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and this not of you: the gift of God:
That ye were in that time without Christy alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and foreigners from the covenants of solemn promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God;
As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, for my having you in the heart; both in my bonds, and in the justification and confirmation of the good news, ye all being partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. read more. And this I prey, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all intelligence; For you to try things differing; that ye may be pure and not stumbling to the day of Christ; Filled with the fruits of justice, by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things. concerning me have rather gone to the advancement of the good news; So that my bonds in Christ were manifest in the whole pretorium, and to all the rest;
For let this be in mind among you, which also in Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought not robbery to be equal to God read more. But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men: And found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, being obedient until death, and the death of the cross. Wherefore God has also exceedingly exalted him, and favored him as a gift with a name above every name: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of the heavenlies, and of terrestrial things, and things under earth And every tongue should avow that the Lord is Jesus Christ, to the glory of the Father.
For our citizenship is in the heavens; from whence we also expect the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
And ye also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I went out from Macedonia, no church participated with me in the word of donation and accepting, except ye alone.
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: For by him were all things created, things in the heavens, and things upon earth, things visible and invisible, whether thrones, whether dominions, whether beginnings, whether authorities: all were created by him, and for him: read more. And he is before all, and all things have been established by him. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that he might be the first in all For in him was he pleased that all fulness should dwell: And by him to reconcile all things anew to himself; having made peace by the blood of his cross, by him, whether things upon earth, whether things in the heavens.
Hastings
PHILIPPIANS, EPISTLE TO
1. The Church of Philippi.
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And thence to Philippi, which is the first city of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in that city passing certain days.
And thence to Philippi, which is the first city of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in that city passing certain days. And the day of the sabbaths we came out of the city by the river, where prayer was customary to be; and having sat down, we spake to the women come together. read more. And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a dealer in purple garments, of the city of Thyatira, worshipping God, heard: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to things spoken by Paul. And when she was immersed, and her house, she besought, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having come into my house, remain. And she forced us. And it was we going for prayer, a certain young girl having the spirit of Python met us, who furnished much gain to her lords, prophesying: She having followed Paul and us, cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who announce to us the way of salvation. And this did she for many days. And Paul, having been exercised, and having turned back to the spirit, said, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out the same hour. And her lords having seen that the hope of their gain went out, taking Paul and Silas, they drew to the assembly to the rulers, And having brought them to the generals, they said, These the men who cause disturbance to our city, being Jews, And they announce customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, nor do, being Romans. And the crowd set together against them: and the generals having rent their garments, commanded to scourge with rods. And many blows having been put upon them, they cast into prison, having commanded the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such an order, cast them into the inner prison, and placed their feet firmly in wood. And at midnight Paul and Silas praying, praised God: and the imprisoned heard them. And suddenly was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all were let loose. And the jailor being awakened, and having seen the doors of the prison opened, having drawn a sword, was about to kill himself, supposing the imprisoned to have fled. And Paul called with a great voice, saying, Thou shouldest do no injury to thyself; for we are all here. And having asked for a light, he rushed in, and being trembling, fell before Paul and Silas, And bringing them out, he said, Lords, what must I do that I might be saved And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake to him the word of the Lord, and to all in his house. And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed out the blows; and was immersed, he and all his, immediately. And having brought them up to his house, he set a table before, and rejoiced with the entire household, having believed God. And it being day, the generals sent the bearers of the rod, saying, Loose these men. And the jailor announced these words to Paul, That the generals have sent that ye be loosed: now therefore having come out, go in peace. But Paul said to them, Having stripped us publicly not condemned, being Roman men, they cast into prison and now do they cast us out secretly? not so; but having come themselves, let them bring us out. :And the bearer of the rod announced these words to the generals: and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans. And having come they besought them, and having brought out, they entreated to come out of the city. And having come out of prison, they came to Lydia; and having seen the brethren, they encouraged them, and they came forth.
And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
And who attempted to profane the temple: whom we also seized, and wished to judge according to our law.
He justifying himself, That neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned any thing.
That in much proof of pressure the abundance of their joy and their poverty according to depth abounded to the abundance of their simplicity.
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for you he was in a state of beggary, being rich; that ye in his poverty might be rich.
Or did I a sin, humbling myself that ye might be exalted, because I announced to you the good news of God gratuitously?
Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the holy in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the holy in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the overseers and servants: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. read more. I return thanks to my God for all your remembrance,
I return thanks to my God for all your remembrance, Always in all my prayer for you all with joy making prayer,
Always in all my prayer for you all with joy making prayer, For your mutual participation in the good news from the first day until now;
For your mutual participation in the good news from the first day until now; Confident of this same, that he having begun a good work in you will complete till the day of Jesus Christ:
Confident of this same, that he having begun a good work in you will complete till the day of Jesus Christ: As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, for my having you in the heart; both in my bonds, and in the justification and confirmation of the good news, ye all being partakers of grace with me.
As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, for my having you in the heart; both in my bonds, and in the justification and confirmation of the good news, ye all being partakers of grace with me.
As it is just for me to think this concerning you all, for my having you in the heart; both in my bonds, and in the justification and confirmation of the good news, ye all being partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I prey, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all intelligence; read more. For you to try things differing; that ye may be pure and not stumbling to the day of Christ; Filled with the fruits of justice, by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things. concerning me have rather gone to the advancement of the good news;
And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things. concerning me have rather gone to the advancement of the good news; So that my bonds in Christ were manifest in the whole pretorium, and to all the rest;
So that my bonds in Christ were manifest in the whole pretorium, and to all the rest;
So that my bonds in Christ were manifest in the whole pretorium, and to all the rest;
So that my bonds in Christ were manifest in the whole pretorium, and to all the rest; And many of the brethren in the Lord, having trusted to my bonds, more abundantly dared to speak the word fearlessly.
And many of the brethren in the Lord, having trusted to my bonds, more abundantly dared to speak the word fearlessly.
And many of the brethren in the Lord, having trusted to my bonds, more abundantly dared to speak the word fearlessly. And some truly by envy and strife, and some also by kindness of disposition, proclaim Christ.
And some truly by envy and strife, and some also by kindness of disposition, proclaim Christ. Some truly of hired labor announce Christ, not purely, thinking to bring pressure upon my bonds:
Some truly of hired labor announce Christ, not purely, thinking to bring pressure upon my bonds: And some of love, knowing that I am placed for justification of the good news:
And some of love, knowing that I am placed for justification of the good news:
And some of love, knowing that I am placed for justification of the good news: For what? but in any manner, whether in pretence, or truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, and certainly I will rejoice.
For what? but in any manner, whether in pretence, or truth, Christ is announced; and in this I rejoice, and certainly I will rejoice. For I know that this shall be turned to me for salvation by your prayer, and the furnishing more of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
For I know that this shall be turned to me for salvation by your prayer, and the furnishing more of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, According to my anxious expectation, and hope, that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but in all freedom of speech, as always, and now shall Christ be Magnified in my body, whether by life, whether by death.
According to my anxious expectation, and hope, that in nothing shall I be ashamed, but in all freedom of speech, as always, and now shall Christ be Magnified in my body, whether by life, whether by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die gain.
For me to live is Christ, and to die gain. And if to live in the flesh, this to me the fruit of work: and whether I shall be taken away I know not
And if to live in the flesh, this to me the fruit of work: and whether I shall be taken away I know not For I am pressed together from two, having one eager desire to be loosed, and be with Christ (rather much better:)
For I am pressed together from two, having one eager desire to be loosed, and be with Christ (rather much better:) And to tarry yet longer in the flesh is more necessary for you.
And to tarry yet longer in the flesh is more necessary for you. And confident in this, I know that I shall remain, and shall remain near together with you all for your advancement and joy of faith:
And confident in this, I know that I shall remain, and shall remain near together with you all for your advancement and joy of faith:
And confident in this, I know that I shall remain, and shall remain near together with you all for your advancement and joy of faith: That your boasting may abound in Jesus Christ in me, for my coming again to you.
That your boasting may abound in Jesus Christ in me, for my coming again to you. Only live as citizens worthy of the good news of Christ: that whether coming and seeing you, whether being absent, I shall bear the things concerning you, that ye stand in one spirit, one soul, fighting together in faith of the good news;
Only live as citizens worthy of the good news of Christ: that whether coming and seeing you, whether being absent, I shall bear the things concerning you, that ye stand in one spirit, one soul, fighting together in faith of the good news; And terrified in nothing by them being hostile to you: which to them is truly an indication of destruction, and to you of salvation, and this from God. read more. For upon you was it conferred as a favor for Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him; Having the same struggle which ye saw in me, and now hear in me.
If therefore any consolation in Christ, if any encouragement of love, if any mutual participation of the Spirit, if any compassions and mercies, Fill ye up my joy, that ye may have the same in mind, having the same love, unanimous, being one in mind. read more. Nothing by hired labor, or vainglory; but in lowliness the leaders hold each other above themselves. Look ye each not on the things of themselves, but also each the things of others. For let this be in mind among you, which also in Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought not robbery to be equal to God
Who, being in the form of God, thought not robbery to be equal to God But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men:
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men: And found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, being obedient until death, and the death of the cross.
And found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, being obedient until death, and the death of the cross. Wherefore God has also exceedingly exalted him, and favored him as a gift with a name above every name:
Wherefore God has also exceedingly exalted him, and favored him as a gift with a name above every name: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of the heavenlies, and of terrestrial things, and things under earth
That in the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of the heavenlies, and of terrestrial things, and things under earth And every tongue should avow that the Lord is Jesus Christ, to the glory of the Father.
And every tongue should avow that the Lord is Jesus Christ, to the glory of the Father.
That ye be complete and pure, children of God, blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom ye appear as luminaries in the world; Holding on to the word of life; for boasting to me in the day of Christ, for I ran not in vain, nor was I wearied in vain.
And do ye also rejoice at the same, and rejoice together with me. And I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy quickly to you, that I also be courageous, having known the things concerning you. read more. For I have none having a like soul, who naturally will have care for the things concerning you.
For I have none having a like soul, who naturally will have care for the things concerning you. For they all seek the things of themselves, and not the things of Christ Jesus.
For they all seek the things of themselves, and not the things of Christ Jesus. And ye know his proof, that, as a child to a father, he served with me in the good news. read more. Him therefore I truly hope to send, whenever I shall see from it the things concerning me. And I have trusted in the Lord that I myself also shall come quickly. And I thought necessary Epaphroditus, my brother, and cooperator, and fellow soldier, and your sent, and workman of my necessity, be sent to you.
And I thought necessary Epaphroditus, my brother, and cooperator, and fellow soldier, and your sent, and workman of my necessity, be sent to you. Since he was longing for you all, and harassed because ye heard that he was sick.
Since he was longing for you all, and harassed because ye heard that he was sick. For also he was sick near to death: but God compassionated him; and not him only, but also me, lest I should have grief upon grief.
For also he was sick near to death: but God compassionated him; and not him only, but also me, lest I should have grief upon grief. Therefore I sent him the more earnestly, that, seeing him, ye might again rejoice, and I be more free from sorrow.
Therefore I sent him the more earnestly, that, seeing him, ye might again rejoice, and I be more free from sorrow. Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and hold such esteemed.
Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and hold such esteemed. Because for the work of Christ he drew near to death, having exposed the soul to danger, that he might fill up your want of service to me.
Because for the work of Christ he drew near to death, having exposed the soul to danger, that he might fill up your want of service to me.
As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me is not slothful, and to you safe.
As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me is not slothful, and to you safe.
As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me is not slothful, and to you safe. Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.
Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.
Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.
Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.
Look out for dogs, look out for evil workmen, look out for the incision.
But surely, I also think all things to be loss for the superiority of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have been made to lose all things, and I think to be offscourings, that I shall gain Christ, And be found in him, not having my justice, that of the law, but that by faith of Christ, the justice from God by faith: read more. To know him, and the power of his rising up, and the mutual participation of his sufferings, being rendered conformable to his death; If somehow I shall arrive at the rising up of the dead.
Be ye imitators together of me, brethren, and observe narrowly those walking thus, as ye have us for a type. (For many walk, of whom I said to you often, and now also say weeping, the enemies of the cross of Christ:
For our citizenship is in the heavens; from whence we also expect the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who will change the body of our humiliation, for it to be conformable to the body of his glory, according to the operation by which he is able to place all things under himself.
Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand ye in the Lord, dearly beloved.
Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, thus stand ye in the Lord, dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, to think the same in the Lord.
I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, to think the same in the Lord.
I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, to think the same in the Lord. And I also ask thee, worthy yoke-fellow, aid those women who fought in company with me in the good news, and with Clement, and the rest of my co-workers, whose names in the book of life.
And I also ask thee, worthy yoke-fellow, aid those women who fought in company with me in the good news, and with Clement, and the rest of my co-workers, whose names in the book of life.
And I also ask thee, worthy yoke-fellow, aid those women who fought in company with me in the good news, and with Clement, and the rest of my co-workers, whose names in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: again say I, Do ye rejoice.
Rejoice in the Lord always: again say I, Do ye rejoice. Let your fitness be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Let your fitness be known to all men. The Lord is near. Rave anxiety about nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with gratitude let your desires be made known to God.
Rave anxiety about nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with gratitude let your desires be made known to God. And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, shall watch your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And the peace of God, surpassing all understanding, shall watch your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. As to the rest, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever venerable, whatever just, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever prosperous; if any ability, and if any praise, reckon up these things.
As to the rest, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever venerable, whatever just, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever prosperous; if any ability, and if any praise, reckon up these things.
As to the rest, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever venerable, whatever just, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever prosperous; if any ability, and if any praise, reckon up these things. And what things ye learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
And what things ye learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
And what things ye learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
And what things ye learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace shall be with you. And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that once already ye recovered new vigor; for thinking of me, upon whom ye were thinking, and ye had not time.
And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that once already ye recovered new vigor; for thinking of me, upon whom ye were thinking, and ye had not time.
And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that once already ye recovered new vigor; for thinking of me, upon whom ye were thinking, and ye had not time.
And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that once already ye recovered new vigor; for thinking of me, upon whom ye were thinking, and ye had not time. Not that I speak concerning want; for I have learned, among whom I am, to be satisfied with my condition.
Not that I speak concerning want; for I have learned, among whom I am, to be satisfied with my condition.
Not that I speak concerning want; for I have learned, among whom I am, to be satisfied with my condition. And I know how to be humble, and I know how to abound in every thing: and in all I am instructed also to be full and to hunger, and to abound and to be in want.
And I know how to be humble, and I know how to abound in every thing: and in all I am instructed also to be full and to hunger, and to abound and to be in want.
And I know how to be humble, and I know how to abound in every thing: and in all I am instructed also to be full and to hunger, and to abound and to be in want. I am strong for all things in Christ strengthening me.
I am strong for all things in Christ strengthening me. But ye did well, participating together in my pressure.
But ye did well, participating together in my pressure. And ye also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I went out from Macedonia, no church participated with me in the word of donation and accepting, except ye alone.
And ye also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news, when I went out from Macedonia, no church participated with me in the word of donation and accepting, except ye alone. For also in Thessalonica, and once, and twice, ye sent to my necessity.
For also in Thessalonica, and once, and twice, ye sent to my necessity. Not that I covet a gift: but I covet fruit abounding to your word.
Not that I covet a gift: but I covet fruit abounding to your word. And I have all, and abound: I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you, a smell of sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God.
And I have all, and abound: I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you, a smell of sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God. And God will fill up all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
And God will fill up all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. And to God and our Father the glory for the times of times. Amen. read more. Greet ye every one holy in Christ Jesus. The brethren with me greet you. All the holy greet you, and chiefly they from Caesar's house.
All the holy greet you, and chiefly they from Caesar's house. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with you all. Amen.
And you, being dead in faults and uncircumcision of the flesh, he made alive together with him, having propitiated to you all faults;
All things concerning me shall Tychicus make known to you, a dearly beloved brother, and a faithful servant and fellowservant in the Lord: