Reference: Philippians, The Epistle To The
Fausets
INTERNAL EVIDENCE. The style, thought, and doctrine agree with Paul's. The incidental allusions confirm his authorship. Paley (Hor. Paul. 7) instances the mention of the object of Epaphroditus' journey to Rome, his sickness; the Philippian contribution to Paul's wants (Php 1:7; 2:25-30; 4:10-18); Timothy's having been long with Paul at Philippi (Php 1:1; 2:19); Paul's being for long a prisoner at Rome (Php 1:12-14; 2:17-28); his willingness to die for Christ (Php 1:23, compare 2Co 5:8); the Philippians having seen his maltreatment at Philippi (Php 1:29-30; 2:1-2).
EXTERNAL EVIDENCE. Polycarp (ad Philipp. 3 and 11, A.D. 107); so that Christians who heard Paul's epistle read for the first time may have spoken with Polycarp. Marcion in Tertullian (A D. 140) acknowledges its authenticity. So the Muratorian Fragment; Irenaeuns (adv. Haer, 4:18, section 4); Clemens Alex. (Paedagog. 1, 1:10); the epistle to the churches of Lyons and Vienne (A. D. 177) in Eusebius (H. E., 5:2); Tertullian (Resurr. Carnis, 23); Origen (Celsus, 1, 3:122); Cyprian (Testim. against the Jews, 3:39).
OBJECT. To thank them for contributions sent by Epaphroditus, who in returning takes back the epistle. Also to express Christian sympathy, and to exhort to imitation of Christ in humility and lowly love, instead of existing dissensions, as between Euodias and Syntyche (Php 4:2), and to warn against Judaizers. In this epistle alone are no positive censures; no doctrinal error or schism had as yet sprung up.
DIVISIONS.
I. Address: his state as a prisoner, theirs, his sending Epaphroditus to them (Philippians 1; 2). Epaphroditus probably was a presbyter of the Philippian church, who cheered Paul in iris imprisonment by bringing the Philippian token of love and liberality. By the fatigues of the journey that "brother, companion in labour, and fellow soldier" brought on himself dangerous sickness (Php 2:25-30). But now being well he "longed" to return to his Philippian flock and relieve them of their anxiety about him. So Paul takes the opportunity of sending an epistle by him.
II. Caution against Judaizers, contrasting his own former legalism with his present following Christ as his all (Philippians 3).
III. Admonitions to individuals and to the church, thanks for seasonable aid, concluding benedictions (Philippians 4). Paul writes from Rome in his first imprisonment (Ac 28:16,20,30-31). Compare Php 4:22, "Caesar's household"; Php 1:13, "the palace" (proetorium, i.e. the barrack of the Proetorian bodyguard attached to "the palace" of Nero). (See PALACE He was in custody of the Praetorian prefect, in "bonds" (Php 1:12-14). It was toward the close of the first imprisonment, for
(1) he expects his cause to be immediately decided (Php 2:23).
(2) Enough time had elapsed for the Philippians to hear of his imprisonment, to send Epaphroditus, and to hear of his arrival and sickness, and send word to Rome of their distress (Php 2:26).
(3) Epistles to the Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon had already been written from Rome; for Luke is no longer with him (Php 2:20), otherwise he would salute them as having formerly laboured among them; but in Col 4:14 he was with Paul (Phm 1:24). In Eph 6:19-20 he is free to preach; but, here in Php 1:13-18 he dwells on his "bonds"; not Paul himself but others preach and make his imprisonment known; instead of anticipating release (Phm 1:22) he knows not but that death is near.
(4) A long time has elapsed since his imprisonment began, for his" bonds" known far and wide have furthered the gospel (Php 1:13).
(5) His imprisonment is more rigorous (compare Ac 28:16,30-31 with Php 1:29-30; 2:27). In the second year of it (A.D. 62) Burrhue, the Praetorian prefect ("captain of the guard"), died. Nero, having divorced Octavia and married Poppaea a Jewish proselytess (who then caused Octavia to be murdered), promoted Tigellinus, the promoter of the marriage, a wicked monster, to the Praetorian prefecture. Paul was then removed from his hired house into the Praetorium or barrack of the Praetorian guards attached to the palace, for stricter custody. Hence he writes, doubtful of the issue (Php 2:17; 3:11). From the smaller Praetorian bodyguard at the palace the guards, who had been chained to his hand before, would carry the report of his "bonds" and strange story to the general Praetorian camp which Tiberius established N. of the city, outside the walls.
DATE. He arrived at Rome February A.D. 61. The" two whole years in his own hired house" (Ac 28:30) ended February A.D. 63. This epistle would be immediately after, spring or summer A.D. 63. God averted the danger. Tigellinus thought Paul beneath his notice. Nero's favorite, Pallas, brother of Felix, died, and so another source of danger passed away. Alate date is also implied in the mention (Php 1:1) of "bishop presbyters and deacons"; the church had already assumed the order laid down in the pastoral epistles to Timothy and Titus.
STYLE. Abrupt and fervent, passing from one theme to another in strong feeling (Php 2:18-19,24-25,30; 3:1-15). Nowhere else does he use such warm expressions. He lays aside the official tone, and his title "apostle," to make them feel he regards them as friends and equals. Like his midnight song of praise in the Philippian prison, this epistle from his Roman confinement has a joyous tone throughout. At Php 4:1 he seems at a loss for words to express all the warmth of his love for them: "my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved."
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commandant, but Paul was allowed to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commandant, but Paul was allowed to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
Because of this reason therefore I summoned you to see and to speak with me, for because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired lodging. And he received all who came in to him,
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired lodging. And he received all who came in to him,
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired lodging. And he received all who came in to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
And we are confident, and are pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be at home near the Lord.
and for me, so that utterance may be given to me in boldness in opening my mouth to make known the mystery of the good-news, for which I am an ambassador in bondage, so that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timothy, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the sanctified in Jesus Christ who are at Philippi, with the guardians and helpers:
Paul and Timothy, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the sanctified in Jesus Christ who are at Philippi, with the guardians and helpers:
Just as it is right for me to think this about all of you, because I have you in my heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the good-news, you all being partners with me of the grace.
But I want you to know, brothers, that the things in respect to me have come more for the advancement of the good-news,
But I want you to know, brothers, that the things in respect to me have come more for the advancement of the good-news, in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others.
in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others.
in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others.
in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others.
in order for my bonds in Christ to became apparent in the whole Praetorium, and in all the others. And more of the brothers in Lord have been convinced by my bonds to be much more bold to speak the word fearlessly.
And more of the brothers in Lord have been convinced by my bonds to be much more bold to speak the word fearlessly.
And more of the brothers in Lord have been convinced by my bonds to be much more bold to speak the word fearlessly. Actually some also preach the Christ because of envy and strife, and some also because of good-will. read more. Some indeed proclaim the Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to bring affliction to my bonds. But some from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the good-news. What then? Except in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice, but also I will rejoice.
And I am constrained by the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, being far better.
Because to you it was granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,
Because to you it was granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, having the same conflict such as ye saw in me, and now hear is in me.
having the same conflict such as ye saw in me, and now hear is in me.
If therefore any exhortation is in Christ, if any encouragement of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill my joy, that ye may think the same way, having the same love, being knit in soul, thinking in oneness,
Yet even if I am poured out a libation upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Yet even if I am poured out a libation upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. And in the same way, ye also be glad and rejoice with me.
And in the same way, ye also be glad and rejoice with me. But I hope in Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be cheerful when I know the things about you.
But I hope in Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be cheerful when I know the things about you.
But I hope in Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I also may be cheerful when I know the things about you. For I have no man like-minded who will genuinely care for the things about you.
For I have no man like-minded who will genuinely care for the things about you. For they all seek the things of themselves, not the things of Christ Jesus. read more. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child to a father, he served with me for the good-news. Indeed therefore I hope to send this man immediately, whenever I may focus on the things concerning me.
Indeed therefore I hope to send this man immediately, whenever I may focus on the things concerning me. And I trust in Lord that I myself also will come soon.
And I trust in Lord that I myself also will come soon. But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-workman and fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-workman and fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-workman and fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-workman and fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need, since he was longing for you all, and distressed because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing for you all, and distressed because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing for you all, and distressed because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing for you all, and distressed because ye heard that he was sick. For also he was sick, near death, but God was merciful to him, and not only him, but also me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For also he was sick, near death, but God was merciful to him, and not only him, but also me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For also he was sick, near death, but God was merciful to him, and not only him, but also me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For also he was sick, near death, but God was merciful to him, and not only him, but also me, so that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I sent him more urgently, so that having seen him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
Therefore I sent him more urgently, so that having seen him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
Therefore I sent him more urgently, so that having seen him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in Lord with all gladness, and hold such men esteemed.
Receive him therefore in Lord with all gladness, and hold such men esteemed. Because for sake of the work of the Christ he came near the point of death, handing over his life so that he might fill up the deficiency of your service toward me.
Because for sake of the work of the Christ he came near the point of death, handing over his life so that he might fill up the deficiency of your service toward me.
Because for sake of the work of the Christ he came near the point of death, handing over his life so that he might fill up the deficiency of your service toward me.
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in Lord. To write the same things to you is really not irksome to me, but safe for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision. read more. For we are the circumcision, men who worship in spirit to God, and who boast in Christ Jesus, and not being confident in flesh. Although (I having confidence also in flesh) if any other man seems to be confident in the flesh, I more: in circumcision the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; regarding law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness in law, having become blameless. But whatever was gain to me, these things I regarded loss because of the Christ. But indeed therefore I even consider all things to be loss because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom I suffered the loss of all things, and consider them to be rubbish, so that I may gain C and be found in him, not having my righteousness, that from law, but that through Christ's faith--the righteousness from God based on faith-- to know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the participation of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, if somehow I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.
if somehow I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have already obtained or have already been fully perfected, but I press forward, if also I might seize upon that for which also I was seized by Christ Jesus. read more. Brothers, I reckon myself not to have seized, but one thing, indeed forgetting the things behind, and reaching forward to the things ahead, I press forward toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. As many therefore as are perfect should think this way. And if ye think anything differently, this also God will reveal to you.
So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in Lord this way beloved. I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in Lord.
But I rejoiced in Lord greatly that now at last ye have revived thinking about me, in which also ye were thinking, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak regarding need, for I have learned in what things I am to be content. read more. I know both how to be abased and how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be lacking. I can do all things in the Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless ye did well having shared with my affliction. And ye Philippians also have seen that, in the beginning of the good-news when I departed from Macedonia, not one congregation shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except ye only, because also in Thessalonica ye sent both once and again to my need. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. But I receive all things, and I abound. I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you, an aroma of fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice well-pleasing to God.
But simultaneously also prepare a lodging for me, for I hope that by your prayers I will be granted to you.