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, it was permitted Paul to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
And, when we came to Rome, it was permitted Paul to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
For this cause, therefore, I called for you, to see and to speak with you: for, on account of the hope of Israel, I am encompassed with this chain."
And he remained two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and was wont to welcome all who came to him;
And he remained two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and was wont to welcome all who came to him;
And he remained two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and was wont to welcome all who came to him; preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, without hindrance.
preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, without hindrance.
we are of good courage, I say, and are well pleased to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.
and on my behalf that utterance may be given to me, in opening my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
even as it is right for me to think this in behalf of you all; because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel, all of you being partakers with me of the grace.
Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the things relating to me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the Gospel;
Now I wish you to know, brethren, that the things relating to me have resulted rather in the furtherance of the Gospel; that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest;
that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest;
that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest;
that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest;
that my bonds became manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to all the rest; and that the greater part of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.
and that the greater part of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear.
and that the greater part of the brethren, having become confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. Some, indeed, preach Christ even because of envy and strife; and some also of good-will; read more. the one, from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add tribulation to my bonds. What then? save that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is being proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
but I am constrained by the two; having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for it is far better;
but to you it was granted as a favor in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but in His behalf to suffer also;
but to you it was granted as a favor in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but in His behalf to suffer also; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
If there is, therefore, any consolation in Christ, if any encouragement of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender affections and compassions, fill ye up my joy, that ye think the same thing; having the same love; united in soul; minding the one thing;
But even if I am offered as a libation upon the sacrifice and ministry of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice with you all;
But even if I am offered as a libation upon the sacrifice and ministry of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice with you all; and in the same thing do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
and in the same thing do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me. But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus shortly to send Timothy to you, that I also may be cheerful, when having known the things concerning you.
But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus shortly to send Timothy to you, that I also may be cheerful, when having known the things concerning you.
But I am hoping in the Lord Jesus shortly to send Timothy to you, that I also may be cheerful, when having known the things concerning you. For I have no one like-minded, who, indeed, will sincerely care for your interests;
For I have no one like-minded, who, indeed, will sincerely care for your interests; for all are seeking their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. read more. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child with a father, he served with me in furtherance of the Gospel. Him, indeed, therefore, I hope to send immediately, as soon as I may look away from the things which concern me:
Him, indeed, therefore, I hope to send immediately, as soon as I may look away from the things which concern me: but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly.
but I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall come shortly. Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;
Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;
Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;
Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need; since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick.
since he was longing after you all, and was in great distress, because ye heard that he was sick. For, in fact, he was sick, near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For, in fact, he was sick, near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For, in fact, he was sick, near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For, in fact, he was sick, near to death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him, therefore, the more urgently, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.
I sent him, therefore, the more urgently, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.
I sent him, therefore, the more urgently, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor;
Receive him, therefore, in the Lord with all joy, and hold such in honor; because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.
because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.
because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you to me, indeed, is not irksome, while for you it is safe. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil-workers, beware of the mutilation. read more. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in flesh: though I might have confidence even in flesh; if any other man supposes that he has occasion for confidence in flesh, I more: circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the assembly: as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I accounted loss for Christ. Nay, more, I even account all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I suffered the loss of all things, and account them refuse, that I may gain Christ. and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of law, but that which is through faith in Christ??he righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if by any means I may attain to the out-resurrection from the dead.
if by any means I may attain to the out-resurrection from the dead. Not that I already obtained, or have already been made perfect; but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. read more. Brethren, I do not account myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth to the things before. I am pressing on toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, think this: and, if in anything ye think differently, even this God will reveal to you;
Therefore, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I entreat Euodia, and I entreat Syntiche, to think the same thing in the Lord.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye revived your thought in my behalf, for whom ye were taking thought, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I am speaking in respect of want; for I learned in whatsoever circumstances I am, to be content. read more. I both know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound: in everything, and in all things, I have learned both to be well fed, and to be hungry, both to abound, and to be in want. I am strong enough for all things in Him Who strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding, ye did well, in sharing with me in my tribulation. And know ye also, Philippians, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no assembly had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving, but ye only; because even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my need. Not that I am seeking for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that abounds to your account. But I have all, and abound; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, an odor of sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
All the saints salute you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household.
But, at the same time, prepare also a lodging for me; for I hope that, through your prayers, I shall be given to you.