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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I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Ye yourselves know that these hands served my needs, and to those who were with me. read more. I gave you a glimpse of all things, that so laboring ye ought to aid the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy, even from the depth of their poverty, abounded for the wealth of their generosity,
So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in knowledge of him, having the eyes of your heart enlightened. For you to know what is the hope of his calling, and what is the wealth of the glory of his inheritance in the sanctified. read more. And what is the transcending greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of the dominion of his might, which he wrought in the Christ, having raised him from the dead and seated at his right hand in the heavenly things, far above every principle office, and position of authority, and power, and lordship, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is coming. And he subordinated all things under his feet, and appointed him head over all things for the church, which is his body, the fulfillment of him who fills all in all.
For ye are saved by grace through faith, and this a gift of God, not from you,
that ye were at that time independent of Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and alien of the covenants of the promise, having no hope and godless in the world.
So then ye are no more alien and foreign, but fellow citizens of the sanctified, and belonging to the household of God.
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. For God is my witness, how I long for you all in bowels of Jesus Christ. read more. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment for you to examine the things that are significant. So that ye may be tested by sunlight and not stumbling toward the day of Christ, having been filled with fruits of righteousness, through Jesus Christ, for glory and praise of God. 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.
Indeed have this way to think in you, that also was in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God something to seize and hold. read more. But he emptied himself, having taken a form of a bondman, having become in a likeness of men. And having been found in a form like a man, he lowered himself, having become obedient until death, even of death from a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of the heavenly, and the earthly, and the sub-earthly, and that every tongue should acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
For our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which also we await a Savior, Lord Jesus Christ,
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,
who is an image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Because in him all things were created, things in the heavens and things upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or lordships or principal offices or positions of authority, all things have been created read more. And he is before all, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might become preeminent in all things. Because in him it was considered good for all the fullness dwell, and through him to reconcile all things to himself, having made peace through the blood of his cross, through him whether things upon the earth or things in the heavens.
Hastings
PHILIPPIANS, EPISTLE TO
1. The Church of Philippi.
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and from there to Philippi, which is a principle city of the district of Macedonia colony. And we were in the same city remaining some days.
and from there to Philippi, which is a principle city of the district of Macedonia colony. And we were in the same city remaining some days. And on the Sabbath day we went outside the city beside a river, where it was customary for prayer to be. And having sat down, we spoke to the women who came together. read more. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, a woman who worshiped God, was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to heed the things being spoken by Paul. And when she was immersed, and her household, she urged us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, after coming into my house, remain. And she constrained us. And it came to pass, as we were going to prayer, for a certain servant girl having a spirit of divination to meet us, who brought her masters much business by soothsaying. This woman having followed Paul and us was crying out, saying, These men are bondmen of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation. And she did this on many days. But Paul, after being exasperated, and having turned, he said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out the same hour. But when her masters saw that the hope of their business was gone, having seized Paul and Silas, they dragged them into the marketplace to the rulers. And after bringing them to the magistrates, they said, These men, being Jews, disturb our city, and proclaim customs that are not permitted for us to receive nor to do, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them. And the magistrates, having torn off their clothes, commanded to beat them with rods. And having laid many blows upon them, they cast them into prison, having ordered the jailor to guard them securely, who, having received such an order, threw them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks. Now toward midnight Paul and Silas, while praying, were singing praises to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so as for the foundations of the prison to shake. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all the men were unfastened. And the jailor, who became awake and who saw the prison doors opened, having drawn out a sword was going to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to have fled. But Paul cried out in a great voice, saying, Do nothing harmful to thyself, for we are all here. And having asked for lights, he rushed in, and having become trembling, he fell down before Paul and Silas. And after bringing them outside, he said, Sirs, what must I do so that I may be saved? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou will be saved, thou and thy household. And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all those in his house. And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed from the stripes, and was immersed, he and all those of him, immediately. And having brought them into his house, he set out a table, and rejoiced, having believed in God with all his house. But when it became day, the magistrates sent out the police, saying, Release those men. And the jailor reported these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent out so that ye may be released. Now therefore after coming out, go in peace. But Paul said to them, Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned men, being Romans, they cast us into prison, and now they thrust us out privately? Certainly not, but after coming, they shall lead us out. And the police reported these sayings to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And having come they besought them, and when they brought them out, they asked them to go out of the city. And having departed from the prison, they came in to Lydia. And after seeing the brothers, they encouraged them, and departed.
And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them at Troas within five days, where we stayed seven days.
while he was defending, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I transgressed anything.
that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy, even from the depth of their poverty, abounded for the wealth of their generosity,
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich he became poor for your sakes, so that by that man's poverty ye might become rich.
Or did I commit a sin lowering myself so that ye might be lifted up, because I preached to you the good-news of God freely?
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: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ. read more. I thank my God upon every memory of you,
I thank my God upon every memory of you, always in my every entreaty for all of you, making the entreaty with joy
always in my every entreaty for all of you, making the entreaty with joy for your participation in the good-news from the first day until now.
for your participation in the good-news from the first day until now. Being confident of this same thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Being confident of this same thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. 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.
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.
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. For God is my witness, how I long for you all in bowels of Jesus Christ.
For God is my witness, how I long for you all in bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment read more. for you to examine the things that are significant. So that ye may be tested by sunlight and not stumbling toward the day of Christ, having been filled with fruits of righteousness, through Jesus Christ, for glory and praise of God. 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. 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.
Actually some also preach the Christ because of envy and strife, and some also because of good-will. Some indeed proclaim the Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to bring affliction to my bonds.
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.
But some from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the good-news.
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.
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. For I know that this will turn out to me for salvation (through your entreaty, and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ)
For I know that this will turn out to me for salvation (through your entreaty, and the support of the Spirit of Jesus Christ) according to my eager expectation and hope that I will be shamed in nothing. But with all boldness, now as always, Christ will also be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death.
according to my eager expectation and hope that I will be shamed in nothing. But with all boldness, now as always, Christ will also be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if to live in flesh, this is fruit of labor to me, then what I will choose I know not.
But if to live in flesh, this is fruit of labor to me, then what I will choose I know not. And I am constrained by the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, being far better.
And I am constrained by the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, being far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary because of you.
But to remain in the flesh is more necessary because of you. And having been convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and will continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.
And having been convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and will continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.
And having been convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and will continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith. So that your pride may abound in Christ Jesus in me because of my presence with you again.
So that your pride may abound in Christ Jesus in me because of my presence with you again. Only be citizens worthy of the good-news of the Christ, so that, whether having come and having seen you or being absent, I may hear things about you that ye stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith o
Only be citizens worthy of the good-news of the Christ, so that, whether having come and having seen you or being absent, I may hear things about you that ye stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving together for the faith o And not being frightened in anything by those who oppose, which is indeed a sign of destruction to them, but to you of salvation, and this from God. read more. 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.
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, read more. in nothing according to selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility considering each other surpassing yourselves. Look ye out (each man) not to things of yourselves, but each man also to the things of others. Indeed have this way to think in you, that also was in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God something to seize and hold.
who, existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God something to seize and hold. But he emptied himself, having taken a form of a bondman, having become in a likeness of men.
But he emptied himself, having taken a form of a bondman, having become in a likeness of men. And having been found in a form like a man, he lowered himself, having become obedient until death, even of death from a cross.
And having been found in a form like a man, he lowered himself, having become obedient until death, even of death from a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name,
Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of the heavenly, and the earthly, and the sub-earthly,
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of the heavenly, and the earthly, and the sub-earthly, and that every tongue should acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
and that every tongue should acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
so that ye may become blameless and pure children of God, blameless in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Holding firm the word of life, for a boast by me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.
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. read more. 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.
For they all seek the things of themselves, not the things of Christ Jesus. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a child to a father, he served with me for the good-news. read more. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in Lord. To write the same things to you is really not irksome to me, but safe for you.
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in Lord. To write the same things to you is really not irksome to me, but safe for you.
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.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the excision.
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-- read more. 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.
Brothers, become fellow-imitators of me, and watch those who so walk, just as ye have us for an example. For many walk, who (I told you often, and now also say while weeping) are enemies of the cross of Christ,
For our citizenship exists in the heavens, from which also we await a Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform the body of our lowliness, in order for it to become similar in form to the body of his glory, according to the working of his power even to subject all things to himself.
So then, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in Lord this way beloved.
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.
I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in Lord.
I exhort Euodias, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in Lord. Yes, I ask thee also, genuine yokefellow, help them--the women who labored with me in the good-news--with Clement also, and the rest of my co-workmen whose names are in the book of life.
Yes, I ask thee also, genuine yokefellow, help them--the women who labored with me in the good-news--with Clement also, and the rest of my co-workmen whose names are in the book of life.
Yes, I ask thee also, genuine yokefellow, help them--the women who labored with me in the good-news--with Clement also, and the rest of my co-workmen whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.
Rejoice in Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice. Let your meekness be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Let your meekness be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thankfulness make your requests known to God.
Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thankfulness make your requests known to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are commendable, if anything is a virtue, and if
Finally brothers, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are commendable, if anything is a virtue, and if
Finally brothers, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are commendable, if anything is a virtue, and if And what ye learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
And what ye learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
And what ye learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
And what ye learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Not that I speak regarding need, for I have learned in what things I am to be content.
Not that I speak regarding need, for I have learned in what things I am to be content. 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 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 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.
I can do all things in the Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless ye did well having shared with my affliction.
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,
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.
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.
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 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. And my God will fill your every need according to his wealth in glory in Christ Jesus.
And my God will fill your every need according to his wealth in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father is the glory into the ages of the ages. Truly. read more. Salute every sanctified man in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me salute you. All the sanctified salute you, and especially those of the house of Caesar.
All the sanctified salute you, and especially those of the house of Caesar. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with you all. Truly.
And you, being dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, you he made alive together with him, having forgiven us all the transgressions,
Tychicus will make known to you all things about me, the beloved brother and faithful helper and fellow bondman in Lord.