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 entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
And, when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
For this cause, therefore, have I called for you, to see and to speak with you; for, on account of the hope of Israel, this chain, have I about me!
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house, and made welcome all who were coming in unto him, -
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house, and made welcome all who were coming in unto him, -
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house, and made welcome all who were coming in unto him, - proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, without hindrance.
proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, without hindrance.
We have good courage, however, and are well pleased - rather to be away from home, out of the body, and to come home, unto the Lord.
And on behalf of me; - that, unto me, may be given discourse in the opening of my mouth, with freedom of utterance, to make known the sacred secret of the glad-message In behalf of which I am conducting an embassy in chains, that, therein, I may use freedom of utterance as it is needful for me to speak.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, - unto all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with overseers and ministers: -
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, - unto all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with overseers and ministers: -
According as it is right in me to have this regard in behalf of you all, - because ye have had me in your hearts, both in my bonds and in the defence and confirmation of the glad-message, all of you being, joint partakers of my favour.
Howbeit, I am minded, brethren, that ye should be, getting to know, that, the things which relate unto myself, rather, unto an advancement of the glad-message, have fallen out,
Howbeit, I am minded, brethren, that ye should be, getting to know, that, the things which relate unto myself, rather, unto an advancement of the glad-message, have fallen out, So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, -
So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, -
So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, -
So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, -
So that, my bonds, have become manifest in Christ, in the whole palace, and unto all the rest, - And so that , the most of the brethren in the Lord, assured by my bonds, are becoming more abundantly bold to be fearlessly speaking the word of God: -
And so that , the most of the brethren in the Lord, assured by my bonds, are becoming more abundantly bold to be fearlessly speaking the word of God: -
And so that , the most of the brethren in the Lord, assured by my bonds, are becoming more abundantly bold to be fearlessly speaking the word of God: - Some, indeed, by reason of envy and strife - some, however, by reason of good will - are proclaiming, the Christ: read more. These, indeed, out of love, knowing that, for the defence of the glad-message, I am set; But, those, out of faction, are declaring, the Christ, not purely - supposing to rouse up, tribulation, with my bonds. What then? That, in any way, whether in pretext, or in truth, Christ, is declared, and, in this, I rejoice - yea, and will rejoice!
I am held in constraint, however, by reason of the two, - having, the coveting, to be released, and to be with, Christ, for it were far better!
Because, unto you, hath it been given as a favour, in behalf of Christ, not only, on him, to believe, but also, in his behalf, to suffer: -
Because, unto you, hath it been given as a favour, in behalf of Christ, not only, on him, to believe, but also, in his behalf, to suffer: - Having, the same contest, which ye have seen in me, and now hear to be in me.
Having, the same contest, which ye have seen in me, and now hear to be in me.
If there be, therefore, any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any tender affections and compassions, Fill ye up my joy - that, the same thing, ye esteem, the same love, possessing, joined in soul, the one thing, esteeming, -
Nay! if I am even to be poured out as a drink-offering, upon the sacrifice and public ministry of your faith, I rejoice, yea rejoice together with you all, -
Nay! if I am even to be poured out as a drink-offering, upon the sacrifice and public ministry of your faith, I rejoice, yea rejoice together with you all, - For the same cause, moreover, do, ye also, rejoice, yea rejoice together with me.
For the same cause, moreover, do, ye also, rejoice, yea rejoice together with me. I am hoping, however, in the Lord Jesus - Timothy, shortly, to send unto you, in order that, I also, may be of cheerful soul, when I have ascertained the things that concern you.
I am hoping, however, in the Lord Jesus - Timothy, shortly, to send unto you, in order that, I also, may be of cheerful soul, when I have ascertained the things that concern you.
I am hoping, however, in the Lord Jesus - Timothy, shortly, to send unto you, in order that, I also, may be of cheerful soul, when I have ascertained the things that concern you. For, no one, have I, of equal soul, who, genuinely, as to the things that concern you, will be anxious;
For, no one, have I, of equal soul, who, genuinely, as to the things that concern you, will be anxious; For, they all, their own things, do seek, not the things of Christ Jesus; read more. But, of the proof of him, be taking note, - that, as child, with father, with me, hath he done service for the glad-message; Him, indeed, therefore, am I hoping to send - as soon as I can look off from the things that concern myself, - forthwith.
Him, indeed, therefore, am I hoping to send - as soon as I can look off from the things that concern myself, - forthwith. I am assured, however, in the Lord, - that I, myself, shall shortly come.
I am assured, however, in the Lord, - that I, myself, shall shortly come. Needful, nevertheless have I accounted it - Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle and public minister to my need, to send unto you;
Needful, nevertheless have I accounted it - Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle and public minister to my need, to send unto you;
Needful, nevertheless have I accounted it - Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle and public minister to my need, to send unto you;
Needful, nevertheless have I accounted it - Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, but your apostle and public minister to my need, to send unto you; Since he hath been longing to see, you all, and hath been in great distress, because ye had heard he was sick; -
Since he hath been longing to see, you all, and hath been in great distress, because ye had heard he was sick; -
Since he hath been longing to see, you all, and hath been in great distress, because ye had heard he was sick; -
Since he hath been longing to see, you all, and hath been in great distress, because ye had heard he was sick; - And, in fact, he was sick, nigh unto death; but, God, had mercy on him, - and, not on him only, but, on me also, lest, sorrow upon sorrow, I should have.
And, in fact, he was sick, nigh unto death; but, God, had mercy on him, - and, not on him only, but, on me also, lest, sorrow upon sorrow, I should have.
And, in fact, he was sick, nigh unto death; but, God, had mercy on him, - and, not on him only, but, on me also, lest, sorrow upon sorrow, I should have.
And, in fact, he was sick, nigh unto death; but, God, had mercy on him, - and, not on him only, but, on me also, lest, sorrow upon sorrow, I should have. The more promptly, therefore, have I sent him, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and, I, the less sorrowful, may be.
The more promptly, therefore, have I sent him, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and, I, the less sorrowful, may be.
The more promptly, therefore, have I sent him, that, seeing him again, ye may rejoice, and, I, the less sorrowful, may be. Be giving him welcome, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy; and, such as he, in honour, be holding, -
Be giving him welcome, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy; and, such as he, in honour, be holding, - Because, for the sake of the work of the Lord, unto death, he drew nigh, running hazard with his life, that he might fill up your lack of the public service, towards me.
Because, for the sake of the work of the Lord, unto death, he drew nigh, running hazard with his life, that he might fill up your lack of the public service, towards me.
Because, for the sake of the work of the Lord, unto death, he drew nigh, running hazard with his life, that he might fill up your lack of the public service, towards me.
For the rest, my brethren - rejoice in the Lord. To be writing, the same things, unto you, to me, is not irksome, while, for you, is safe: - Beware of the dogs, beware of mischievous workers, beware of the mutilation; read more. For, we, are the circumcision, who in the Spirit of God, are doing divine service, and are boasting in Christ Jesus, and, not in flesh, having confidence, - Although, indeed, I, might have confidence even in flesh. If any other thinketh to have confidence in flesh, I, more: - Circumcised, 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 assembly, regarding the righteousness that is in law, having become blameless. But, whatever things, unto me, were gain, the same, have I accounted, for the Christ's sake, loss; Yea, doubtless! and I account all things to be, loss, because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom, the loss, of all things, have I suffered, and do account them refuse, in order that, Christ, I may win, And be found in him - not having a righteousness of my own, that which is by law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is, of God, upon my faith, - To get to know him, and the power of his resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death, - If by any means I may advance to the earlier resurrection, which is from among the dead:
If by any means I may advance to the earlier resurrection, which is from among the dead: Not that I have, already, received, or have, already, reached perfection, but I am pressing on - if I may even lay hold of that for which I have also been laid hold of by Christ Jesus: - read more. Brethren! I, as to myself, reckon that I have, not yet, laid hold; one thing, however, - the things behind, forgetting, and, unto the things before, eagerly reaching out, With the goal in view, I press on for the prize of the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus. As many, therefore, as are full-grown, let, this, be our resolve; and, if, somewhat differently, ye are resolved, this, also, shall, God, unto you reveal.
So then, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, - thus, stand fast in the Lord, beloved. Euodia, I exhort, and, Syntche, I exhort, - on the same thing, to be resolved in the Lord: -
Howbeit I have been made to rejoice in the Lord greatly - that, now, at length, ye have flourished in your care for me, - although, indeed, ye were caring, but lacked opportunity. Not that, as to coming short, I am speaking, for, I, have learned, in whatsoever circumstances I am, to be, independent: read more. I know what it is even to be kept low, and I know what it is to have more than enough, - in every way, and in all things, have I been let into the secret - both to be well fed, and to be hungering, both to have more than enough, and to be coming short: I have might, for all things, in him that empowereth me. Nevertheless, nobly, have ye done, in taking fellowship with me in my tribulation. Ye know, moreover, even ye, Philippians, - that, in the beginning of the glad-message, when I went forth from Macedonia, not, so much as one assembly, with me had fellowship - in the matter of giving and receiving - save, ye alone, - That, even in Thessalonica, both once and again, unto my need, ye sent: - Not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is to abound unto your account. But I have all things in full, and have more than enough, I am filled, having welcomed from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, - a fragrance of sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing unto God.
At the same time, moreover, be also getting ready for me, a lodging; for I am hoping that, through your prayers, I shall be granted as a favour unto you.