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
When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier who was guarding him.
That's why I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the hope of Israel that I'm wearing this chain."
For two whole years Paul lived in his own rented place and welcomed everyone who came to him.
For two whole years Paul lived in his own rented place and welcomed everyone who came to him.
For two whole years Paul lived in his own rented place and welcomed everyone who came to him. He continued to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach boldly and freely about the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
He continued to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach boldly and freely about the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from this body and to live with the Lord.
Pray also for me, so that, when I begin to speak, the right words will come to me. Then I will boldly make known the secret of the gospel, for whose sake I am an ambassador in chains, desiring to declare the gospel as boldly as I should.
From: Paul and Timothy, servants of the Messiah Jesus. To: All the holy ones in Philippi, along with their overseers and ministers, who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.
From: Paul and Timothy, servants of the Messiah Jesus. To: All the holy ones in Philippi, along with their overseers and ministers, who are in union with the Messiah Jesus.
For it is only right for me to think this way about all of you, because you're constantly on my mind. Both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, all of you are partners with me in this privilege.
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually caused the gospel to advance.
Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has actually caused the gospel to advance. As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for preaching about the Messiah.
As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for preaching about the Messiah.
As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for preaching about the Messiah.
As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for preaching about the Messiah.
As a result, it has become clear to the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that I am in prison for preaching about the Messiah. Moreover, because of my imprisonment the Lord has caused most of the brothers to become confident to speak God's word more boldly and courageously than ever before.
Moreover, because of my imprisonment the Lord has caused most of the brothers to become confident to speak God's word more boldly and courageously than ever before.
Moreover, because of my imprisonment the Lord has caused most of the brothers to become confident to speak God's word more boldly and courageously than ever before. Some are preaching the Messiah because of jealousy and dissension, while others do so because of their good will. read more. The latter are motivated by love, because they know that I have been appointed to defend the gospel. The former proclaim the Messiah because they are selfishly ambitious and insincere, thinking that they will stir up trouble for me during my imprisonment. But so what? Just this that in every way, whether by false or true motives, the Messiah is being proclaimed. Because of this, I rejoice and will continue to rejoice.
Indeed, I cannot decide between the two. I have the desire to leave this life and be with the Messiah, for that is far better.
For you have been given the privilege for the Messiah's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.
For you have been given the privilege for the Messiah's sake not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him. You have the same struggle that you saw in me and now hear that I am still having.
You have the same struggle that you saw in me and now hear that I am still having.
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in the Messiah, if there is any comfort of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if there is any compassion and sympathy, then fill me with joy by having the same attitude, sharing the same love, being united in spirit, and keeping one purpose in mind.
Yet even if I am being poured out like an offering as part of the sacrifice and service I offer for your faith, I rejoice, and I share my joy with all of you.
Yet even if I am being poured out like an offering as part of the sacrifice and service I offer for your faith, I rejoice, and I share my joy with all of you. In the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me.
In the same way, you also should rejoice and share your joy with me. Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I can be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I can be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I can be encouraged when I learn of your condition. I do not have anyone else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
I do not have anyone else like him who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For all the others look after their own interests, not after those of Jesus the Messiah. read more. But you know his proven worth how like a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things are going to turn out for me.
Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things are going to turn out for me. Indeed, I am confident in the Lord that I will come to visit you soon.
Indeed, I am confident in the Lord that I will come to visit you soon. Meanwhile, I thought it best to send Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need back to you.
Meanwhile, I thought it best to send Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need back to you.
Meanwhile, I thought it best to send Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need back to you.
Meanwhile, I thought it best to send Epaphroditus my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need back to you. For he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.
For he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.
For he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick.
For he has been longing for all of you and is troubled because you heard that he was sick. Indeed, he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow on top of another.
Indeed, he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow on top of another.
Indeed, he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow on top of another.
Indeed, he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow on top of another. Therefore, I am especially eager to send him so that you may have the joy of seeing him again, and so that I may feel relieved.
Therefore, I am especially eager to send him so that you may have the joy of seeing him again, and so that I may feel relieved.
Therefore, I am especially eager to send him so that you may have the joy of seeing him again, and so that I may feel relieved. So joyfully welcome him in the Lord and make sure you honor such people highly,
So joyfully welcome him in the Lord and make sure you honor such people highly, because he came close to death for the work of the Messiah by risking his life to complete what remained unfinished in your service to me.
because he came close to death for the work of the Messiah by risking his life to complete what remained unfinished in your service to me.
because he came close to death for the work of the Messiah by risking his life to complete what remained unfinished in your service to me.
So then, my brothers, keep on rejoicing in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you; indeed, it is for your safety. Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilators! read more. For it is we who are the circumcision we who worship in the Spirit of God and find our joy in the Messiah Jesus. We have not placed any confidence in the flesh, although I could have confidence in the flesh. If anyone thinks he can place confidence in the flesh, I have more reason to think so. Having been circumcised on the eighth day, I am of the nation of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As far as the Law is concerned, I was a Pharisee. As for my zeal, I was a persecutor of the church. As far as righteousness in the Law is concerned, I was blameless. But whatever things were assets to me, these I now consider a loss for the sake of the Messiah. What is more, I continue to consider all these things to be a loss for the sake of what is far more valuable, knowing the Messiah Jesus, my Lord. It is because of him that I have experienced the loss of all those things. Indeed, I consider them rubbish in order to gain the Messiah and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but one that comes through the faithfulness of the Messiah, the righteousness that comes from God and that depends on faith. I want to know the Messiah what his resurrection power is like and what it means to share in his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, though I hope to experience the resurrection from the dead.
though I hope to experience the resurrection from the dead. It's not that I have already reached this goal or have already become perfect. But I keep pursuing it, hoping somehow to embrace it just as I have been embraced by the Messiah Jesus. read more. Brothers, I do not consider myself to have embraced it yet. But this one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus. Therefore, those of us who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will show you how to think.
Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor's crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to have the same attitude in the Lord.
Now I rejoice in the Lord greatly, because once again you have shown your concern for me. Of course, you were concerned for me but you did not have an opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in. read more. I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles. You Philippians also know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church participated with me in the matter of giving and receiving except for you. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs not once, but twice. It is not that I am looking for a gift. No, I want to see that you receive the fruit that increases to your benefit. I have been paid in full and have more than enough. I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
22Meanwhile, prepare a guest room for me, too, for I am hoping through your prayers to be returned to you.