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 finally entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier to guard him.
When we finally entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with the soldier to guard him.
This is the reason why I begged you to see and speak with me. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."
After this Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and used to receive all who came to see him.
After this Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and used to receive all who came to see him.
After this Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house, and used to receive all who came to see him. He continued to preach the kingdom of God, and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, quite unmolested.
He continued to preach the kingdom of God, and to teach about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, quite unmolested.
So I have good courage, and am well pleased rather, to be in banishment from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
and for me, that utterance may be given me to open my mouth boldly, and to make known the mystery of the gospel for which I am an ambassador, and in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it boldly as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, and to the elders and deacons.
Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, and to the elders and deacons.
It is but just that I should be thus mindful of you all, because I have you in my heart, and because in these fetters of mine and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel you are all my fellow partners in the privilege.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has turned out rather to help than to the hindrance of the gospel.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has turned out rather to help than to the hindrance of the gospel. Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ;
Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ;
Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ;
Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ;
Throughout the whole Praetorian guard and among all the others it has become plain that these chains of mine are for the sake of Christ; and most of the brothers in the Lord, made confident in the Lord through my imprisonment, are much emboldened to speak God's message with free and fearless confidence.
and most of the brothers in the Lord, made confident in the Lord through my imprisonment, are much emboldened to speak God's message with free and fearless confidence.
and most of the brothers in the Lord, made confident in the Lord through my imprisonment, are much emboldened to speak God's message with free and fearless confidence. Some indeed are preaching Christ out of envy and contentiousness, but others from good-will. read more. but the former preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, because they think they are adding bitterness to my bonds. These latter out of their love, because they know that I am set here for the defense of the gospel; What of it? In any case, whether in pretence or in honest truth, Christ is still preached, and in that I am rejoicing, yes, and will rejoice.
but am in a quandary between the two. I am perplexed. I have a strong desire to break camp and to be with Christ, which is far better;
For it has been granted you in Christ's behalf, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake,
For it has been granted you in Christ's behalf, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake, while you wage the same conflict which you once saw in me, and now hear that I maintain.
while you wage the same conflict which you once saw in me, and now hear that I maintain.
If then there is any comfort in Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love, if there is any companionship of the Spirit, if there is any tenderness or pity, I entreat you to make my joy overflow by living in harmony; possessing the same love, and with one soul united in one purpose.
Nay, even if my life is to be poured out as a libation upon the sacrifice and service of you faith,
Nay, even if my life is to be poured out as a libation upon the sacrifice and service of you faith, I will rejoice and congratulate you all; and in the same way you must rejoice and congratulate me.
I will rejoice and congratulate you all; and in the same way you must rejoice and congratulate me. Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be of good comfort when I learn the news concerning you.
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be of good comfort when I learn the news concerning you.
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may be of good comfort when I learn the news concerning you. For I have no other like him with a genuine concern for your welfare,
For I have no other like him with a genuine concern for your welfare, for they are all seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. read more. And you know Timothy's worth, how he has shared my servitude in furtherance of the gospel, like a son helping his father. So I hope to send him, as soon as ever I see how it will go with me;
So I hope to send him, as soon as ever I see how it will go with me; but I trust in the Lord that I also shall come shortly.
but I trust in the Lord that I also shall come shortly. Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, who is your messenger and minister to my needs, I have thought it necessary to send to you;
Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, who is your messenger and minister to my needs, I have thought it necessary to send to you;
Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, who is your messenger and minister to my needs, I have thought it necessary to send to you;
Epaphroditus, my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, who is your messenger and minister to my needs, I have thought it necessary to send to you; for he has been homesick for you all, and distressed at your having heard of his illness.
for he has been homesick for you all, and distressed at your having heard of his illness.
for he has been homesick for you all, and distressed at your having heard of his illness.
for he has been homesick for you all, and distressed at your having heard of his illness. And indeed he was sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also so that I should not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And indeed he was sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also so that I should not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And indeed he was sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also so that I should not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And indeed he was sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also so that I should not have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have been the more eager to send him, in order that you may rejoice in seeing him again, and that I may have one sorrow less.
Therefore I have been the more eager to send him, in order that you may rejoice in seeing him again, and that I may have one sorrow less.
Therefore I have been the more eager to send him, in order that you may rejoice in seeing him again, and that I may have one sorrow less. Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold in honor men like him;
Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold in honor men like him; for it was through the work of the Lord that he came near to death; for he hazarded his very life to supply what was lacking in the help you sent me.
for it was through the work of the Lord that he came near to death; for he hazarded his very life to supply what was lacking in the help you sent me.
for it was through the work of the Lord that he came near to death; for he hazarded his very life to supply what was lacking in the help you sent me.
Finally, my brothers, continue to rejoice in the Lord. To write the same thing is not indeed wearisome to me, and it is safe for you. Beware of "these dogs," these mischievous workers, beware of the concision! read more. For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and make our boast in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in outward rites, although I myself might have confidence in outward rites. If any one else claims a right to trust in them, far more may I; circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew sprung from the Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which comes through law, blameless. But what was once gain to me, that I have counted loss for Christ. In very truth I count all things but loss compared to the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and esteem them but refuse that I may gain Christ, and be found in him; not having my own righteousness of the Law, but that alone which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which comes from God, founded upon faith. I long to know him in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, by sharing the likeness of his death; if by any means I might attain to the resurrection from the dead!
if by any means I might attain to the resurrection from the dead! I do not say that I have already won, or am already perfect, but I am passing on to lay hold on the prize for which also Christ has laid hold of me. read more. Brothers, I do not regard myself to have yet laid hold of it; but this one thing I do, forgetting what is behind me, but straining every nerve toward that which lies ahead, I am ever pressing on toward the goal, for the prize of God's heavenward call in Christ Jesus. Let us all then, who are mature Christians, strive for this! God will make this clear to any of you who are striving for other goals;
Stand fast then, brothers, dearly loved and longed for, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved! Euodia I entreat, and I entreat Syntyche, to be of the same mind of the Lord;
Moreover, I greatly rejoiced in the Lord that now once more your care for me blossomed afresh; though indeed you did take thought in this matter, but you lacked the opportunity of expression. Not that I speak as if I were in want, for at least have learned how to be content, whatever happens. read more. I know how to live humbly, and I also know how to bear prosperity. In every place and under all circumstances I have been initiated into the secret of fulness and of hunger, of prosperity and of want. I am strong for everything in Him who gives me strength. Notwithstanding, you have acted nobly in making yourselves comrades in my trouble. And you very well know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I had left Macedonia, no church but yourselves had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent once and again for my needs. It is not your gifts I am eager for, but I am eager for the abundant profit that accrues to your divine account. But I give you a receipt in full for all things abound. I am amply supplied with what you sent by Epaphroditus??n odor of sweet fragrance, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
Please also prepare for me a lodging, for I am hoping by your prayers to be restored to you again.