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 had come to Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
And when we had come to Rome, Paul was permitted to dwell by himself, with the soldier that guarded him.
For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak to you; for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house and gladly received all that came in to him,
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house and gladly received all that came in to him,
And he abode two whole years in his own hired house and gladly received all that came in to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without hindrance from any one.
proclaiming the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without hindrance from any one.
and are well pleased rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Lord.
and for me, that utterance may be given me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, in behalf of which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may proclaim it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, together with the bishops and deacons:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, together with the bishops and deacons:
even as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, all of you being sharers of the grace bestowed on me.
But I wish you to know, brethren, that things with me have resulted in the furtherance of the gospel;
But I wish you to know, brethren, that things with me have resulted in the furtherance of the gospel; so that my bonds have become known in connection with Christ in the whole camp of the imperial guards, and to all the rest;
so that my bonds have become known in connection with Christ in the whole camp of the imperial guards, and to all the rest;
so that my bonds have become known in connection with Christ in the whole camp of the imperial guards, and to all the rest;
so that my bonds have become known in connection with Christ in the whole camp of the imperial guards, and to all the rest;
so that my bonds have become known in connection with Christ in the whole camp of the imperial guards, and to all the rest; and that the great part of the brethren, made confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
and that the great part of the brethren, made confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
and that the great part of the brethren, made confident in the Lord by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will. read more. They who are of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel; but they who are of a factious spirit preach Christ with no pure intent, thinking to stir up affliction to my bonds. What then? Notwithstanding, in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and therein do I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.
but I am held in a strait by the two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; for it is far better;
for to you it was given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but in his behalf to suffer also;
for to you it was given in behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but in his behalf to suffer also; as ye have the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
as ye have the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.
If then there is any exhortation in Christ, if any encouragement from love, if any partaking of the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, make my joy full, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, with union of soul cherishing one mind;
But if I am even poured out on the sacrifice and ministration of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
But if I am even poured out on the sacrifice and ministration of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. For the same reason, do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me.
For the same reason, do ye also rejoice, and rejoice with me. But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I know your state.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I know your state.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I know your state. For I have no one likeminded, who will have a true concern for your state;
For I have no one likeminded, who will have a true concern for your state; for all of them are seeking their own things, not those of Christ Jesus. read more. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son serves a father, he served with me for the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, as soon as I see how it will go with me;
Him therefore I hope to send forthwith, as soon as I see how it will go with me; but I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come soon.
but I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come soon. Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and minister to my wants;
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and minister to my wants;
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and minister to my wants;
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and minister to my wants; for he was longing after you all, and was much troubled, because ye heard that he was sick.
for he was longing after you all, and was much troubled, because ye heard that he was sick.
for he was longing after you all, and was much troubled, because ye heard that he was sick.
for he was longing after you all, and was much troubled, because ye heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick near to death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I send him therefore the more speedily, that when ye see him ye may again rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
I send him therefore the more speedily, that when ye see him ye may again rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
I send him therefore the more speedily, that when ye see him ye may again rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in honor;
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such in honor; because he was near to death on account of the work, hazarding his life to supply what was wanting on your part in the ministration to me.
because he was near to death on account of the work, hazarding his life to supply what was wanting on your part in the ministration to me.
because he was near to death on account of the work, hazarding his life to supply what was wanting on your part in the ministration to me.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord; to write the same things to you, to me is not burdensome, and for you it is safe. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workmen, beware of the concision. read more. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh; though I myself have reason for confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath reason for confidence in the flesh, I more; circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless. But whatever things were gain to me, those for the sake of Christ I have counted but loss. Nay more, I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God upon faith; that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, while becoming like him in his death, if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or have been already perfected; but I press on, if I may also lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ. read more. Brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do, forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth to the things that are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, be of this mind; and if ye have a different mind in anything, even this will God reveal to you.
Therefore, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord;
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived again in your care for my welfare; for which indeed ye cared before, but lacked opportunity. Not that I speak on account of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content. read more. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound; in every thing and in all things I have been well taught, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want; I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding, ye did well in sharing with me in my distress. And ye yourselves also know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I went forth from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in an account of giving and receiving, but ye only; for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my necessity. Not that I seek for such a gift, but I do seek for fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus what was sent from you, a sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
And at the same time make ready a lodging for me; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.