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 came to Rome the centurion committed the prisoners to the prefect of the camp, and Paul was allowed to remain by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
AND when we came to Rome the centurion committed the prisoners to the prefect of the camp, and Paul was allowed to remain by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
For this reason, therefore, I have called you to see and converse with you, because I am loaded with this chain on account of the hope of Israel.
But Paul continued two entire years in his hired house, and received all who came to him,
But Paul continued two entire years in his hired house, and received all who came to him,
But Paul continued two entire years in his hired house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
and for me, that a word may be given me at the opening of my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, in behalf of which I perform an embassy in bonds, that I may speak boldly in them, as I ought to speak.
PAUL and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
PAUL and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
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 defense and confirmation of the gospel, you being all partakers of my grace.
But I wish you to know, brothers, that the things as to me have resulted in the advancement of the gospel,
But I wish you to know, brothers, that the things as to me have resulted in the advancement of the gospel, so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Praetorium and in all other places,
so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Praetorium and in all other places,
so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Praetorium and in all other places,
so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Praetorium and in all other places,
so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the Praetorium and in all other places, and many of the brothers having been made confident by my bonds in the Lord have more abundant courage to speak the word without fear.
and many of the brothers having been made confident by my bonds in the Lord have more abundant courage to speak the word without fear.
and many of the brothers having been made confident by my bonds in the Lord have more abundant courage to speak the word without fear. For some indeed preach Christ because of envy and strife, and some also because of good will; read more. [\ul Note: The text of verse
comes after the text of verse in Sawyer]those from love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel,
but those from contention preach Christ not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for my bonds. What then? nevertheless, in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached, and in this I rejoice. But I also will rejoice;
But I am in a strait between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ; for this is far better;
because it was given to you in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him but also to suffer for him,
because it was given to you in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him but also to suffer for him, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear of in me.
having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear of in me.
If therefore there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort in love, if any participation of the Spirit, if any affections and compassions, fulfil my joy, that you have the same mind, having the same love, sympathizing with each other, having one opinion.
But if I am even poured out as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate you all;
But if I am even poured out as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate you all; do you also rejoice with the same joy and congratulate me.
do you also rejoice with the same joy and congratulate me. But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may be refreshed when I know your affairs.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may be refreshed when I know your affairs.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I may be refreshed when I know your affairs. For I have no one like minded who really will care for your interests;
For I have no one like minded who really will care for your interests; for all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. read more. But you know his tried virtue, that as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send to you as soon as I know how it will be with me;
Him therefore I hope to send to you as soon as I know how it will be with me; and I hope in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
and I hope in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need,
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need,
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need,
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, the brother and my fellow-laborer and fellow-soldier, but your apostle and servant of my need, for he greatly desired you all and was anxious, because you heard that he was sick.
for he greatly desired you all and was anxious, because you heard that he was sick.
for he greatly desired you all and was anxious, because you heard that he was sick.
for he greatly desired you all and was anxious, because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick nigh 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 nigh 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 nigh 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 nigh 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 have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him again you may rejoice and I be less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him again you may rejoice and I be less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more diligently, that seeing him again you may rejoice and I be less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and have such in estimation,
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and have such in estimation, because on account of the work he was nigh to death, not having consulted properly for his life, that he might fully supply your lack of service to me.
because on account of the work he was nigh to death, not having consulted properly for his life, that he might fully supply your lack of service to me.
because on account of the work he was nigh to death, not having consulted properly for his life, that he might fully supply your lack of service to me.
FINALLY, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord; for to write the same things to you is not grievous to me, and is safe for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of evil laborers, beware of the concision. read more. We are the circumcision, who serve God in spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and trust not in the flesh, although I have ground of confidence in the flesh. If any other one thinks he may trust in the flesh, I [may] 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 righteousness by the law being blameless. But whatever things were my gain, these I have considered a loss for the sake of Christ. But for the same reason also I consider all things to be a loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them worthless that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having my righteousness by the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by the faith, that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the participation of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, that I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
that I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained it, or have been already made perfect; but I follow on that I may attain that for which also I was arrested by Christ. read more. I consider not myself, brothers, to have attained it; but this one thing I do; forgetting the things behind, and reaching forward to those before, I press forward to the mark for the prize of the high call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us, as many as are perfect therefore, be of this mind; and if any one thinks at all otherwise, God shall also reveal this to you;
So, my beloved and much desired brothers, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved. I beseech Euodias and I beseech Syntyche to have the same mind in the Lord.
But I rejoice greatly in the Lord, that now at length you began again to care for me, for whom also you did care, but had no opportunity [to serve me]. Not that I speak of want; for I have learned in whatever circumstances I am to be contented. read more. I know both how to be humbled, and I know how to abound; in every thing and in all conditions I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer want. I endure all things with him that strengthens me. But you did well to communicate with my affliction, And you know also, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I went out from Macedonia, no church communicated with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only; for even in Thessalonica and once and again you sent to my need. Not that I desire a gift, but I desire the fruit which abounds to your account. But I have all things and abound, I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you, a perfume of good odor, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
But at the same time also prepare me a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be given to you.