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
On our reaching Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, except for the soldier who was in charge of him.
On our reaching Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, except for the soldier who was in charge of him.
This, then, is my reason for urging you to come to see me and talk with me; because it is for the sake of the Hope of Israel that I am here in chains."
For two whole years Paul stayed in a house which he rented for himself, welcoming all who came to see him,
For two whole years Paul stayed in a house which he rented for himself, welcoming all who came to see him,
For two whole years Paul stayed in a house which he rented for himself, welcoming all who came to see him, Proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ, with perfect fearlessness, unmolested.
Proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ, with perfect fearlessness, unmolested.
And in this confidence we would gladly leave our home in the body, and make our home with the Lord.
And on my behalf also, that, when I begin to speak, words may be given me, so that I may fearlessly make known the inmost truth of the Good News, On behalf of which I am an Ambassador--in chains! Pray that, in telling it, I may speak fearlessly as I ought.
To all Christ's People at Philippi, with the Presiding Officers and Assistants, from Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.
To all Christ's People at Philippi, with the Presiding Officers and Assistants, from Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.
And, indeed, I am justified in feeling thus about you all; because you have a warm place in my heart--you who all, both in my imprisonment and in the work of defending and establishing the Good News, shared my privilege with me.
Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News.
Brothers, I want you to realize that what has happened to me has actually served to forward the Good News. It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains.
It has even become evident, not only to all the Imperial Guard, but to every one else, that it is for Christ's sake that I am in chains. And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly.
And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly.
And besides this, most of our Brothers have gained confidence in the Lord through my chains, and now venture with far greater freedom to speak of God's Message fearlessly. It is true that some do proclaim the Christ out of Jealousy and opposition; but there are others who proclaim him from good- will. read more. The latter do it from love for me, knowing that I have been appointed to plead the cause of the Good News. The former spread the news of the Christ in a factious spirit, and not sincerely, thinking to add to the pain of my chains. But what of that? Only that in some way or other, either with assumed or with real earnestness, Christ is being made known; and at that I rejoice.
My own desire is to depart and be with Christ, for this would be far better.
For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf.
For, on behalf of Christ, you have had the privilege granted you, not only of trusting in him, but also of suffering on his behalf. You will be engaged in the same hard struggle as that which you once saw me waging, and which you hear that I am waging still.
You will be engaged in the same hard struggle as that which you once saw me waging, and which you hear that I am waging still.
If, then, any encouragement comes through union with Christ, if there is any persuasive power in love, if there is any communion with the Spirit, if there is any tenderness or pity, I entreat you to make my happiness complete--Live together animated by the same spirit and in mutual love, one in heart, animated by one Spirit.
And yet, even if, when your faith is offered as a sacrifice to God, my life-blood must be poured out in addition, still I shall rejoice and share the joy of you all;
And yet, even if, when your faith is offered as a sacrifice to God, my life-blood must be poured out in addition, still I shall rejoice and share the joy of you all; And do you also rejoice and share my joy.
And do you also rejoice and share my joy. I hope, however, as one who trusts in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may myself be cheered by receiving news of you.
I hope, however, as one who trusts in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may myself be cheered by receiving news of you.
I hope, however, as one who trusts in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you before long, so that I may myself be cheered by receiving news of you. For I have no one but him to send--no one of kindred spirit who would take the same genuine interest in your welfare.
For I have no one but him to send--no one of kindred spirit who would take the same genuine interest in your welfare. They are all pursuing their own aims and not those of Christ Jesus. read more. But you know what Timothy has proved himself to be, and how, like a child working for his father, he worked hard with me in spreading the Good News. It is Timothy, then, whom I hope to send, as soon as ever I can foresee how it will go with me.
It is Timothy, then, whom I hope to send, as soon as ever I can foresee how it will go with me. And I am confident, as one who trusts in the Lord Jesus, that before long I myself shall follow.
And I am confident, as one who trusts in the Lord Jesus, that before long I myself shall follow. Still I think it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you now, for he is my brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, and he was also your messenger to help me in my need.
Still I think it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you now, for he is my brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, and he was also your messenger to help me in my need.
Still I think it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you now, for he is my brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, and he was also your messenger to help me in my need.
Still I think it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you now, for he is my brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, and he was also your messenger to help me in my need. For he has been longing to see you all, and has been distressed because you heard of his illness.
For he has been longing to see you all, and has been distressed because you heard of his illness.
For he has been longing to see you all, and has been distressed because you heard of his illness.
For he has been longing to see you all, and has been distressed because you heard of his illness. And I can assure you that his illness very nearly proved fatal. But God had pity on him, and not on him only but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And I can assure you that his illness very nearly proved fatal. But God had pity on him, and not on him only but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And I can assure you that his illness very nearly proved fatal. But God had pity on him, and not on him only but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
And I can assure you that his illness very nearly proved fatal. But God had pity on him, and not on him only but also on me, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. I am all the more ready, therefore, to send him, so that the sight of him may revive your spirits and my own sorrow be lightened.
I am all the more ready, therefore, to send him, so that the sight of him may revive your spirits and my own sorrow be lightened.
I am all the more ready, therefore, to send him, so that the sight of him may revive your spirits and my own sorrow be lightened. Give him, then, the heartiest of Christian welcomes, and hold such men in great honour.
Give him, then, the heartiest of Christian welcomes, and hold such men in great honour. For it was owing to his devotion to the Master's work that he was at the point of death, having risked his own life in the effort to supply what was wanting in the help that you sent me.
For it was owing to his devotion to the Master's work that he was at the point of death, having risked his own life in the effort to supply what was wanting in the help that you sent me.
For it was owing to his devotion to the Master's work that he was at the point of death, having risked his own life in the effort to supply what was wanting in the help that you sent me.
In conclusion, my Brothers, all joy be yours in your union with the Lord. To repeat what I have already written does not weary me, and is the safe course for you. Beware of those 'dogs'! Beware of those mischievous workers! Beware of the men who mutilate themselves! read more. For it is we who are the circumcised--we whose worship is prompted by the Spirit of God, who exult in Christ Jesus, and who do not rely upon external privileges; Though I, if any man, have cause to rely even upon them. If any one thinks he can rely upon external privileges, far more can I! I was circumcised when eight days old; I am an Israelite by race, and of the tribe of Benjamin; I am a Hebrew, and the child of Hebrews. As to the Law, I was a Pharisee; As to zeal, I was a persecutor of the Church; as to such righteousness as is due to Law, I proved myself blameless. But all the things which I once held to be gains I have now, for the Christ's sake, come to count as loss. More than that, I count everything as loss, for the sake of the exceeding value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. And for his sake I have lost everything, and count it as refuse, if I may but gain Christ and be found in union with him; Any righteousness that I have being, not the righteousness that results from Law, but the righteousness which comes through faith in Christ--the righteousness which is derived from God and is founded on faith. Then indeed I shall know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and all that it means to share his sufferings, In the hope that, if I become like him in death, I may possibly attain to the resurrection from the dead.
In the hope that, if I become like him in death, I may possibly attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already laid hold of it, or that I am already made perfect. But I press on, in the hope of actually laying hold of that for which indeed I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. read more. For I, Brothers, do not regard myself as having yet laid hold of it. But this one thing I do--forgetting what lies behind, and straining every nerve for that which lies in front, I press on to the goal, to gain the prize of that heavenward Call which God gave me through Christ Jesus. Let all of us, then, whose faith is mature, think thus. Then, if on any matter you think otherwise, God will make that also plain to you.
So then, my dear Brothers, whom I am longing to see--you who are my joy and my crown, stand fast in union with the Lord, dear friends. I entreat Euodia, and I entreat Syntyche, to live in harmony, in union with the Lord;
It was a matter of great joy to me, as one in union with the Lord, that at length your interest in me had revived. The interest indeed you had, but not the opportunity. Do not think that I am saying this under the pressure of want. For I, however I am placed, have learned to be independent of circumstances. read more. I know how to face humble circumstances, and I know how to face prosperity. Into all and every human experience I have been initiated--into plenty and hunger, into prosperity and want. I can do everything in the strength of him who makes me strong! Yet you have acted nobly in sharing my troubles. And you at Philippi know, as well as I, that in the early days of the Good News--at the time when I had just left Macedonia--no Church, with the one exception of yourselves, had anything to do with me as far as giving and receiving are concerned. Indeed, even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent more than once to relieve my wants. It is not that I am anxious for your gifts, but I am anxious to see the abundant return that will be placed to your account. I have enough of everything, and to spare. My wants are fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts which you sent me--the sweet fragrance of a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
All Christ's People here, and especially those who belong to the Emperor's household, send theirs.
Please also get a lodging ready for me, for I hope that I shall be given back to you all in answer to your prayers.