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 delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with the soldier that kept him.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with the soldier that kept him.
For this cause therefore have I intreated, to see and speak with you; for it is on account of the hope of Israel, that I am bound with this chain.
And Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him,
And Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him,
And Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things that relate to the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, no man forbidding him.
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things that relate to the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of speech, no man forbidding him.
We behave undauntedly, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and present with the Lord.
And for me that utterance may be given me, by the opening my mouth to make known boldly the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds, that I may speak boldly therein, as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons,
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints who are 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, who were all partakers of my grace, both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel.
Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things concerning me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel:
Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things concerning me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel: So that my bonds in Christ have been made manifest in the whole palace, and to all others:
So that my bonds in Christ have been made manifest in the whole palace, and to all others:
So that my bonds in Christ have been made manifest in the whole palace, and to all others:
So that my bonds in Christ have been made manifest in the whole palace, and to all others:
So that my bonds in Christ have been made manifest in the whole palace, and to all others: And many of the brethren trusting in the Lord through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word without fear.
And many of the brethren trusting in the Lord through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word without fear.
And many of the brethren trusting in the Lord through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even through envy and strife; but some through good will. read more. The one preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the others out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? still every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
For I am in a strait between two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, for it is far better.
This also is of God. For to you it is given, with regard to Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him:
This also is of God. For to you it is given, with regard to Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him: Having the same conflict, which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Having the same conflict, which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
If there be then any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies; Fulfil ye my joy, that ye think the same thing, having the same love, being of one soul, of one mind.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all.
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy and rejoice with you all. For the same cause joy ye likewise, and rejoice with me.
For the same cause joy ye likewise, and rejoice with me. Now I trust in the Lord Jesus, to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged, when I know your state.
Now I trust in the Lord Jesus, to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged, when I know your state.
Now I trust in the Lord Jesus, to send Timotheus to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged, when I know your state. For I have none like-minded, who will naturally care for what concerneth you.
For I have none like-minded, who will naturally care for what concerneth you. For all seek their own, not the things of Christ. read more. But ye know the proof of him, that as a son with his father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send, as soon as ever I know how it will go with me.
Him therefore I hope to send, as soon as ever I know how it will go with me. But I trust in the Lord, that I also myself shall come shortly.
But I trust in the Lord, that I also myself shall come shortly. Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labour and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and him that ministered to my need.
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labour and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and him that ministered to my need.
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labour and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and him that ministered to my need.
Yet I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labour and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and him that ministered to my need. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick.
For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because ye had heard that he was sick. He was indeed sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me likewise, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
He was indeed sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me likewise, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
He was indeed sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me likewise, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
He was indeed sick nigh unto death; but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me likewise, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I have sent him therefore the more willingly, that ye seeing him again may rejoice, and that I also may be the less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more willingly, that ye seeing him again may rejoice, and that I also may be the less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more willingly, that ye seeing him again may rejoice, and that I also may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and honour such.
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and honour such. Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, to supply your deficiency of service toward me.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, to supply your deficiency of service toward me.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, to supply your deficiency of service toward me.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not tedious to me, and it is safe for you. Beware of dogs, beware of evil-workers, read more. beware of the concision, For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might have confidence: if any man think that he may have confidence in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews, touching the law, a Pharisee; Touching zeal, persecuting the church, touching the righteousness, which is by the law, blameless. But whatsoever things were gain to me, those I have accounted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I account all things to be loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do account them but dung, 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 by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death: If by any means I may attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
If by any means I may attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected: but I pursue, if I may apprehend that, for which I was also apprehended by Christ Jesus. read more. Brethren, I do not account myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do, forgetting the things that are behind, and reaching forth unto the things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded; and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Therefore, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, to be of one mind in the Lord.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful; but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, to be content. read more. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound, every where and in every thing I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to want. I can do all things through Christ strengthening me. Nevertheless ye have done well, that ye did communicate to me in my affliction. And ye know likewise, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated to me in respect of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to my necessities. Not that I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received of Epaphroditus the things which came from you, an odour of a sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of C?sar's houshold.
Luke the beloved physician and Demas salute you.
Withal prepare me also a lodging; for I trust I shall be given to you through your prayers.