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 permitted to live by himself with the soldier that had him in custody.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was permitted to live by himself with the soldier that had him in custody.
For this reason therefore I desired to see and to speak to you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him:
And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him:
And Paul abode two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him: preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, none forbidding him.
preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom, none forbidding him.
and well-pleased rather to be absent from the body, and to dwell with the Lord.
and for me particularly, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth with freedom, to make known the mystery of the gospel: for which I am an ambassador though in chains: that I may speak boldly in behalf of it, as I ought to speak.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus, which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
As it is just for me to think this of you all, because ye have me in your heart, both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, being all of you partakers of the same grace with me.
But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel:
But I would have you know, my brethren, that the things, which have befallen me, have proved rather to the advancement of the gospel: so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ;
so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ;
so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ;
so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ;
so that my bonds are manifest in all the palace, and all other places, to be for the sake of Christ; and many of the brethren in the Lord, encouraged by my bonds, are much more bold to publish the word without fear.
and many of the brethren in the Lord, encouraged by my bonds, are much more bold to publish the word without fear.
and many of the brethren in the Lord, encouraged by my bonds, are much more bold to publish the word without fear. Some indeed through envy and strife, and some also through good-will: read more. the former preach Christ out of contention, not sincerely, thinking to add affliction to my bonds; the others out of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. What then? yet every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached: and in this I rejoice, yea and I will rejoice;
for I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, which is much preferable:
For to you it is granted as a favor from Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake:
For to you it is granted as a favor from Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake: having the same conflict as ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
having the same conflict as ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
If therefore there be any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any participation of the Spirit, if any bowels of compassion, compleat ye my joy, be like-minded, maintaining the same love, with your souls united, in attending to the one thing needful.
But if I be even poured forth as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all.
But if I be even poured forth as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and congratulate with you all. And for the same cause do ye also rejoice, and congratulate with me.
And for the same cause do ye also rejoice, and congratulate with me. But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, by knowing the state of your affairs.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, by knowing the state of your affairs.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be refreshed, by knowing the state of your affairs. For I have no one of a like spirit, who will with a kind of natural affection take care of your affairs.
For I have no one of a like spirit, who will with a kind of natural affection take care of your affairs. For all seek their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. read more. But ye know the proof I have had of him, that as son with a father he served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see the issue of my own affairs.
I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see the issue of my own affairs. But I trust in the Lord, that I shall soon come myself too.
But I trust in the Lord, that I shall soon come myself too. However, I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and fellow-laborer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, who ministred to my wants:
However, I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and fellow-laborer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, who ministred to my wants:
However, I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and fellow-laborer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, who ministred to my wants:
However, I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother, and fellow-laborer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, who ministred to my wants: for he much longed after you all, and was greatly concerned because ye had heard that he was sick.
for he much longed after you all, and was greatly concerned because ye had heard that he was sick.
for he much longed after you all, and was greatly concerned because ye had heard that he was sick.
for he much longed after you all, and was greatly concerned because ye had heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick and nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick and nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick and nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow.
For indeed he was sick and nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him, and not on him only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow upon sorrow. I have sent him therefore the more desirously, that when ye see him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more desirously, that when ye see him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful.
I have sent him therefore the more desirously, that when ye see him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and have such in high esteem:
Receive him therefore in the Lord with all joy, and have such in high esteem: because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, so that he might fill up what was wanting in your kind offices towards me.
because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, so that he might fill up what was wanting in your kind offices towards me.
because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his own life, so that he might fill up what was wanting in your kind offices towards me.
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not irksome to me, and for you it is safe. Beware of those that are like dogs, beware of evil doers, beware of the concision. read more. For we are of the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other thinks he hath whereof to trust in the flesh, I more: having been circumcised on the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of Hebrews, with respect to the law a pharisee, as to zeal persecuting the church, as to the righteousness of the law blameless: but those things, which were once gain to me, I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless and I count all but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all, and I 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 by the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of 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 to the resurrection of the dead:
if by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead: not that I have yet won the prize, or am already perfect: but I press forward to acquire that perfection, for which also I have been apprehended by Christ Jesus. read more. Brethren, I count not myself to have attained it: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to those 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, attend to this: and if in any thing ye think differently, God will reveal this also unto you.
Wherefore, my brethren, beloved and much desired, my joy and crown, so stand ye fast in the Lord, my beloved. I exhort Euodia, and Syntyche to be perfectly united in the Lord.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that your care for me has now flourished again; for whom ye were indeed careful before, but ye wanted opportunity. Not that I speak on account of want; for I have learnt in whatever circumstances I am, to be contented. read more. I know both how to be abased, and how to abound: in every place, and in all conditions I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, to abound and to be in want. I can do all things through Christ strengthening me. Nevertheless ye did well in communicating to the relief of my affliction. And ye Philippians know, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I was departing from Macedonia, no church communicated to me on the score of giving and receiving, but you only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again to supply my wants. Not that I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. And indeed I have it all, and now abound: I am fully supplied, having received of Epaphroditus the things sent by you, a fragrant odor, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
and all the saints here salute you, but especially those of Cesar's household.
But I must add, prepare me also a lodging; for I hope that through your prayers I shall be restored to you.