Philippians 1:8

μάρτυς … ὁ θεός. Cp. Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:10; and see 2 Corinthians 1:18; for similar solemn appeals, characteristic of an ardent heart, often tried by unkind suspicions.

ἐπιποθῶ. The word is not common in classical Greek, nor in Biblical Greek before the N.T., where it, with its cognates, is used 11 times by St Paul (Romans 1:11; Romans 15:23; 2 Corinthians 5:2; 2 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 9:14; Philippians 2:26; Philippians 4:1, and here; 1 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 1:4), once by St James (Philippians 4:5), and once by St Peter (1. Philippians 2:2). In all the Pauline places it indicates a homesick yearning; in 2 Corinthians 5:2 the “home” is the heavenly rest. Here the verb breathes the deep family affection of the Gospel.

ἐν σπλάγχνοις Χ. Ἰ. In classical Greek the σπλάγχνα are commonly (not invariably: e.g. Æsch., S. c. T. 1022) the viscera nobiliora, including the heart. The LXX. in their (rare) use of the word do not so limit it; they render by it the Heb. rach’mîm, the bowels, viewed as the seat of affection. But the question is one not of anatomy but of current reference, and our word “heart” is thus the best rendering.

“In the heart of Christ Jesus”:—the phrase is deeply significant. The Christian’s personality, never lost, is yet so united to his Lord (see 1 Corinthians 6:17) that the emotions of the regenerate member are as it were in continuity with those of the ever-blessed Head. There is more than sympathy; there is communication.