Philippians 1:30

Having&c. The Greek construction, if strictly taken, points back to the first clause of Philippians 1:28, and leaves the intermediate words as a parenthesis. But it is much likelier that the construction here is free, and that this verse accordingly carries out the last words of Philippians 1:29 into detail.

conflict Greek agôn, a word suggestive of the athletic arena rather than the battle-field. See above on "striving together," Philippians 1:27. It recurs Colossians 2:1 (perhaps for the "wrestlings" of prayer); 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1. Our blessed Lord's great "Wrestling" in Gethsemane, His sacred "Agony," is called by the kindred word agônia, Luke 22:44.

ye saw in the streets and in the court-house at Philippi; Acts 16. One of the probable recipients of this letter, the Jailer, had not only "seen" but inflicted other sufferings in the dungeon.