Philippians 1:19

The only apparent ground for reading δέ is its difficulty. γάρ (which has greatly preponderating authority) gives the reason for the continuance of his joy. τοῦτο. There is no need to limit this to his captivity (so Kl [48]), or his worries and trial (De W., Lft [49]). It is used generally of his present circumstances. τοῦτο … σωτ. is quoted from Job 13:16 (LXX). σωτ. We fail to see why this should be interpreted as the final eschatological salvation (so Ws [50], Lft [51], Kl [52], etc.). There is nothing in the context to justify such a thought. He has every reason to hope, he tells them, that he will see them again in peace (Philippians 1:25-27). Surely he is thinking chiefly of his probable release, an expectation which admirably accords with the favourable view of his case which was evidently being taken at Rome. This interpretation (Chr [53], τὴν ἀπαλλαγὴν λέγει) is strongly supported by the sense of the word in Job 13:16, from which it is here quoted, where יְשׁוּעָה has not the usual deeper meaning which belongs to it in the Prophh. and Pss., but signifies victory in a contest for the right. Cf. also 2 Corinthians 1:10 ff., a passage precisely akin to this, which favours the above idea of σωτηρία. [We find that Zahn uses almost the same arguments, Luthardt's Zeitschr., 1885, p. 300.] This verse is linked to Philippians 1:12 by Philippians 1:18. He desires their prayers for deliverance, and the promised Spirit of Christ (Luke 12:12) to give him wisdom that he may know how to act. In any case (the thought crosses his mind that he may still be condemned) he hopes to glorify Christ whether in life or death. ἐπιχορ. The absence of the article is no reason for joining ἐπιχ. closely with δεής. under the government of ὑμῶν. The gen. τοῦ πν. Ἰ. Χ. is quite sufficient to isolate ἐπιχ. “The supply given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ.” This is the Spirit possessed by Christ Himself and communicated to all who abide in Him as members of His body. Of course Paul, at times, really identifies Christ with the Spirit, e.g., 1Co 15:45, 2 Corinthians 3:17. Cf. 1 Corinthians 6:17. This identification springs directly from his own spiritual history. “The first ‘pneumatic' experience Paul had was an experience of Christ” (Gunkel, Wirkungen d. heil. Geistes 2, p. 91). Cf. for the word ἐπιχορ. Ep. ad Diogn., i., 10, τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ καὶ τὸ λέγειν καὶ τὸ ἀκούειν ἡμῖν χορηγοῦντος. “A suitable and common word for the Giver God.… The generosity of its origin survives in the transfer” (Gildersleeve ad loc.).

[48] Klöpper.

[49] Lightfoot.

[50] Weiss.

[51] Lightfoot.

[52] Klöpper.

[53] Chrysostom.