The apostle, in the latter part of the preceding chapter, having exhorted the Philippians to walk worthy of their Christian profession, by having their conversation according to the gospel; and, as nothing is more required by it, or can be more suitable to it, than mutual love among the followers of... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let nothing be done_ among you _through strife_ A spirit of contradiction or contention, which is inconsistent with your being _like- minded; or vain glory_ Desire of praise; wishing to draw the eyes of others upon you, and to make yourselves the subjects of discourse and admiration which is direct... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let this mind_ The same humble, condescending, benevolent, disinterested, self-denying disposition; _be in you which was also in Christ Jesus_ The original expression, τουτο φρονεισθω εν υμιν ο και εν Χριστω Ιησου, is, literally, _Be ye minded_, or disposed, _as Jesus was._ The word includes both t... [ Continue Reading ]
_But_ Or, _nevertheless_, as αλλα frequently signifies, and is rendered in our version, particularly Mark 14:36; Joh 11:15; 1 Corinthians 9:12; Galatians 4:30; 2 Timothy 1:12. This is mentioned, because the critics, who would render the last clause, _he did not covet_, or _catch at, a likeness to_,... [ Continue Reading ]
_And being found in fashion as a man_ A common man, without any peculiar excellence or comeliness. The word σχημα, rendered _fashion_, includes all the particulars of a person's outward appearance; such as his figure, air, looks, clothing, and gait. The word is also applied to things inanimate, as,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Wherefore_ Because of his voluntary humiliation and obedience, and in reward thereof; _God hath highly exalted him_ In that manhood in which he suffered and died. Greek, υπερυψωσε, _super- exalted_ him, or exalted him to a dignity higher than that which he possessed before his humiliation. By becom... [ Continue Reading ]
_Do all things_ Especially all good offices to each other, not only without contention, (Philippians 2:3,) but even _without murmurings_ At your duty, or at one another; _and disputings_ With each other, or altercations, which are real, though smaller, hinderances of love. It seems the apostle had i... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yea, and if I be offered up_ Or, _poured out_, as σπενδομαι properly signifies; _upon the sacrifice and service of your faith_ Greek, θυσια και λειτουργια; the former word properly signifies a _sacrifice_, and the latter _the performance of any public service_, especially that pertaining to the wor... [ Continue Reading ]
_But I trust in the Lord_, &c. Though I should not be surprised if my work and testimony as an apostle should end in martyrdom, yet I do not immediately expect such an event, but trust that the Lord will effect such a deliverance for me, as that, not needing Timotheus so much here, I may be able _to... [ Continue Reading ]
_But ye know the proof of him_ You know what experience you and I have had of him, who was with me, as well as Silas, in that memorable visit which I first made you, Acts 16:1. You then saw _that as a son with the father_ He uses an elegant peculiarity of phrase, speaking partly as of a son, partly... [ Continue Reading ]
_Yet I supposed it necessary to send Epaphroditus_ Back immediately, who is near and dear to me as _a brother and companion in labour_ A fellow-labourer in the work of the Lord; _and fellow-soldier_ “So he seems to call him, to show how full of danger the work of the gospel was in that age, to those... [ Continue Reading ]
_I sent him therefore the more carefully_ Or, _speedily_, as σπουδαιοτερως here signifies; _that seeing him again_ In a state of health, _ye may rejoice_ May be comforted after your trouble; _and that I may be the less sorrowful_ When I know you are rejoicing. _Receive him therefore_ With affection... [ Continue Reading ]