Philippians 1:8

A solemn attestation of the heart-union just declared. To yearn over one in the heart of Christ Jesus is to love him with the depth and tenderness of His affection: cp. John 13:34, and on Philippians 4:1. Bowels] RV 'tender mercies.'

§3. Philippians 1:9. The Prayer of Philippians 1:9 recognises the love exhibited in the 'fellowship' of the readers with St. Paul (Philippians 1:5), desiring that it may be enriched by intelligence and moral tact. The Gk. term here used for knowledge, characteristic of the letters of this group, signifies 'advanced, thorough knowledge'; the word rendered discernment (RV)—here only in NT.—containing the root of 'æsthetics,' belongs to the region of taste, rather than judgment (AV). Strong in affection and zeal, the Philippians needed a more enlightened conscience (see on Philippians 4:8), in order to prove the things that differ (RM: cp. 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Hebrews 5:12).

Sincere] (= clear, translucent) implies purity of disposition; void of offence, faultlessness of conduct: for attaining such perfection, approved at the day of Christ, a fine moral intelligence, as well as a right intention, is needful. The emphasis of Philippians 1:11 rests on filled (made complete); and fruit of righteousness embraces all the moral issues of the righteousness of faith (see Philippians 3:9), abounding to the glory.. of God (cp. John 15:8).

II. About Paul's Affairs (Philippians 1:12)

§ 4. Philippians 1:12. The supreme interest of writer and readers alike (cp. Philippians 1:5) lies in 'the progress of the gospel.' The news from Rome about St. Paul troubled the Philippians on this account, and their alarm had been expressed in their recent letter: see Intro. He hastens to reassure them: the things that have befallen me have turned out rather to the progress of the gospel. 13. My bonds have become manifest in Christ] means that the writer, instead of being thrust out of sight, as the Philippians fear, is conspicuous at Rome as Christ's messenger: cp. Ephesians 6:20, His prison-lodging has become a vantage-ground: see Acts 28:30 his trial is favourably advertising the gospel. The whole Prætorian guard] ('all the palace,' wrongly, AV; RM 'the whole Prætorium') the corps of troops attached to the imperial head-quarters—had heard of it, presumably through the men told off in turn to guard the prisoner, who was chained by the wrist to his keeper night and day; all the rest signifies the Roman public, who freely visited the distinguished prisoner.

Philippians 1:14 describe the effect of this turn of events on the Roman Church. Some of its members may have been discouraged; but most of the brethren in the Lord.. are more abundantly bold, etc. St. Paul's cheerful confidence, at the same time the respect shown to him in his captivity and the likelihood of his acquittal, encouraged the majority; his trial, so far, went to clear Christianity of anything criminal in the eyes of the State, Hence the Roman Christians, beyond expectation, have gained confidence by his bonds.

St. Paul's presence stimulates Christian work at Rome in two opposite ways,