Upon every remembrance - As often as you recur to my mind, so often do I thank God for the great work wrought among you. Some think that the words should be translated, for all your kind remembrance; referring to their kind attention to the apostle, in supplying his wants, etc. read more
Verse 1 1Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ While Paul is accustomed, in the inscription of his epistles, to employ titles of distinction, with the view of procuring credit for himself and his ministry, there was no need of lengthened commendations in writing to the Philippians, who had known him by experience as a true Apostle of Christ, and still acknowledged him as such beyond all controversy. For they had persevered in the calling of God steadfastly, and in an even tenor. (24) ... read more
Verse 3 3I give thanks. He begins with thanksgiving (31) on two accounts — first, that he may by this token shew his love to the Philippians; and secondly, that, by commending them as to the past, he may exhort them, also, to perseverance in time to come. He adduces, also, another evidence of his love — the anxiety which he exercised in supplications. It is to be observed, however, that, whenever he makes mention of things that are joyful, he immediately breaks forth into thanksgiving — a... read more
Paul and Timotheus . St. Paul does not assume his official title in writing to the Macedonian Churches, Philippi and Thessalonica; it is used in all his other Epistles, except the short letter to Phlippians. His relations to the Philippians and Thessalonians were those of the deepest personal affection; there was no need of a formal introduction, especially in an Epistle which has so little of an official character as this to the Philippians. He joins the name of Timothy with his own, as... read more
An ancient letter. We not only miss the drift of many parts of the Bible, but we also lose much of the interest they might excite in us, when we fail to observe the circumstances under which they were written. in the Epistle to the Philippians, for example, we have a letter addressed by a remarkable man under very touching conditions to a community of people in whom he felt deep interest. The primary, historical purpose of the writing is determined by these hers. I. THE WRITER .... read more
The address. I. ST . PAUL 'S DESCRIPTION OF HIMSELF . He is a servant of Jesus Christ. 1 . He does not here style himself an apostle. The title was unnecessary in writing to the Philippians; he does not assume it needlessly. He associates Timotheus with himself. In the presence of the blessed Lord and Master distinctions sink into insignificance. 2 . Paul and Timotheus are alike " servants ." But that name, in its inner meaning, is a lofty title. He who belongs... read more
Apostolic address and salutation. The Apostle Paul is as characteristic in his greetings as in the substance of his epistolary writings. I. THE AUTHORS OF THE GREETING . "Paul and Timotheus, bond-slaves of Jesus Christ." 1 . The apostle associates Timothy with himself as one who had labored at Philippi and was well known to the Christians of that city. Timothy, besides, was then his companion at Rome. It was natural that he should name the disciple who was associated... read more
Saints, bishops, and deacons. In the beginning of this earliest Epistle of the captivity, according to the showing of Lightfoot, the apostle does not deem it needful to declare his apostleship or to indulge in even the semblance of self-assertion. Bracketing Timotheus with himself, he simply declares that they are slaves ( δοῦλοι ) of Jesus Christ, and as such desire to address the constituents of the Philippian Church. The contents of this Epistle are eminently joy-inspiring; it is, in... read more
Introduction. This Epistle of Paul breathes throughout the tenderest affection and most passionate longing toward the Philippians. It was called forth by a token of their affection in a contribution for his support sent by Epaphroditus. It is pervaded by a deeper tone of satisfaction than any other of his Epistles. It is characteristically epistolary in its freedom of plan and familiarity of expression. Written without a dogmatic purpose, there is one important doctrinal passage in it; and... read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:2
Grace be unto you - See on Romans 1:7 ; (note). read more