Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Philippians 1:20
1:20 earnest (a-4) Or 'constant.' see Romans 8:19 . but 'earnest' gives this idea here. 'the constant looking out that it should be so. read more
Philippians 1:20-21 Esv
John Darby
John Dummelow
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:1-30
The Prisoner Apostle in Rome§ 1. Address and Salutation (Philippians 1:1-2).Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:2. The form of greeting in Philippians 1:1-2 is that common to the Epistles of the third group.1. To all the saints] holy persons—consecrated to God as all Christian believers are. This and similar emphatic expressions (in Philippians 1:3-4, Philippians 1:7-8, Philippians 1:25, chapter Philippians 4:2) show that the entire Church, despite differences between its members (Philippians 2:2-3;... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:2-26
[2.Statement of St. Paul’s condition at Rome (Philippians 1:12-26).(1) THE RAPID PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL through his bonds, and through the preaching of others, whether in strife or in goodwill (Philippians 1:12-18).(2)HIS REJOICING THEREAT; his desire to depart and be with Christ, and his confidence, nevertheless, that he will abide in the flesh and see them again (Philippians 1:19-26).](12-18) In these verses St. Paul, evidently anxious that the Philippians should not “faint at his... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:19-24
(19-24) In these verses, under the power of that feeling of joy of which he speaks above, St. Paul unveils to the Philippians his most sacred aspirations and convictions, and the division of feeling in his own soul between longing for rest and consciousness of work yet to be done. There is a still fuller disclosure of a similar “spiritual experience” in 2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 5:15. It is rare in the apostolic writings. St. Paul seems, in 2 Corinthians 6:11, almost to apologise for... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:20
(20) My earnest expectation.—The word is only found here and in Romans 8:19 (where see Note). It implies an intense and almost painful longing for some crisis, a dulness of suspense lighted up with hope. The phrase is one of the many indications that the joyful and confident tone so often noticed in this Epistle came not from the absence of yearning for the freedom and activity of apostolic life, but from the victory over such longings through faith. Whatever the crisis might be, St. Paul... read more
Charles John Ellicott
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:21
(21) To live is Christ.—This, of course, means “Christ is my life,” yet not in the sense that He is the source and principle of life in us, but that the whole concrete state of life is so lived in Him that it becomes a simple manifestation of His presence. The opposition in the passage is between the states of living and dying (or being dead), not between the principles of life and death. It is, therefore, in some sense distinct from the cognate passages—Colossians 3:3-4, “Ye are dead, and your... read more
William Nicoll
Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Philippians 1:1-30
The Epistle to the Philippians The Saints of God (for All Saints' Eve) Philippians 1:1 To-morrow is the day of All Saints. For quite a thousand years the churches of the West have given the first of November to this great commemoration, illuminating the declining and darkening year with the spiritual splendour of the thought of these exalted multitudes who have outsoared our shadows into the light of God. For it is with the holy ones departed that the festival, beyond a doubt, was primarily... read more
William Nicoll
Expositor's Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:12-20
Chapter 3HOW THE PHILIPPIANS SHOULD THINK OF PAUL AT ROME.Philippians 1:12-20 (R.V.)HAVING poured out his feelings about those dear friends and children in the Lord at Philippi, the Apostle recognises corresponding feelings on their part towards him. These. must naturally be feelings of anxiety to know how it was with him in body and spirit and how far he had been protected and sustained amid the dangers and sorrows of a prisoner’s lot. On this then he is glad to be able to give them good... read more
William Nicoll
Expositor's Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:21-26
Chapter 4THE CHOICE BETWEEN LIVING AND DYING.Philippians 1:21-26 (R.V.)AT the close of the preceding section we see that the ruling principle of the Apostle-the earnest expectation and hope which inspired his life-came into special exercise at this time with reference to the possibility, and the likelihood, of an early and violent death. Dying for the name of the Lord Jesus, as well as enduring imprisonment for Him, might be near. He might not only be straitened in his labours, and secluded... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:21
This great testimonial affirmation succinctly summarizes Paul’s philosophy of life. For him, regardless of the decision about whether he would continue to live or die or the opinions of other people, saved or lost, his whole life revolved around Jesus Christ. Paul placed "to me" first in this sentence for emphasis. Jesus’ work on the cross had become the reason for all that Paul did. Appreciation for Christ motivated him. His present enablement through the Spirit was the source of his strength.... read more