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Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 2:12-30

[5.Exhortation and Commendation (Philippians 2:12-30).(1) EXHORTATION TO WORK OUT THEIR SALVATION through the in working of God, and so to be lights in the world, and the glory of the Apostle, even in the hour of martyrdom (Philippians 2:12-18).(2) ST. PAUL’S INTENTION TO SEND TIMOTHY, AND HOPE TO COME HIMSELF SHORTLY (Philippians 2:19-24).(3) PRESENT MISSION OF EPAPHRODITUS, now recovered from his late sickness, and strong commendation of his zeal (Philippians 2:25-30).](12-18) By the word... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 2:16

(16) Holding forth the word of life.—This translation seems correct, and the reference is to the comparison above. There may, indeed, be (as has been supposed) a reference, involving a change of metaphor, to the holding forth of a torch, for guidance, or for transmission, as in the celebrated torch race of ancient times. But this supposed change of metaphor is unnecessary. The “luminaries” hold forth their light to men, and that light is the “word of life.” Note the same connection in John 1:4,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 2:17

(17) If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith.—The striking metaphor of the original is here imperfectly represented. It is, If I am being poured out—if my life-blood is poured out—over the sacrifice and religious ministration of your faith. The same word is used in 2 Timothy 4:6, where our version has, “I am now ready to be offered.” The allusion is to the practice of pouring out libations or drink-offerings (usually of wine) over sacrifices, both Jewish and heathen. Such... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Philippians 2:1-30

Against Controversy Philippians 2:3-5 There are two great notes in St. Paul's Epistle to the Philippians: I. The Note of Joy. The first the note of joy: 'Rejoice,' he is always crying, and this is the more noble because, as you remember, he wrote as a prisoner and as one in chains. And the point reminds us once more that no chain can ever fetter the free spirit: Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage. Even so one thinks of Bunyan with his body indeed in Bedford gaol, and with... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:12-18

Chapter 8WORKING AND SHINING.Philippians 2:12-18 (R.V.)AFTER his great appeal to the mind of Christ, the Apostle can pursue his practical object; and he can do so with a certain tranquillity, confident that the forces he has just set in motion will not fail to do their work. But yet that same appeal itself has tended to broaden and deepen the conception of what should be aimed at. He had deprecated the arrogant and the selfish mind, as these are opposed to lovingkindness and regard for others.... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Philippians 2:1-30

II. CHRIST, THE BELIEVER’S PATTERN CHAPTER 2 1. Oneness of mind through self effacement (Philippians 2:1-4 ) 2. The humiliation and exaltation of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11 ) 3. Work out your own salvation (Philippians 2:12-13 ) 4. As lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-16 ) 5. The example of Paul (Philippians 2:17-18 ) 6. The example of Timotheus (Philippians 2:19-24 ) 7. The example of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30 ) Philippians 2:1-4 This chapter puts before us Christ as our... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Philippians 2:16

2:16 Holding forth the {o} word of life; {8} that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.(o) The Gospel is called the word of life, because of the effects which it produces.(8) Again he urges them forward, setting before them his true apostolic care that he had for them: in addition comforting them to the end that they should not be sorry for the greatness of his afflictions, no, not even if he should die to make perfect their sacrifice with... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Philippians 2:17

2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the {p} sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.(p) As if he said, I brought you Philippians to Christ, and my desire is that you present yourselves a living sacrifice to him, and then it will not grieve me to be offered up as a drink offering, to accomplish this your spiritual offering. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:1-30

In the first chapter we have seen that Christ is the very principle of life that motivates the apostle in whatever circumstances, - and so indeed it should be for all believers. Chapter 2 now brings Christ Jesus before us in His voluntary humiliation and obedience unto death, as the great Example of His people. Vibrant life and freshness of soul is sweet, but it will soon vanish if it does not issue in lowly obedience. Thus, if souls have found "consolation in Christ - comfort of love -... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Philippians 2:1-30

JOY IN SE RV ICE EXPRESSED UNITY We here touch the weak point in the spiritual life of this church: a tendency toward dissension and separation. It is sad, as another says, that this tendency “is not least likely to be operative where there is generally diffused life and vigor” in a church, just as a state of lukewarmness may favor an outward tranquility. Paul plies his arguments against it, saying in effect, if there is any such thing as comfort drawn from our common union in Christ, any... read more

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