1:20 {6} According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.(6) We must continue even to the end, with great confidence, having nothing before our eyes except for Christ’s glory alone, whether we live or die. read more
Consistently with the character of the epistle, in his addressing the Philippians, Paul does not do so as an apostle, but linking Timothy's name with his own, makes use of the lowlier title, "servants of Jesus Christ." It will be noted that in those epistles in which he writes as an apostle, he makes an authoritative communication of the mind of God, which rightfully requires the obedience of faith. As an apostle he is invested with God-given authority. As a servant, on the other hand,... read more
JOY IN SUFFERING The epistle opens with the customary salutation or greeting (Philippians 1:1-2 ). Timothy is named with Paul, not that he is a co-writer, but a co-worker in Philippi, and hence known to the church. He is however, Paul’s companion in Rome at this time. Note the important expression “in Christ Jesus,” which was explained in Ephesians. Note the advanced development of the church “bishops and deacons” or “overseers and working-helpers.” Then comes the thanksgiving (Philippians... read more
(15) Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: (16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. (18) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply... read more
Whether it be by life, or by death. To live longer, if God pleaseth, or to suffer death at this time, he shews himself resigned to either. (Witham) read more
To live is Christ. If it be his will that I live, my life shall be spent in his service. --- To die, and suffer martyrdom, will be my gain, by coming to the enjoyment of Christ sooner. (Witham) read more
12-20 The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the... read more
21-26 Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil... read more
Philippians 1 IN OPENING, PAUL does not present himself as an apostle, but just as a bondman of Jesus Christ. Hence we are not to regard the experience which he is led to relate as being something apostolic, and therefore beyond the reach of ordinary Christians. On the contrary it is the experience of a bondman or servant, and we all are that. He addresses himself to those at Philippi who could be spoken of as “saints in Christ Jesus.” Being in Christ they were set apart for God. They had... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Philippians 1:1-30
Analysis and Annotations I. CHRIST, THE CONTROLLING PRINCIPLE OF THE BELIEVER’S LIFE CHAPTER 1 1. The introduction (Philippians 1:1-2 ) 2. The fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:3-8 ) 3. The apostle’s prayer (Philippians 1:9-11 ) 4. Paul’s victory (Philippians 1:12-20 ) 5. Paul’s life and confidence (Philippians 1:21-26 ) 6. Exhortation to walk worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27-30 ) Philippians 1:1-2 The introductory words to this Epistle differ from those of the preceding... read more