Verse 28
The Christians in Philippi should not let the opposition of unbelievers frighten or detract them from their mission.
"The verb here translated ’to be intimidated’ (ptyresthai) is extremely rare, found nowhere else in the entire Greek Bible. But it is used on occasion in Classical Greek of timid horses that shy upon being startled at some unexpected object (LSJ). Perhaps by the choice of this unusual word Paul shows himself anxious that his friends should not ’break loose in disarray’ (Martin, 1976) or lose control of themselves as a result of the attacks of their adversaries." [Note: Hawthorne, p. 58. LSJ refers to the Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon.]
The adversaries in this case (cf. Philippians 1:15; Philippians 1:17) seem to have been outside the church, but exactly who they were is unknown. [Note: See Herbert W. Bateman IV, "Were the Opponents at Philippi Necessarily Jewish?" Bibliotheca Sacra 155:617 (January-March 1998):39-61.] Probably all external opponents to the work of God are in view.
The failure of the believers’ enemies to intimidate them would be a sign of the final victory of the church. The opponents of the Christians, and even the believers themselves, might not perceive this, but this was true. "Salvation" has the connotation of vindication here (cf. Philippians 1:19).
The antecedent of "that" in the phrase "and that from (or by) God" cannot be "sign" or "salvation (or saved)" both of which are feminine in the Greek text. "That" is neuter and probably refers to the fact that God gives believers courage to stand firm when opposed. This is the main thought in the preceding verse.
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