Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:29
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
29. For, &c.] He carries out the statement just made (see last note but one), by saying that not only the grounds of faith in Christ, and the power to believe, but the occasion of suffering for Christ, and the power to meet the suffering, are things of Divine grant and gift.
it is given ] Lit. “ it was given.” But the A.V. is true to English idiom. The verb rendered “give” denotes specially a grant of free favour or kindness. It is thus often used of free forgiveness, e.g. Luk 7:42; 2Co 2:7 ; 2Co 2:10; Eph 4:32; sometimes of the work of free grace and salvation, e.g. Rom 8:32; 1Co 2:12. (In Act 3:14; Act 25:11; Act 25:16, it is used of an arbitrary, extra-legal, giving up of a prisoner to others, either for liberation or penalty.) Thus the word here, with its associations of sovereignty, favour, boon, forms a noble paradox.
on the behalf of Christ ] The structure of the Greek indicates that the Apostle was about to write simply, “ it is granted you to suffer on behalf of Christ ”, but that he suspended the thought and phrase to insert, “ not only to believe on Him but to suffer on His behalf.” Thus “on the behalf of Christ” anticipates here the close of the verse, where it is repeated.
to believe on him ] Lit., “ into Him,” a phrase suggesting the directness and holdfast of saving faith. But this speciality of meaning must not be pressed far, for the phrase occurs here and there in connexions not naturally adapted to such thought; e.g. Joh 2:23; Joh 12:42. The Greek verb is in the present tense, and points to the continuousness of the action of faith. The Christian, having once believed, lives by still believing. See Rom 11:20; Gal 2:20; Heb 10:38. Faith in Christ is here incidentally spoken of as a grant of Divine grace. See further on this, Eph 2:8, and note in this Series.
for his sake ] Better with R.V., in His behalf, to mark the connexion of thought with the “in the behalf of Christ” just above.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
For unto you – Unto you as Christians. This favor is granted unto you in your present circumstances.
It is given – God concedes to you this privilege or advantage.
In the behalf of Christ – In the cause of Christ, or with a view to honor Christ. Or, these things are brought on you in consequence of your being Christians.
Not only to believe on him – It is represented here as a privilege to be permitted to believe on Christ. It is so:
(1) It is an honor to a man to believe one who ought to be believed, to trust one who ought to be trusted, to love one who ought to be loved.
(2) It is a privilege to believe on Christ, because it is by such faith that out sins are forgiven; that we become reconciled to God, and have the hope of heaven.
(3) It is a privilege, because it saves the mind from the tortures and the deadly influence of unbelief – the agitation, and restlessness, and darkness, and gloom of a skeptic.
(4) It is a privilege, because we have then a friend to whom we may go in trial, and on whom we may roll all our burdens. If there is anything for which a Christian ought to give unfeigned thanks, it is that he has been permitted to believe on the Redeemer. Let a sincere Christian compare his peace, and joy, and hope of heaven, and support in trials, with the restlessness, uneasiness, and dread of death, in the mind of an unbeliever; and he will see abundant occasion for gratitude.
But also to suffer for his sake – Here it is represented as a privilege to suffer in the cause of the Redeemer – a declaration which may sound strange to the world. Yet this sentiment frequently occurs in the New Testament. Thus, it is said of the apostles Act 5:41, that they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name; Col 1:24. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you; 1Pe 4:13. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christs sufferings; compare Jam 1:2; Mar 10:30; see the notes at Act 5:41. It is a privilege thus to suffer in the cause of Christ:
(1)Because we then resemble the Lord Jesus, and are united with him in trials;
(2)Because we have evidence that we are his, if trials come upon us in his cause;
(3)Because we are engaged in a good cause, and the privilege of maintaining such a cause is worth much of suffering; and,
(4)Because it will be connected with a brighter crown and more exalted honor in heaven.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Php 1:29-30
Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ
Fellowship with the martyrs and confessors
I.
Like faith.
II. Like conflicts.
III. Like honour. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The Christians life is
I. A life of faith. This faith is–
1. The gift of God–is given you.
2. A particular gift bestowed on a particular people, distinguishing them from all others. The Christian knows and enjoys what no one else does.
II. A life of suffering.
1. Christs life was full of it, and so, therefore, is the believers.
2. Some sufferings he shares with the humanity to which he belongs,
3. Some trials are peculiar to the Christian arising from
(1) sin;
(2) the inherent difficulty of the Christian life;
(3) profession before the world;
(4) self-denial;
(5) consistency in business, etc.;
(6) the opposition of the enemies of the gospel.
III. The life of suffering proves the life of faith. Others are rebellious, or stoically resigned; the Christian bows out of love to Christ, and is supported by Christ in response to faith. (J. W. Reeve, M. A.)
The gifts of God
I. What they are. The power to believe–to suffer.
II. Their inestimable value.
1. Faith brings peace, joy, righteousness.
2. Patient suffering brings deliverance, conquest, glory. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Unto you it is given to believe
I. Faith is the gift of God. He supplies the ground, the means, the power.
II. It is given to you. You can accept the ground, use the means, exercise the power.
III. How far have you improved it? You cannot reach the higher standpoint before the lower; every one has a measure of ability; therefore repent, believe. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Unto you it is given to suffer
God gives you–
I. The opportunity.
II. The power.
III. The honour.
IV. The reward of suffering for Christ. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Suffering for Christ
It is said that men learned to despise pain before Christ. This is true. But where, save in Christian literature and history, do you find suffering converted into joy, esteemed as an honour, and borne as a badge of royalty. As a king grants charters and honours, so Christ as our Sovereign gives His disciples the privilege of faith and alliance to Him. And he still further honours them by permitting them to suffer on His behalf. Let us see what kind of sufferings are included in this charter.
I. All inflicted directly for our adhesion to the name and worship of Christ. Physical persecution, social, domestic.
II. All arising from the effectual preaching of truth, whether by ministers or private disciples. We are not to count the suffering which comes from our own headstrong rashness in speech or administration, but that which comes from a calm inflexible advocacy of the truth as it is in Jesus. For this it is an honour to suffer.
III. All which arises from the application of Christian truth to human disposition and conduct, to the manners of society, to the selfishness and injustice of men. Labourers in this harvest field will have their bosom full of sheaves, and their head crowned with thorns. Let a man have a conscience, and he will perforce find himself a warrior. What affinity is there between generosity and greed.
IV. All suffering not of the nature of obloquy. All self-denials, watchings, labours, cares, weariness, incident to a life devoted to the cause of God. Those whose parish is the dungeon, the hospital, the purlieus of vice.
V. All consequent upon a strife with self and circumstances for the purpose of augmenting Christian dispositions. Our internal conflicts are often greater than our external. What suffering is involved in our strife with the world, the flesh, and the devil; in our endeavour to be patient under sickness and misfortune, resigned in the midst of sorrows and bereavement.
VI. All arising from the service we perform on behalf of others. Mothers with their children in hearing and up-bringing, friends, philanthropists. Conclusion: I remark in view of this exposition–
1. We are not to seek suffering on purpose. Suffering without moral impulse is of no account.
2. It is a shame for a man to entertain an ideal of Christian life which is ease and freedom from inconvenience.
3. All true education consists in preparation for and endurance of suffering Let parents see to this.
4. We may form a proper judgment of those who are called to labour for God Those prepared to regard suffering as an honour, and to count the victory as worth any price. (H. W. Beecher.)
The value of suffering
To this refiners fire may doubtless be ascribed in part the lustre and purity of their faith as compared with other Churches. (Bishop Lightfoot.)
Persecutions only raked away the ashes, so that the spiritual flame was steady and brilliant. (Professor Eadie.)
The grace and honour of suffering
The men whom a general, at the critical moment of a great battle, specially appoints to hold the key of his position, or whom, in the assault of a besieged city, he sends on a forlorn hope, are, by his choice of them for peril and probable suffering, marked out as in his judgment the bravest of the brave. Their comrades, even while rejoicing in their hearts, it may be, that the selection has left themselves out, feel that those on whom the choice has fallen are honoured. Similarly, is there not grace shown in the choice made by the Captain of salvation, when in His providence He calls this soldier of the cross, and that, to suffer or die under the standard? In the old persecuting times in our country, men who bore in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus, in limbs crushed by the iron boot or torn by the rack–looking back in after days upon the patience which the Saviour had given them amid their anguish, and the increase of spiritual wisdom and energy which had come through the trial to themselves, and to some extent also to others, could not but esteem the suffering for Christ as a gift of grace. When under sentence of death, good Bishop Ridley wrote thus to his relatives: I warn you all, my beloved kinsfolk, that ye be not amazed or astonished at the kind of my departure or dissolution; for I assure you I think it the most honour that ever I was called unto in all my life. And therefore I thank God heartily for it, that it hath pleased Him to call me, of His great mercy, unto this high honour, to suffer death willingly for His sake and in His cause; unto the which honour He called the holy prophets, and His dearly beloved apostles, and His blessed chosen martyrs. And when the end came, and Latimer and he were burned at the same stake–whilst the persecutors could see only the flame which consumed the flesh, the faith of the martyrs could discern for themselves a chariot of fire waiting to bear them home to their Lord, and for their country a fire of pious zeal lighted up, which all the arts of the wicked one should never be able to put out. There was great grace there. (R. Johnstone, LL. B.)
The service of suffering
Dr. Tronchin, talking one day with the son of Caesar Malan about his father, who was lying on his deathbed, said, How often have I not heard even his friends say, when I spoke with admiration of the work of your father, Malan serves God with fire, courage, and perseverance, because the service which God requires of him is an active service, and consists in an activity which responds to his tastes and talents. But wait before judging him definitely until God calls him to a passive service of suffering. God is doing this under our eyes at this hour, and under our eyes also His servant is found faithful. (J. F. B. Tinling, B. A.)
The honor of suffering for Christ
One of the witnesses for the truth when imprisoned for conscience sake in the days of Queen Mary, is said to have thus written to a friend: A prisoner for Christ! What is this for a poor worm! Such honour have not all the saints. Both the degrees which I took at the University have not set me so high as the honour of becoming a prisoner of the Lord.
The mystery of suffering
Unaccountable this! said the Wax, as from the flame it dropped melting upon the Paper beneath. Do not grieve, said the Paper; I am sure it is all right. I was never in such agony! exclaimed the Wax, still dropping. It is not without a good design, and will end well, replied the Paper. The Wax was unable to reply at once, owing to a strong pressure; and when it again looked up it bore a beautiful impression, the counterpart of the seal which had been applied to it. Ah! I comprehend now, said the Wax, no longer in suffering. I was softened in order to receive this lovely durable impress. Yes; I see now it was all right, because it has given to me the beautiful likeness which I could not otherwise have obtained. (Mrs. Prosser.)
.
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ] To you it is graciously given; it is no small privilege that God has so far honoured you as to permit you to suffer on Christ’s account. It is only his most faithful servants that he thus honours. Be not therefore terrified by your enemies; they can do nothing to you which God will not turn to your eternal advantage. We learn from this that it is as great a privilege to suffer for Christ as to believe on him; and the former in certain cases (as far as the latter in all cases) becomes the means of salvation to them who are thus exercised.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
For unto you it is given; he adds a further argument to move them unto that he had exhorted, from Gods freely bestowing, of his mere grace, what he had required of them.
In the behalf of Christ; upon the account of Christs merit and mediation; not that they could have either evangelical faith, or patience, by virtue of their own strength, Phi 4:13.
Not only to believe on him; that they did not only believe Christ, but believe on him, was not from any power of their own, Joh 6:37,44, but of Gods free gift, Eph 2:8, as they had an instance amongst them in Lydia, Act 16:14; unto her and others was this victorious grace of faith freely given by the hearing of the word, which was not unto many others that heard, Mat 13:11; 2Th 3:2; Tit 1:1; and as the grace itself was given, so was the exercise of it.
But also to suffer for his sake; upon the account of Christ, patience was given; so that to suffer, here, doth not only import a power to suffer, but actual suffering; not only the habit of faith, but the act of believing, even as the fruits of trees at the first creation were produced, as well as the trees which had a power to bear them: wherefore, if, by the grace of God, and Spirit of faith, they were empowered actually to believe, Mar 9:24; 1Co 15:10; 2Co 4:13, having trust through Christ God-ward, 2Co 3:4; and upon the same account they were continually enabled to suffer, not simply, but in bearing testimony to Christ, Act 5:41; 1Pe 3:14; 4:16; they might be of good comfort and courage, to the daunting of their adversaries.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
29. Forrather, a proof thatthis is an evident token from God of your salvation, “Because,“c.
it is givenGreek,“it has been granted as a favor,” or “giftof grace.” Faith is the gift of God (Eph2:8), not wrought in the soul by the will of man, but by the HolyGhost (Joh 1:12 Joh 1:13).
believe on him“Tobelieve Him,” would merely mean to believe He speaks thetruth. “To believe on Him,” is to believe in, andtrust through, Him to obtain eternal salvation. Suffering forChrist is not only not a mark of God’s anger, but a gift ofHis grace.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,…. For the sake of his Gospel, for the good of his interest, and the glory of his name. The Alexandrian copy reads, “to us it is given”, c.
not only to believe in him for faith in Christ, which is not merely believing that he is the Christ, and all that is said of him, or all that he himself says, but is a seeing of the Son, a going to him, receiving, embracing, leaning, relying, and living upon him, as God’s salvation, is a pure gift of grace; it is not in nature, nor in every man, and in whom it is, it is not of themselves, it is the gift of God; the first implantation of it, all its acts and exercise, its increase, and the performance of it at last with power, are all owing to the grace of God; and this is only given to the elect, for it is a distinguishing gift; it is given to them, and them alone, and, therefore called the faith of God’s elect:
but also to suffer for his sake; for the sake of Christ personal; for the sake of Christ mystical, for his body’s sake the church; for the sake of his Gospel, and for the sake of his cause and interest in the world: now to suffer in name and character, in estate or person, not as an evildoer, but as a Christian, is a gift of God, as faith in Christ is; all the sufferings of the saints are appointed by God; their being called forth to suffer shame for the sake of Christ, is an high honour conferred upon them; all the grace and strength by which they are supported under sufferings for Christ are given to them; and all the glory consequent upon them is not merited by them, which are by no meant to be compared with it, but is the free gift of God through Christ. The same persons to whom it is given to believe in Christ, to them it is given to suffer for him; and they all do in some shape or another, though some more, others less; yet all are partakers of sufferings for Christ, and so are conformed to him their head, and hereby enter the kingdom: now all this is said, as containing so many reasons to encourage believers to have their conversation as becomes the Gospel of Christ, by a steady adherence to it, and a joint contention and striving for it, without being intimidated by their enemies.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
In the behalf of Christ ( ). Literally, “the in behalf of Christ.” But Paul divides the idea and uses the article to again both with and with . Suffering in behalf of Christ is one of God’s gifts to us.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
It is given – to suffer for His sake [ – ] . Every word here is significant. Suffering is a gift of grace. “It is given” should be “it was given,” referring to the gift bestowed when they became Christians. Suffering was the marriage – gift when they were espoused to Christ : the bounty when they enlisted in His service.
Becoming one with Him they entered into the fellowship of His suffering (ch. 3 10). The gift was not suffering as such. Its meaning and value lay in its being for His sake. The Macedonian churches, and the Philippian church especially, were preeminently suffering churches. See 2Co 8:2.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ” (hoti humin echaristhe to huper christou) “Because to you it was and is given on behalf of Christ;” to bear the cross is to wear the victor’s crown, Rom 8:17-18; 2Ti 2:12; 1Pe 2:21.
2) “Not only to believe on him” (ou monon to eis auton pisteuein) “Not only in him to believe,” Joh 1:11-12; Eph 2:8-9; 1Co 13:13.
3) “But also to suffer for his sake” (alla kai to huper autou paschein) “But also to suffer on behalf of him.” Suffering, enduring rejection of the world for a stand for Christ, is to be accepted as of Divine order and a gift from God, foretold by our Lord, Mat 5:11-12; Recognized and accounted an occasion of joy by the early disciples and affirmed by Paul, Act 5:41; 1Ti 3:12.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
29. To believe. He wisely conjoins faith with the cross by an inseparable connection, that the Philippians may know that they have been called to the faith of Christ on this condition — that they endure persecutions on his account, as though he had said that their adoption can no more be separated from the cross, than Christ can be torn asunder from himself. Here Paul clearly testifies, that faith, as well as constancy in enduring persecutions, (91) is an unmerited gift of God. And certainly the knowledge of God is a wisdom that is too high for our attaining it by our own acuteness, and our weakness shews itself in daily instances in our own experience, when God withdraws his hand for a little while. That he may intimate the more distinctly that both are unmerited, he says expressly — for Christ’s sake, or at least that they are given to us on the ground of Christ’s grace; by which he excludes every idea of merit.
This passage is also at variance with the doctrine of the schoolmen, in maintaining that gifts of grace latterly conferred are rewards of our merit, on the ground of our having made a right use of those which had been previously bestowed. I do not deny, indeed, that God rewards the right use of his gifts of grace by bestowing grace more largely upon us, provided only you do not place merit, as they do, in opposition to his unmerited liberality and the merit of Christ.
(91) “ Les afflictions et persecutions;” — “Afflictions and persecutions.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(29) For (or, because) unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ.The force lies, first, in the phrase it is given (rather, it was given, from the beginning)for the original signifies it was granted as a privilege or favour (as in Act. 27:24; 1Co. 2:12; Gal. 3:18)and next in the words on behalf of Christ. The fearlessness of the Christian is a gift of God, not an inherent stoic self-sufficiency. It rests indeed upon the sense that it is a privilege to suffer (see Act. 5:41) in the cause of truth, yet still more on the belief that such suffering is for no abstract principle, but on behalf of Christ and with Christ. (See Php. 2:17-18.)
Not only to believe . . .The original shows that St. Paul speaks as if he originally intended simply to say it is given on behalf of Christ to suffer. But to show whence the impulse of that brave willingness to suffer proceeds, he inserts not only to believe on Him, and then finishes the sentence, but on His behalf to suffer.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
29. For unto you Steadfastness in suffering foreshadows eternal glory, because they are called to the grace of suffering as well as the grace of believing.
Given At conversion, as a free bestowment of grace for Christ’s sake, as are all spiritual gifts. It is a double gift: (1) to believe in Jesus, which saves, and (2) to suffer for his sake. It is as truly a privilege to suffer for Christ as it is to believe in him; and blessed are they who can receive both as given in the behalf of Christ.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Because to you it has been granted on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer on his behalf, having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.’
One evidence of the certainty of their salvation was that it had been ‘granted’ to them that they should believe on Christ and suffer for Christ. This belief and suffering are thus seen as being a privilege and a gift from God (compare the ‘gift of repentance’ given to believing Israel – Act 5:31). It is a reminder that testing and trial is a part of the Christian life, and is indeed a means by which Christians are morally transformed, and experience the love of God shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Spirit Who is given to them (Rom 5:2-5; compare Jas 1:2-12; Heb 12:3-12). It is here described as aligning them with Paul who, as they would know, had suffered for Christ in the past at the hands of lawless men, and was at this time, as they had now heard, suffering for Christ. They were therefore to see themselves as privileged to be experiencing the same conflict against evil and Satan and wicked men as he was. Note how suffering for Christ in one way or another is to be seen as very much a mark of those who have been truly saved.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Php 1:29. For unto you it is given, &c. For it is granted to you as a favour, on the part of Christ. Doddridge, Heylin, &c. St. Paul very skilfully diverts them from viewing persecution under its most frightful appearance, and leads them to consider it as a gift and an honour conferred upon them. We may observe the like in the discourse of another apostle, 1Pe 4:12-16. Some would read from the words in Php 1:28 which is to them, &c. to the end of the present verse, in a parenthesis, and connect the 30th with the former part of the 28th verse. See the original.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Phi 1:29 . is argumentative. “ ,” I say, “ since indeed to you it was granted, ” etc. This grant distinguishing you is the practical proof, that the just expressed is indubitably right, and that consequently the of your final salvation which is afforded to the adversaries in your undauntedness is a divine , a token given by God . [83] Hofmann’s view, that specifies the reason why God imparts to them what has been before stated, is based upon the erroneous reading in Phi 1:28 ; and is itself erroneous, because would introduce merely the self-evident thought that they had not sought out their suffering wilfully , but had had it given to them by God , and because, for the purpose of marking the alleged contrast to the wilfulness, not , but again would have been emphatically prefixed, and consequently Paul must have written: . . . Hofmann curiously explains the emphasized , as if Paul meant to say that with respect to their sufferings the case stood exactly as with his own . In that case he must at least have written, in prospect of Phi 1:30 , , to you also .
] emphatically put first, corresponding to the previous .
] donatum est; by whom, is self-evident. 1Co 2:12 .
] as if the was immediately to follow. The apostle does not leave this unwritten purposely, in order to bring into prominence in the first place the idea of , as Hofmann artificially explains. But here his full heart interposes, after . , and before he writes , the fresh thought . , so that must now be also added; and, on account of the different prepositional relation ( ) introduced, the already expressed is again taken up by . Thus appears as a parenthesis of more special definition, after which the , which had been prepared for by , but is only now introduced, is to be dwelt upon with emphasis: “ to you the gift of grace is granted, in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also for Him to suffer .” Plat. Legg . x. p. 802 C: , , . See also Dissen, ad Dem. de cor . p. 431; Fritzsche, ad Matth . p. 501. It is an awkward construction, to take . absolutely and (notwithstanding the subsequent ) in the sense: as to what concerns Christ (Beza, Camerarius, Calovius, and others, including Matthies and Rilliet). For the conception of suffering for Christ as a high divine distinction , see already Act 5:41 ; comp. Mat 5:11 f. Comp. on Phi 1:7 .
[83] At the same time it is to be observed here also (comp. on ver. 28) that this divine pointing to the final salvation of believers was in fact before the adversaries, and that their non-recognition of it altered nothing in this objective relation.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
DISCOURSE: 2142
SUFFERING FOR CHRISTS SAKE, A GIFT OF GOD
Php 1:29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.
THE chief obstacles to a holy and consistent conduct arise perhaps from within, from the evil propensities of our own hearts. But very serious difficulties are occasioned by the frowns and menaces of an ungodly world. We are naturally afraid of suffering; and are easily deterred from those things which would subject us to heavy trials. But if we considered the cross as a badge of honour, as a source of good, and as a high favour conferred upon us by God himself, we should feel less anxious to avoid it, and be more emboldened to walk as becometh the Gospel of Christ. It is by this view of sufferings, that the Apostle encourages the Philippians to hold fast their profession without wavering. His expressions are singularly bold and striking: they shew us,
I.
That suffering for Christs sake, is a favour conferred on us by God himself
Believers are called to suffer for Christs sake
[In addition to the sufferings which are common to others, the believer is called to endure contempt, and reproach, and persecution, for the Gospels sake. He is taught to expect them [Note: Mat 5:10-12. 1Co 4:18. 2Ti 3:12.]: and experience proves, that however amiable, or useful, or discreet he may be, he cannot avoid the odium attaching to true religion.]
But his sufferings are a gift from God himself
[As far as respects his persecutors, his trials arise from a malignant effort of men and devils to obstruct the establishment of the Redeemers kingdom: but as far as respects God, they are a special gift from him. As the faith, on account of which he suffers, is given him, so also are the sufferings themselves, together with the ability to endure them patiently. They are bestowed purely for Christs sake [Note: We may conceive Christ soliciting the greatest of all favours on behalf of a beloved disciple; and, on being desired by his Father to specify it, replying, Father, I ask that he may have the honour of suffering for me: which the Father graciously condescends to grant.]; and are appointed in number, weight, and duration, so as to conduce most effectually to his eternal welfare.]
We may observe further concerning his cross,
II.
That it is a richer gift than even faith itself
Faith is certainly an inestimable gift; yet the gift of suffering for Christs sake is far greater
1.
It is a higher privilege in itself
[In believing, we receive from God all the blessings which we stand in need of: but in suffering, we give to God: we give our name, our property, our liberty, our life, to be disposed of in any way which may tend most to his glory. What an honour is this, for a poor creature, a worm of the earth, to confer a gift on God himself! Surely, much as we are indebted to God for the gift of faith, the giving us an opportunity to honour him should be esteemed a far richer obligation, nor should any thing that we possess be of any value in our sight, if we may but have the honour of sacrificing it for his sake.]
2.
It is a nobler testimony for God
[When we believe, we bear testimony for God that his word is true, and that not one jot or tittle of it shall ever fail. But when we suffer for him, that testimony is far more plain and unequivocal. We then declare, not only that God is good and true, but that he is deserving of all that we can possibly do for him; that there is no service so hard, but we should cheerfully engage in it; no suffering so severe, but we should cheerfully endure it for his sake. Hence it is said, that while by his enemies God is evil spoken of, on the part of his suffering friends he is glorified.]
3.
It is a more instructive lesson to the world
[We cannot exercise faith in Christ, but we must by that very act convey instruction to those around us. We exhibit somewhat of that change which takes place in the converted; and are, as it were, epistles of Christ, known and read of them who would not read the Scriptures themselves [Note: 2Co 3:2-3.]. But by suffering patiently for Christs sake, we speak more loudly in their ears: we force them to inquire, what inducements we can have to make such sacrifices? and, whence we derive our ability to sustain such trials? And so efficacious have been the examples of many while enduring the torments of martyrdom, that their very persecutors have been overcome, and converted to God.]
4.
It is a clearer evidence of grace
[Many have believed the Gospel, while yet their hearts were not upright before God. They have been convinced in their judgment, but not converted in their souls [Note: Joh 2:23-24. Act 8:13; Act 8:20-21.]. The same observation may apply also to some who have suffered for the Gospels sake [Note: Gal 3:4.]. But a patient enduring of trials for Christs sake is certainly a very strong test of sincerity. It gives reason to hope, that we have attained some measure of conformity to Christ, and that the Spirit of glory and of God resteth on us [Note: 1Pe 4:13-14. with ver. 28.], There may indeed be some corruptions yet remaining to be mortified, which leave room for doubt respecting the present safety of the soul; but if we combine a zealous endeavour to mortify them, with a cheerful submission to the cross of Christ, we shall have a favourable testimony from God [Note: Rev 2:2-7.], and a happy issue to our present conflicts.]
5.
It is a richer mean of glory
[The smallest portion of real faith has the promise of eternal life [Note: Joh 3:36.]: and in this view it may be thought superior in value to every thing else. But suffering for Christs sake is the means of augmenting that glory: it brings a recompence proportioned to the sufferings that are endured [Note: Heb 11:26. Mar 10:29-30.], and works out for us, light and momentary as it is, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory [Note: 2Co 4:17.]. Now as health is a richer blessing than life, because it implies well-being as well as mere existence, so a patient suffering for Christs sake must be accounted of more value than faith, because of the super-eminent degrees of happiness to which it eventually exalts the soul.]
Address
1.
To those who fear sufferings
[It is painful to flesh and blood to bear the cross: but what must be the consequence of shunning it? Will not our case be dearly purchased? Ah! think of the fate that awaits the fearful [Note: Rev 21:8.], and tremble lest the preservation of your life for a season issue in the loss of it to all eternity [Note: Mar 8:35.].]
2.
To those who feel them
[Faint not, nor be discouraged. Would you deprecate what Christ has asked of you, and what is given you in his behalf! He who confers on you the honour of suffering for him, will endue you with strength to bear your trials, yea, to rejoice and glory in them [Note: 2Co 12:9-10.]. Only view your sufferings in their true light, and you will rejoice that you are counted worthy to bear them [Note: Act 5:41. Jam 1:2; Jam 1:12.]. And, when you shall be joined to that blessed company who came out of great tribulation [Note: Rev 7:14.], you shall not regret one loss that you sustained, or one pain that you endured. The approbation of your judge, and the increased weight of glory which shall be awarded to you, shall soon wipe away your tears, and turn all your sorrows into joy.]
3.
To those who occasion them
[Little do you think against whom you fight. You imagine that you are only opposing weak enthusiasts; but so thought Saul, when, in fact, he was persecuting Christ himself [Note: Act 26:15.]. Know, that whosoever toucheth the Lords people, toucheth the apple of his eye [Note: Zec 2:8.]; and that it were better for you to have a millstone hanged about your neck, than that you should cause one of his little ones to stumble [Note: Mat 18:6.]. Be sensible then of your guilt and danger: embrace the doctrine which you have been labouring to destroy [Note: Gal 1:23.]: and, instead of opposing, labour to advance, the interests of the Redeemers kingdom.]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Ver. 29. For unto you it is given ] As a high honour not only to believe (though that is a great matter; for he that believeth hath set to his seal that God is true, hath given God a testimonial, such as is that Deu 32:4 ), but also (as a further favour) to suffer for his sake: this is the lowest subjection that can be to God, but the highest honour both to him and us. This made Latimer, after the sentence pronounced on him, cry out, “I thank God most heartily for this honour.” Saunders said, “I am the unmeetest man for this high office that ever was appointed to it.” “Such an honour it is,” said Careless, martyr, “as the greatest angel in heaven is not permitted to have. God forgive me mine unthankfulness.”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Phi 1:29 . . We are inclined to join this clause immediately to (so also Hpt [81] ). The prospect of suffering was apt to terrify them. But when they view suffering in its true light, they will discover that it is a gift of God’s grace ( .) instead of an evil. . . . The Apostle intended to insert after ., but for a moment he pauses. To emphasise the real value of suffering for Christ’s sake, he compares it with that which they all acknowledge as the crowning blessing of their lives, faith in Him. As to the form of the sentence, this is a favourite rhetorical device of Paul’s. See J. Weiss, Beitrge , p. 11 n. . might have been expected. “When a limitation of an infinitive or of its subject is to be negatived rather than the infinitive itself, the negative is used instead of . This principle applies esp [82] in the case of the adverb ” (Burton, MT [83] , p. 183). . The deepest aspect of faith, the intimate union into which the soul is brought.
[81] Haupt.
[82] especially.
[83] Moods and Tenses (Burton, Goodwin).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
is given = was granted. App-184.
in the behalf of. App-104.
believe on. App-150.
also, &c. = to suffer for (App-104.) His sake also. Compare Act 9:16.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Php 1:29. , because) The force of the declaration falls upon the word , God bestowed it of grace. The gift of grace is a sign of salvation.- ) It is repeated after the intervening clause, .- , to believe-to suffer) Php 1:27, at the end.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Php 1:29
Php 1:29
because to you it hath been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf:-Paul presents it as a privilege that God granted them not only to believe in Christ, but to suffer with and for him. To Timothy he said: If we endure, we shall also reign with him. (2Ti 2:12). After the apostles had been condemned by the council and beaten, it is said: They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. (Act 5:41). And Peter says: But even if ye should suffer for righteousness sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be troubled. (1Pe 3:14). Christians ought to esteem it an honor that they are permitted to suffer for the name of Christ.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
it is: Act 5:41, Rom 5:3, Jam 1:2, 1Pe 4:13
not: Mat 16:17, Joh 1:12, Joh 1:13, Joh 6:44, Joh 6:45, Act 13:39, Act 14:27, Eph 2:8, Col 2:12, Jam 1:17, Jam 1:18
Reciprocal: Isa 40:9 – be not Mar 9:24 – help Mar 13:9 – take Luk 21:17 – for Joh 6:37 – shall Joh 6:65 – that no Joh 17:22 – the glory Act 18:27 – believed Rom 8:17 – if so be 1Co 4:9 – I 2Co 12:10 – I take Phi 1:6 – begun Phi 2:12 – as ye Heb 10:32 – ye endured 1Pe 3:14 – if 1Pe 4:16 – but 2Pe 1:1 – have
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
(Php 1:29.) , – For to you was it granted, on behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also on behalf of Him to suffer. The pronoun has an emphatic prominence. The aorist is used, as the apostle refers indefinitely to an early period of their past Christian history; but that the suffering continued, also, to the moment of his writing, is evident from the following . As Wiesinger remarks, Meyer wrongly confines to the confirmation of the clause . We understand the reference to be broader, to cover, in fact, the statement of the entire preceding verse. It is not simply -the token to you is of God, for on you He has conferred the double grace of faith and suffering; but it is-you have a token of salvation which others have not; for, while others have faith, you have more. You are called to suffer, and your courage in suffering is an augury of salvation. Had you not been privileged to suffer as well as to believe, this peculiar token had not been enjoyed. Or, why have you this token of salvation in your own Christian fortitude? Because God has given you to suffer, as well as to believe. Faith in Christ is the means of salvation; but suffering is the evident token of salvation. The one secures it, the other foreshows it. The martyr is not saved, indeed, because he suffers; but his undaunted suffering betokens a present Saviour and a near salvation.
The construction of the next clause is reduplicated. After saying ., the apostle seems to have intended to add ; but he interjects a new thought- -for the sake of an illustrative emphasis, and then resumes by repeating . There is no occasion to suppose a pleonasm. The construction indicates a natural and full-minded writer, who sometimes interrupts the regular flow of his thoughts by the sudden insertion of a modifying or explanatory clause, and then at once resumes, by a formal or a virtual repetition of the connecting words. Rom 3:25-26; Eph 1:13. The English version is therefore wrong in taking . absolutely-to you it is given in the behalf of Christ. It is a weak dilution of the phrase , to render it in Christ’s cause, as is done by Matthies and Rilliet, after Beza and Zanchius. The suffering has a reference as personal as the faith- – . The apostle felt that Christ’s cause and Himself were one; nay more, so personal was the love of the early Christians, so much did the Redeemer Himself stand out in close relation to themselves, that the mere abstract idea of his cause never occurred to them. It was Himself on whom they believed, and not the testimony given by the apostles concerning Him. It was Himself for whom they suffered, and not for their own convictions and belief about Him. It had been given them, not only to believe on Christ, but also to suffer for Him-a double gift; and though the apostle does not say which is the higher, yet certainly that which shows the path may be inferior only to that which has opened it. Mat 5:11-12; Rom 5:3; 2Co 12:10. Such suffering in believers, who, nevertheless, are in nothing terrified by their adversaries, is a divine gift, as well as faith, and indeed presupposes it; for no one can suffer for Christ till he has believed on Him. While then is , this becomes . The older expositors strain the apostle’s language, when they employ it as a polemical weapon against different forms of Pelagianism: for he simply regards their condition generally and in both its features as a divine gift, or as the result of God’s kindness. While their own adherence to Christianity exposed them to suffering, and the malice of unbelief wantonly wreaked itself upon them, yet this suffering is viewed as of a higher origin. The apostle is not teaching dogmatically that faith is of God’s inworking; but he is telling historically that faith and suffering had been theirs, and that the coexistence of the two being a privilege of divine bestowment, warranted them to regard their undaunted belief as a token of salvation. The reasons adduced by Chrysostom and his followers for the apostle’s sentiment cannot be all sustained. The object of the apostle is to encourage the Philippian church, and not, as Chrysostom supposes, to warn it against pride, by ascribing its faith and its suffering alike to God. The Greek father dwells on the value of the gift, and uses this striking comparison-this divine gift is higher than raising the dead; for, in this case, I am only a debtor; but, in the other (if I suffer for Christ), I have Christ as a debtor to me. The language is bold, indeed, and rhetorical, and not without an element of truth. But deductions like these are rather far-fetched; nor do the apostle’s words warrant them. His one object is to inspirit the Christians at Philippi, by showing that undauntedness in the midst of their tribulation would be an evidence of salvation granted by God; for the twofold gift of faith and suffering is from Him, the one as securing, and the other as foretokening salvation. The apostle now associates himself with his suffering brethren-
Fuente: Commentary on the Greek Text of Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians and Phillipians
Php 1:29. It would be foolish to pretend that any physical enjoyment can be had from persecution, for the bodies and sensibilities of Christians are like those of all other human beings. Their joy comes from what such experiences indicate on their behalf. The thought is well stated in Act 5:41 where the disciples rejoiced because “they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” All of this supports the comments on the preceding verse.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Php 1:29. Because to you it hath been granted. On this grant and its gracious nature, see above on Php 1:7. The word is used by St. Paul (1Co 2:12) of the things that are freely given to us by God.
in the behalf of Christ, and as the sufferings are undergone in behalf of Christ, it is by Him that His warriors are supported in their trials, and so there is proof that their help is from God. Thus the suffering becomes evidence of sonship.
not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf. The sentence is shaped as though St. Paul had at the outset meant to speak of the sufferings first: It is given you to suffer in behalf of Christ; but the change which is introduced by the thought not only to believe on Him necessitates a repetition of the first portion of the clause, in his behalf. In his behalf implies for the sake of all that will help to spread His gospel.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
These words come in by the way of encouragement to the practice of the fore-mentioned duty, namely, of courageous suffering for the gospel of Christ; he tells them, that as ability to believe on Christ, so likewise power to suffer for Christ, were both the gift of God, and as such purchased by Christ for them, and freely bestowed upon them.
Learn hence, 1. That it is the duty of all the disciples and followers of Jesus, not only to believe in him, but cheerfully to suffer for him, when he calls them to it;–not only to believe, but to suffer.
Learn, 2. That suffering for Christ is the gift of God, as well as faith in Christ: Unto you it is given, not only to believe but to suffer.
1. Ability to suffer is his gift; it is the purchase of his merits, it is the fruit of his mediation. Preparation for suffering, and patience under suffering, are the gift of Christ.
2. As abilities for suffering, so the comforts of suffering, are the gift of Christ; through him it is that his saints glory in tribulation, and their trials are not only tolerable, but joyous.
In short, to suffer for Christ, is,
1. A free gift; and,
2. An honourable gift; and,
3. A special and peculiar gift; it is a gift peculiar to saints; yea, peculiar only to some saints.
It is only peculiar to saints; the angels glorify Christ by doing, but not by suffering. I doubt not, but had the angels bodies of flesh, as saints have, they would be glad to lay their necks on the block for Christ, as saints do. But this is the peculiar privilege of believers; unto you it is given, and not to them. And although a suffering disposition, a readiness and preparation of mind to glorify Christ by suffering, is given to all believers; yet the honour of actually suffering death for Christ is given but to a few.
Learn, 3. That faith in Christ must go before suffering for Christ; it must first be given to us to believe on him, before we can suffer for his sake; then only are sufferings truly Christian, and an evidence of salvation, when the sufferer is first a believer: without the shield of faith, we can no more resist the fury of the persecutors, than we can repel the fiery darts of the destroyer; Unto you it is given, on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but, &c.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
The Honor of Suffering
The Philippians had seen, and heard of, Paul going through times of conflict. Lipscomb believed Paul was referring to his beating and imprisonment while at Philippi ( Act 16:22-24 ). Certainly his reaction ( Act 16:35-40 ) and later reference to it. ( 1Th 2:2 ) indicate it was a time of agony in his mind. The Philippians were not going through anything others had not gone through. In fact, they knew Paul was again suffering for the truth in Roman imprisonment ( Php 1:29-30 ).
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
Php 1:29-30. For unto you it is given , it is granted as a favour, in the behalf of Christ, on account of his merits and intercession, and for the promotion of his cause and interest, not only to believe on him, (faith itself, as well as Christ and his truth, the objects of it, being the free gift of God,) but also to suffer for his sake This, as well as your faith, and the blessings which you receive by faith, is granted you as a special token of Gods love to you, and of your being in the way of salvation. The apostle wished the Philippians to consider their sufferings for Christ as an honour, and an important means of good, and to rejoice in them. Thus it is said of Peter and John, Act 5:41; They departed from the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. Having the same kind of conflict with your adversaries. The word , here rendered conflict, is the general name by which the Greeks expressed all the different combats in their games. And because in these contests the contenders struggled long and hard for victory, the word was applied to express any sort of trial or trouble, to which men exposed themselves in the course of their pursuits: which ye saw in me when I was with you, Act 16:12-19, &c. For the apostle seems principally to allude to the conflict which he sustained at Philippi, on account of the damsel out of whom he had cast the spirit of divination, and whose masters got him scourged, and put in the stocks. Besides this, however, on his second coming to Philippi, after his long residence at Ephesus, he suffered other afflictions, of which the Philippians also were witnesses, 2Co 7:5. And now hear to be in me It seems the Philippians had received an account from some of the brethren, who had come from Rome to Philippi, of the apostles present conflict with the unbelieving Jews, the Judaizing teachers, and the heathen magistrates. A similar conflict the Philippians themselves sustained, being persecuted for the gospel, and their bitterest persecutors being their own countrymen.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Verse 29
In the behalf of Christ; for the sake of Christ.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
1:29 {10} For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
(10) He proves his statement that persecution is a token of our salvation, because it is a gift of God to suffer for Christ, which gift he bestows upon his own, as he does the gift of faith.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
All believers have received a gracious gift from God. It is the privilege of suffering for Jesus Christ. The Greek word echaristhe, translated "granted," comes from charis, meaning "grace." Few Christians view suffering for their testimony as a blessing, but that is really what it is. Suffering is one of the tools God uses to mold his children into vessels that bring glory to His Son (cf. Jas 1:3-4; 1Pe 1:6-7). Suffering even perfected the Lord Jesus (Heb 2:10).