Bible Commentary

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 5. Circumcised &c.] Quite lit., “ as to circumcision, eight days old.” See Gen 17:12; Luk 2:21. He was neither a proselyte, circumcised as an adult, nor an Ishmaelite, circumcised … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:5”

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 4 11. His own experience as a converted Pharisee: Justification by Faith: its spiritual and eternal issues 4. Though I might also &c.] The Greek seems to assert that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:4”

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 3. we are the circumcision ] See the previous note. For the thought, cp. especially Gal 3:7; Gal 3:29; Gal 6:16; Eph 2:19; Col 2:11. which worship God in the spirit ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:3”

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 2. Beware of ] Lit., “ see.” For this use of the verb, cp. Col 4:17; 2Jn 1:8. dogs ] Lit. and better, the dogs. He refers to a known and defined class; and these evidently were those Judaistic teachers within the pale of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 3:2”

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me. 30. the work of Christ ] One most ancient MS. (C) omits “of Christ”; and some other evidence is for “ of the Lord ” instead. R.V. retains the reading of A.V., … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:30”

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 29. Receive him therefore ] “Therefore”: as the consequence of my sending him. The whole verse supports the suggestion that the internal friction among the Philippians had somehow made Epaphroditus unacceptable to some. See above on Php 2:26. in the Lord … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:29”

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 28. I sent ] In an English letter it would run, I have sent, or I am sending. carefully ] Better, with R.V. diligently; taking pains to arrange. less sorrowful ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:28”

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 27. For indeed, &c.] Epaphroditus would have made light of the illness; St Paul assures them that the report was seriously true, and that the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:27”

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 26. For ] Here lay the “necessity,” in St Paul’s view, of his friend’s return to the Philippians; in Epaphroditus’ longing for them, and their love and anxiety in regard of him. he longed … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:26”

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 25. Yet I supposed ] Better, But I have counted, or, I count. “ Yet ” is too strong a word of contrast or exception. “I … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:25”