Bible Commentary

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 4. Look ] Better, with documentary evidence, looking. “ Look on ” becomes in R.V. “ look to,” a change not greatly needed. The look is the look of sympathy, kindly interest, self-forgetful cooperation. This short verse is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:4”

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 3. Let nothing be done] The briefer original, in which no verb appears, is very forcible, but would be exaggerated in a literal rendering. Observe the totality of the prohibition. It is a rule for … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:3”

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. 2. Fulfil ye my joy ] Lit. “ fill ” it. He already rejoices in them (Php 1:4); but the manifestation in them of the unity of holy love would complete the reasons and the experience … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 2:2”

Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me. 30. Having &c.] The Greek construction, if strictly taken, points back to the first clause of Php 1:28, and leaves the intermediate words as a parenthesis. But it is much likelier that the construction here is free, and that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:30”

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, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:29”

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 28. terrified ] More precisely, scared. The verb (found here only in N.T., and nowhere in LXX. and Apocrypha) is used in classical Greek of the starting, or “shying,” of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:28”

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 27 30. Entreaties to cherish Consistency, and especially … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:27”

That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 26. rejoicing ] Better, with R.V., glorying; not the same word as that just previous, nor akin to it. The Greek word is a favourite with St Paul, especially in the Epistles to the Romans, Corinthians, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:26”

And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 25. having this confidence ] The Greek is the same as in Php 1:6 above, where see note. I know ] An unqualified assertion, made more explicit still by the next verse. We … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:25”

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. 24. to abide in the flesh ] Quite lit., as Bp Lightfoot, to abide by the flesh, to hold fast to its conditions of trial, for the sake of the Lord and His flock. more needful ] More necessary. Desire, and the sense of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 1:24”