General Comments on Philippians The ecclesia at Philippi appears to have been doing rather well compared to the state of the other churches Paul was writing to. They were apparently quite generous in supporting Paul's missionary efforts (cf. ch. 4) and as yet had not had problems with Judaizers (cf. ch. 3). There may have been some small problem concerning contention among the members (cf. ch. 2), but it appears to have been an isolated case (cf. 4:2-3). He simply encourages them to be united and considerate of one another. However, externally, they were apparently being subjected to some kind of persecution (cf. 1:28-30), although who the antagonists were is unclear. Comments on Philippians 1 v1-2 The standard opening address. v3-11 Paul gives thanks for the faithfulness of the ecclesia in Philippi and states he very much would like to see them in person (v. 3-8). He predicts their genuine love for the gospel will result in them obtaining greater knowledge, discernment, and righteousness (v. 9-11). v7 "in my bonds", i.e., in my imprisonment. Paul is in captivity in Rome when writing this letter, hence his inability to visit the various churches abroad. v12-20 Paul appears to be saying that out of bad things come good. Out of his imprisonment comes his preaching to his Roman guards (v. 12-13), and the increased faith of others in Paul's example (v. 14). Even the Judaizers within the ecclesia who are against Paul and taking advantage of his captivity to promote themselves are still proclaiming the gospel to the advantage of Christ (v. 15-18). Paul knows that his present woes will only turn for his salvation (v. 19) and because of his faith he knows he will not be put to shame because regardless of what happens to him, either being spared or executed, Christ will be magnified (v. 20). I would assume Paul's underlying thesis is that the Lord works to undermine or overcome the evil acts of mortals to accomplish good in the long run, cp. Isa. 55:8-11. His will, insight, and power are sufficient to overcome any adversity and accomplish His goals, which in this case is the preaching of the gospel. v15-17 Paul is probably referring to the Judaizers he has been having problems with (cf. Acts 21:20-26). Obviously, Paul wouldn't be favorably disposed towards them, and they would take advantage of his captivity to promote themselves and their causes. v20 If Paul is executed, he will be heralded as a martyr and the cause will go forward. If he is spared, all will see it as an act of God's mercy against his persecutors. So, either way, Paul and the Lord win. This is the kind of lose-lose predicament evil people put themselves in when they persecute the prophets. The Lord wins no matter what. v21-30 Living for Christ is life eternal (v. 21). Paul confesses he is tired of the struggles in mortality (v. 22-23), but concedes it is better than he persist in this life so as to be a benefit to the Church (v. 23-26). Paul then encourages the ecclesia to be faithful and zealous (v. 27), and not to fear their persecutors (v. 28-30). v21-22 The IV/JST alters the order of the verses and emends the KJV v. 21, as follows: KJV IV --- -- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit ye are the fruit of my labour: of my labor. yet what I shall choose Yet what I shall choose I wot not. I know not. For me to live, is to do the will of Christ; and to die, is my gain. The IV/JST has Paul stating that if he were to die physically that he would be benefitting himself, but if he persists on in his labors in mortality he is benefitting the Church. Paul appears to be saying that to give in and die would be a selfish act. v23 Paul is sounding somewhat depressed and morbid here. While he couches it in terms of being off to a better place in a religious sense, when reading such a thing one has to wonder what Paul's emotional state was at this point. v27 "Only let your conversation be", the IV/JST emends this to "Therefore let your conversation be". v28 The IV/JST differs from the KJV, as follows: KJV IV --- -- And in nothing terrified And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: by your adversaries, who reject the gospel, which is to them which bringeth on them an evident token of perdition, destruction; but to you but you who receive the gospel, of salvation, salvation; and that of God. and that of God. v28-30 It is not clear who Paul is labeling as "adversaries" here. In Paul's case it is obvious who his adversaries are, but he is addressing the ecclesia in Philippi. Who were their adversaries? We know there was little or no activity by the Judaizers there. Perhaps Philippian Jews, or their Gentile neighbors? Verse 30 draws a parallel between his own present conflict and theirs, which may suggest Roman oppression. v30 "and now hear to be in me", the IV emends this to "and now know to be in me". Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.