Philippians Lesson 01

Philippians Chapter 1

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

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Memory verses for this week: 1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Introduction: This week we begin a new study as Paul writes to the believers in the church in Philippi.

As the title makes clear, Paul the Apostle was the author of the epistle. The date of the writing is not certain with various authorities suggesting differing dates. However, it is clear that it took place during Paul’s imprisonment at Rome. This presumably was during his first imprisonment which would place the date at approximately A.D. 64.

The occasion of his writing evidently was prompted by the Philippian church sending a substantial missionary gift to Paul at Rome. Whether this was money or materiel is not noted. However, it appears they certainly had sent a substantial gift to him. It would also seem apparent that the church sent their gift by way of Epaphroditus who evidently was their pastor. Paul started the church during his initial ministry in Macedonia. See Acts 16.

The epistle deals with no serious problems either doctrinally or practically and is one of the warmest and personal letters of the Apostle. Some have suggested that the key verse is found in 1:21, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” It is a sweet dissertation of the Christian life. Its focus throughout is Christ.

I. The Opening Salutation

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

After making introductory comments, the Apostle bares his heart to his Philippian brethren. He explains his circumstances in Rome and his determination to serve Christ regardless. The chapter concludes with Paul urging them be unified and not discouraged by the gathering opposition against Christianity.

As was the literary custom of the day, Paul, as the writer, identified himself at the beginning of this God inspired epistle. His associate present as he wrote was Timothy. Timotheus was his formal Greek name.

He had been saved when Paul had preached at Lystra. He subsequently had grown greatly in the Lord and had become Paul’s assistant. Not long hereafter, Timothy would become a pastor himself.

Paul notes both himself and Timothy as “servants of Jesus Christ.” The epistle is thus addressed . The word translated as saints (hagios) literally means ‘holy ones’ and is here a godly euphemism for those who have been saved. More specifically, these saints were those “in Christ Jesus” at Philippi. They were the members of the church.

Paul also notes that the epistle was addressed to ‘the bishops and deacons” at Philippi. In so doing, the Apostle mentions the two scriptural offices of the New Testament church.

The word translated as bishops (episcopos) literally meant ‘overseers.’ It was the Greek/western term which paralleled the more Jewish/eastern term elder. Both refer to the same office and individual which today in the west is commonly referred to as ‘pastor.’

The fact there was more than one bishop addressed in the church simply refers to the fact they probably had more than one man on the ‘pastoral staff’ of the church. This was due in part to the on going work of establishing churches abroad. In the New Testament, the office of bishop was always in the context of a given local church and never in the sense of having authority over a group of churches.

The other local-church office noted in the New Testament is found here as Paul mentions the deacons of the church. These were men appointed to assist in the ministry of the church under the leadership of the pastor.

Deacons were never appointed to usurp authority over the pastor though it is common place in many Baptist churches today.

In verse 2, the Apostle having addressed the epistle now greets his readers.

As is common in virtually all of Paul’s epistles, he invokes grace and peace.

Likely taken for granted by many a Christian, the invocation of grace and peace from the Father and Son ought never be taken lightly. The impartation of His grace for the daily journey of the Christian walk is an asset of great price.

Though grace might be defined as ‘unmerited favor,’ in its broader sense it is God’s help and strength for the needs and problems of life.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Likewise, the peace of God, which He offers freely to His people, is a jewel of great price. Peace of heart is the antithesis of anxiety, depression, discouragement, and malice. It is the precursor to true joy and happiness. It is always available from on high and Paul here invokes the same to his readers.

When we are truly servants of Jesus Christ, there is a pride associated with serving the Lord. There are teachers, deacons, pastors, and other officers in the church. But truly, we are all just servants of the Lord. At Philippi, Paul’s apostleship had never been questioned as it had in other places. Paul addresses the letter to ‘all the saints’ in Philippi, making mention of the bishops and deacons in the salutation. This verse shows how that there are truly only two official officers in churches, that being bishops and deacons. The qualifications for these officers are found in I Timothy.

1 Timothy 3:1-13 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

As is the case today, some of the churches in Paul’s day have more than one bishop or one deacon. Some of the bishops were called elders. A church may have many preachers in it, but there is to be but one pastor. Our church is an example of that with the Pastor and two other members who are preachers. (Brother Fred Bryant and Jordan Lindsey)

Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

Acts 15:6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

II. The Thanksgiving

Phi 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

Paul said he was thankful for this group of believers every time he thought of them. We should so live for the Lord that others think kindly and with love towards us when they are absent from us. Paul said that the “Thanked God” for them because this church had helped him in the work of the Lord. Verse 4 points out that Paul prayed for them on a continual basis.

In our prayers, we should remember one another. It is good to remember the sick, and we are commanded in scripture to pray for the sick, but we should also pray for the believers that we might all grow in our work for the Lord. Prayer has so much power, and we should be constantly in prayer with God. Jesus set the example in that he prayed for His Disciples.

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

Insight into the spiritual character as well as maturity of Paul’s prayer life is reflected in his admission how he thanked God upon every remembrance of his Philippian brethren. He continued, "Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now"

Apparent is the ‘others-focus’ of Paul’s prayer life. He routinely and continually prayed for others. Though certainly not wrong to pray for one’s own needs and problems, it is a higher grace to pray for others. The word translated as request (deesis) has the common sense of ‘prayer’ or ‘petition.’

In every prayer, he not only thanked God for them, but prayed “with joy” for their “fellowship in the gospel.” The word translated as fellowship (koinonia) in this context has the sense of ‘participation’ or ‘contribution.’

The Philippian church had on more than one occasion sent missionary support to Paul for the propagation of the gospel. They had materially participated therein by their monetary support of him. that's why, Paul referred to their “fellowship in the gospel.” Moreover, implied is that they had done so “from the first day until now.”

Phil 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

7. Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

The “first day” in verse 5 likely refers to Paul’s initial ministry at Philippi. They had thereafter regularly sent support to Paul and his ministry at Thessalonica (Philippians 4:15-16), Corinth (Acts 18:5; II Corinthians 11:7-10), and now at Rome. Here in Paul’s epistle to the Philippian church is a clear New Testament pattern of giving to missions, not only in principle but in practice. The Philippian church had faithfully sent support to Paul throughout his ministry. He thus thanked them for that.

Paul knew the effect the church was having on those there in Philippi with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he says that he is thankful for their fellowship in the work of the Lord. This fellowship was from the first day they were saved until now as he writes the letter. These fine Christians had helped Paul financially from the very beginning. It is such a blessing for preachers and missionaries to have faithful support from the churches. The gospel could not go forth into all the world if we were not willing to give to help those men who are abroad establishing new works and preaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And Paul was not unthankful for all they had done, but said he thanks God for these people. Paul points out that this good work of the Philippians originated in God’s Grace, and he was confident that what God had begun, he would finish it. His words were “you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” referring to the return of Christ prior to the seven years of Tribulation which will soon be coming to earth. We can be confident that any work God starts, He will finish. One of my favorite verses in the bible was written by Paul with the leadership of the Holy Spirit over in II Timothy.

2 Tim 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Verse 6 talks of how Paul was confident in this very thing. Are we confident that God will do his part in our lives. I was reading J. Vernon McGee’s commentary last night, and he told how that when he was called into the ministry, it was during the great depression and there appeared to be no way he would be able to go.

J. Vernon McGee’s Commentary:

Because this is my life verse and therefore very meaningful to me, I hope you won’t mind if I tell you about it. I was a very poor boy when I went away to college. My dad had been killed in an accident in a cotton gin when I was fourteen years old. My mother took my sister and me to Nashville, Tennessee. I had to get a permit that allowed a boy of fourteen to go to work, and I worked for a wholesale hardware concern. I had to be up by five o’clock in the morning to pick up the mail and have it sorted and on the desks of all the officials in each department. I should have been in school, and I wanted to go to school. Later I had the privilege of going back to school because a wonderful friend acted as a father to me. He had a son who was a drunkard. He had wanted his son to get a college education, but he didn’t; so the man helped me get a job, and I was able to go to college. Every year I thought it would be my last year. I never thought God would see me through—I had very little faith. The last year I was in college was during the Depression; 1928 and 1929 were bad years. I couldn’t get a job and had no money.

On graduation day, after receiving my degree, I returned to my room in the dormitory, still in my cap and gown, and sat dejectedly on the edge of my bed. My roommate came and asked, “What in the world—did somebody die?” I said, “Just as well to. I thought God had called me to the ministry. I’m through college, the depression has hit, and I don’t even have a job for this summer. I haven’t a dime to go to seminary next year.” While we were still talking, the phone rang. It was for me. On the other end of the line was a dear little lady who asked me to stop by her home where she lived with her sister. They were both widows, and they looked as if they had come out of the antebellum days. They attended the church where I taught a class of intermediate boys, and I herded the boys into the church service every Sunday morning. The sisters sat in the pew behind us, and I always thought they disapproved. But in their home that day each handed me an envelope in memory of her husband. I left as soon as it was polite to go, hurried around the corner, and opened the envelopes. The first contained a check for $250; I hurriedly opened the other envelope and found another check for $250. Do you know what $500 was like during the depression? I felt like a millionaire!

That night the Sunday school had a banquet for me, a farewell banquet, and they gave me a check for $100. So now I had $600! That is the money with which I went to seminary the next year. That night at the banquet someone gave me this verse: “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” That has been my life verse ever since that night.

Now let’s consider this verse for a moment.

“Being confident” is causative and could be translated, “Since I am confident of this very thing”—Paul knew what he was talking about.

Now, my friend, let me ask you this: Is this practical for you and me? I don’t know what your circumstances are, but if you are a child of God, I am sure you can testify that God has brought you up to the present moment, hasn’t He? Can’t you look back over your life and see how He has led you and provided for you? Then why should you be concerned about tomorrow? Do you think He is going to let you down now? I confess that this was my thinking when I finished college.

I felt called to the ministry, but there was no possible way for me to go on to seminary. However, I had a wonderful heavenly Father who, through Philippians 1:6, put His arms around me and said, “I’ll see you through.” And I want to testify today that He is still keeping His promise. It has been a comfort to me since I have had several bouts with cancer to know that my heavenly Father said, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” He is a good Doctor also; in fact, He is the Great Physician, and He has said, “Whatever I have in store for you, I’m going to see you through until the day of Jesus Christ.” So I am in His hands.

The great Apostle gave cause for further encouragement.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

What he so poetically and eloquently referred to is the good work of salvation and discipleship which our blessed Lord began when He saved us. God always finishes what He starts. He never leaves the job half done. Therefore, He “will perform” this good work in us “until the day of Jesus Christ.”

He will so continue “until the day of Jesus Christ.” That is reference to the day or era when Christ returns first in the rapture and then altogether in His second advent. In other words, God will complete the good work of salvation and discipleship He began in us when we were saved until Christ returns.

Implied is not only the security of the believer, but also God’s working to bring us to spiritual maturity. There is great hope in knowing what God will accomplish in us.

In verse 7, Paul bares his heart to his beloved Philippian brethren. In light of his preceding comment (that God would finish His work in them), Paul notes further how that “it is meet for me to think this of you all.”

In light of their faithful missionary support of Paul, it was only right to think this of the Philippian church. Continuing, he noted, “because I have you in my heart.” Paul had in mind, through all they had done for him, he certainly had them in his heart.

Furthermore, the Apostle commented how that “both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.”

As he was under arrest at Rome as well as throughout his ministry, the Philippian church had participated through their prayers and their giving. He notes that they were “partakers of my grace.” They truly had participated in the grace God had given him for the furtherance of the gospel.

III. Paul’s Prayer

Phi 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

He further bared his heart to his beloved Philippian brethren. "For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ."

God was his witness how much he longed for them “in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” The word translated as bowels (splagchnon) literally refers to the intestines. However, Paul clearly used the term as an idiom which had the sense of mercy or compassion.

The assumption of the ancients was that the tender emotions such as compassion and mercy emanated up from the lower abdomen or bowels. Hence, the idiom for compassion or mercy was often presented as bowels of mercies.

Here, the Apostle refers to the “bowels of Jesus Christ” or rather, the mercy of Jesus Christ. He longed for them in a love and compassion which came from our Lord.

Paul longed to be with these Christian friends. I know when I am away from home I have a tremendous desire to be back home with my family and Christian friends…. Where you have support and people love you. This was what Paul refers to here as he longs to be back with them.

Albert Barnes in Barnes Notes commented about the term of longing after them in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Title: Barnes Notes on the New Testament

Author: Barnes, Albert

In the bowels of Jesus Christ—The word “bowels,” in the Scriptures denotes
the upper viscera—the region of the heart and lungs: see the notes at Isa. 16:11.
That region was regarded as the seat of affection, sympathy, and compassion, as the heart is with us. The allusion here is to the sympathy, tenderness, and love of the Redeemer; and probably the meaning is, that Paul regarded them with something of the affection which the Lord Jesus had for them. This was the most tender and strongest expression which he could find to denote the ardor of his attachment.

In the next few verses, Paul prays for four things. In verse 9, he prays that their love may abound more and more.

Phi 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

As Paul had indicated his prayer for them earlier, he now reveals further details thereof.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment."

The word pray is in the present tense and indicative mood presenting an ongoing action. It therefore has the idea of praying and continuing to pray His prayer was that their love might abound yet more and more “in knowledge and in all judgment.” The word translated as knowledge (epignosis) has the sense of ‘accurate or precise knowledge.’

The word translated as judgment (aisthesis), in this context, has the sense of ‘of moral discernment in ethical matters.’ Their love was apparent. Paul thus prayed that it would continue in the future within the parameters of correct knowledge and good judgment. So often, well meaning Christians can be misled by deceptive appeals for help by unscriptural organizations and ‘ministries.’ Paul prayed his beloved Philippian brethren would have discernment;

Jesus commands that we love one another.

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 Corinthians 13:1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Charity (love) is the greatest gift a Christian can have.

Matthew 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

2 Timothy 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

We are to have love foremost for God, but we find there in II Timothy that in the end times, men will be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. I believe we can see that all around us today.

The second thing he prays is that they may approve things that are excellent.

Phi 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Paul continued, "that ye may approve things that are excellent."

Implied is that they were already giving to other ‘ministries.’ Paul’s concern was that they would approve or give only to that which was of merit and of true spiritual value.

As he wrote to the Ephesian church, there already were those who, in cunning craftiness, laid in wait to deceive. Little has changed to this day in that regard. Spiritual discernment particularly of that called ‘Christian’ is crucial to this day that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

The word translated as sincere (heilikrines) has the literal sense to be ‘judged by the light of day’ and thus by extension to be pure.

The overall thought is that Paul prayed for his Philippian brethren that they would have good discernment in their generosity, approving only what was right before God. The greater goal was that they might be without any appearance of having supported a questionable ‘ministry.’

The third thing he prays is that they may be sincere.

How can we be sincere and without offence? We have to bring our bodies under subjection each day, and renew our minds in the things of the Lord.

1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

1 Cor 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

1 Cor 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Joshua called for the people to serve the Lord in sincerity and truth.

Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.

The fourth thing he prays for them is to be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Phi 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

The Apostle continues to bare his prayer life toward the Philippian church. He prayed further that they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Throughout the Scriptures, the ‘fruit of righteousness’ is referred to on several occasions (e.g., Proverbs 11:30, II Corinthians 9:10, Hebrews 12:11, and James 3:18).

Essentially, it is the blessings and results which stem from righteousness. The fruit of the righteous is called a ‘tree of life’ in Proverbs 11:30. That is vitality and blessing.

Pro 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

The work of righteousness is peace, quietness, and assurance forever (Isaiah 32:17). God loves and blesses righteousness (Psalm 11:7, 5:12). Such fruit is by Jesus Christ and is ultimately to “the glory and praise of God.”

The only way we can be filled with righteousness is by having Christ as our Lord and Savior and living according to His Word. It we have those four things listed above, we will bring glory and honor to God.

Those four were:

1. Our Love may abound more and more

2. That we might approve things that are more excellent.

3. That we might be sincere

4. That we might be filled with the fruits of righteousness.

IV. What was Accomplished by Paul being in Prison

Phi 1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;

13. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;

Paul now turns to his own state of affairs at Rome. If we presume this was during his first imprisonment, which it likely was, he was under house arrest at Rome awaiting his appellate hearing before Caesar Nero.

According to Acts 28:31, he had considerable interaction and freedom to witness Christ at Rome. However, he was concerned that his Philippian brethren would understand how that God had allowed his imprisonment for the furtherance of the gospel.

Indeed, all things had worked together for good (as he had written to the Roman church some years earlier in Romans 8:28. Though he was under arrest and detained in a rented house in Rome, the things which had happened unto him had literally come to pass unto the furtherance of the gospel.

Verse 13 shows that at Rome, Tiberias Caesar had stationed ten-thousand, hand-picked soldiers as his imperial guard. They were called the Praitorion Guard. It very well may be that some of these select soldiers had been assigned to keep track of Paul in Rome. As they rotated on and off duty, Paul evidently had been able to witness extensively to them.

Implied is that numbers of them were saved and further spread the gospel throughout their ranks. Moreover, because of the latitude Paul had in his living arrangement, he was able to preach to the leadership of the Jews as noted in Acts 28 and many others as he notes in this regard, “and in all other places.”

Could God use Paul’s imprisonment there in Rome for good? I don’t think we realize all the good that God accomplishes when we go through difficult times. Paul says that because of him being imprisoned, the Gospel had been carried to places it had never been before. By his bonds, the gospel was preached in the palace and all places. I’m sure you can look back in your life and see the molding God made in your life at times when he put the pressure on you. Those are hard times, but God works it to good for us.

Phi 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

As the fledgling church at Rome became aware of Paul’s effective witnessing to officials in high places, many of them were encouraged and were much more able to speak the word without fear. Paul’s detention at Rome turned out to be a great blessing for the furtherance of the gospel at Rome.

Because of the uniqueness of his legal status, he had the opportunity to take the gospel to the highest level’s of the Roman military establishment. Therefore, he wrote his Philippian brethren of such lest they be unduly disheartened over his detention.

Many of the brethren had been strengthened by Paul’s bonds and were much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Acts 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

V. What was Accomplished by Paul being in Prison

Phi 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Phi 1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

Phi 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

Paul touches upon a matter of which the Philippian church evidently was aware.

Despite the fact that Paul had had the opportunity to witness of Christ, even to the palace guard, there was opposition from a competing and unusual quarter.

He had largely overcome the petty jealousy and friction of Judaizers (those seeking to mingle the law with grace) in Galatia. However, these evidently were in Rome, as well, through the local synagogues. They took the full opportunity to add to Paul’s difficulties. Apparently, they preached Christ in the city hoping to cause further political backlash against him. They preached Christ “even of envy and strife.” However, others preached out of good will.

Some preached Christ “of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds.” Yet others preached Christ “of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.” The word translated as defence (apologia) is whence the English word apologetics derives.

The Devil will go to great lengths, using whatever means possible, to thwart the gospel. Nevertheless, Paul was determined to defend it at his hearing before Emperor Nero neared.

John Gill in his commentary said this about verse 17.

Philippians 1:17

But the other of love,.... Those that were truly brethren in the Lord, who had received the grace of God in truth, to whom the Gospel was come in power, and who had a spiritual and experimental knowledge of Christ, and of the mysteries of his grace; these preached Christ of love, "out of the love of him", as the Ethiopic version reads; that is, out of love to Christ, who to them was exceeding precious, altogether lovely, the chiefest among ten thousands, and their hearts being hot and burning with love to him, they therefore spoke of him with their tongues;

knowing that I am set for the defence of the Gospel; meaning either that they knew he was a chosen vessel, to bear the name of Christ, and preach his Gospel in the world; that he was ordained and appointed a minister of it before the world was; separated to it from his mother's womb, and was called unto, and sent to preach it by Christ, and was set apart for it by the church; and was in a very eminent manner qualified to defend it, by preaching, disputing, writing, and suffering:

Phi 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

Paul didn’t know if the reason the gospel was being preached was in pretence or in truth, but this he did know. Christ was being preached, and when that happens, men and women are going to be saved. Paul rejoiced because the truth was preached about Christ.

He poses the question, “What then”? “Notwithstanding either way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached.” Even though some did so for a false partisan motive, hoping it would backfire on Paul, and others did so honestly and in truth; the fact remained that Christ was preached. He therein rejoiced.

Phi 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Phi 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

The word salvation Paul uses here in verse19 is in reference to his physical deliverance. Paul at this point still had the hope that he would be freed from his bonds. But no matter what happened, he said that he wanted to magnify Christ with his body, whether by his life or by his death. Do you have that kind of dedication to God? It takes the grace of God to have that kind of dedication. I heard a preacher one time say that if you’re willing to die for Jesus, will you live for him if God chooses to let you live? That should be our desire.. walk in righteousness and make our lives count for God. It won’t be easy, but God will be honored if we will live separated lives that make a difference.

In the context of the political backstabbing by his opponents, he comments, I know this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The word salvation does not always refer to our spiritual eternal salvation.

The word so translated ( soteria) also has the sense of ‘deliverance.’ That likely is the case here. The thought is that even in the face of such devious opposition, he knew it would ultimately result in his deliverance from custody through their prayer and the working of the Holy Spirit.

The key to his deliverance would rest in their prayer as well as the supply (i.e., the intervention of) God’s Spirit.

Verse 20 reveals the heart of the Apostle which is bared and his pure motives revealed. However it happened, his desire was to magnify Christ.

This is one of the most eloquent statements of Paul’s long and varied ministry. He wrote in light of his hoped for release from custody. His earnest expectation and hope was that in nothing he need be ashamed before Christ.

Even as he had been bold in preaching Christ in the past, his hope was that even now Christ would be magnified in his body. If it meant release from custody, freedom, and life, wonderful. If it meant a martyrs death, then so be it. His overriding motive was for Christ to be magnified.

No petty jealousy or retaliation is found in Paul against his adversaries. His only goal was to magnify Jesus Christ. He was willing to continue to serve his Lord or die. In either way, he hoped to magnify Him. Oh that we might have this kind of heart where our number one purpose of life was to bring honor and glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Phi:1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Phi 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

He summarized his ministry in one of the most focused and eloquent statements of dedication I believe ever penned. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Recall, his legal status of arrest and custody at Rome. He awaited hearing before the mercurial, unpredictable, and venal Emperor Nero.

If he was released to further preach, to live indeed was Christ. However, if Nero ignored his clear legal standing and ordered him executed, his death would be gain as he would be immediately ushered into glory. Regardless, Christ was all and all.

Once again, Paul’s entire focus was Christ. What happened to him was of little consequence. Humanly, he surely would like to live. But that was not his focus. Christ, His exaltation, and glory were all that concerned Paul.

In verse 22, Paul reflects briefly, if he was allowed to live, the magnification of Christ was the fruit of his labor. As far as he was concerned, Paul seemingly did not have a preference. If he lived, he would have a greater ministry. If he died, he would go to be with the Lord.

Matthew Henry pointed out that the carnal man would never consider dying for anyone except self.

Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain, for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle's difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things, but between two good things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed with sin; but when with Christ, we shall escape sin and temptation, sorrow and death, for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And the more unexpected mercies are before they come, the more of God will be seen in them.

Phi 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Phi 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Phi 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Phi:1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Paul testifies that an extension of his life was not something he greatly desired, but his desire was to depart and to be with Christ which was great gain. But if God chose to keep him here on earth for the churches, he was willing to remain that he might encourage and exhort them on to a greater service to the Lord. His terminology was “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” meaning those Philippians there in the church of Philippi.

Paul was stuck in between a desire to depart and to be with Christ or to stay and serve which is gain. He uses an analogy of a ship in a narrow strait, not knowing which way to turn.

In more modern terms, he was on the horns of a dilemma. However, he hinted at what he would really like to do and that was “to depart and be with Christ; which is far better.” For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He knew it. He knew what was just across the threshold of death. That spiritual hope tipped the balances over the innate human instinct of physical life.

Once again, the selfless spirit of Paul shone forth. Though he knew that heaven was more desirable for his part, to remain and minister to his Philippian brethren (and others) was more needful. It was necessary for him to remain yet on earth to finish his ministry.

Verse 25 shows Paul had confidence of being released by the government allowing for a further ministry to them for their spiritual advancement as well as their joy which springs from faith. Indeed, living by faith produces spiritual joy.

The selfless spirit of Paul continues to shine through. Rather than rejoice in his own release, his focus was upon their rejoicing thereto.

II. The Exhortation

Phi 1:27 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;

For the first time in the epistle, the Apostle now gives admonition to his Philippian brethren.

"Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ."

Philippi, as a colony, possessed Roman citizenship and Paul was proud of his own possession thereof. Roman citizenship was a degree of high estate. Not many cities were so privileged. The thought may well be, ‘only behave as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.’

The thought was that their decorum and behavior as citizens should be harmonious with and appropriate to the gospel of Christ. Paul was acutely aware of the developing cognizance of the Roman government of the church.

Heretofore, they had considered Christianity to be merely a sect within Judaism.

Under Roman law, only recognized religions were legal. They were called religia licita. As an official Roman colony, Philippi had direct political contact with Rome. Paul was concerned not only for the political reaction of the government in relationship to the church, he also was concerned with their spiritual testimony before the government.

There is a hint of a problem in the Philippian church. There evidently was not altogether a spirit of unity between some of the brethren. Thus in the context of exhibiting appropriate citizenship vis à vis the gospel, Paul now admonished them 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.

He hoped to come and visit them again. But if not, at least, he wished to hear of unity in their midst. Paul was aware of the divided testimony of Christ at Rome perpetrated by the envious Judaizers. He hoped there would not be the same at Philippi. (Of interest is his distinction of mind and spirit implying the trichotomy of the human persona.) He thus urged unity of spirit and thought.

The objective was that they might be striving together for the faith of the gospel. Rather than striving between themselves, he urged them to strive together for the faith of the gospel. A simple illustration of the thought might be of a team of draft horses striving together to pull the load, or a battalion of soldiers striving together to win the battle. Implied is the unity of team- work in the work of the gospel. Paul’s desire is that their manner of life would be such that was worthy of the gospel of Christ. He wanted them to make their lives count for Jesus.

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

Phi 1:28 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.

As he concludes this section and the chapter, the Apostle now turns his attention to the prospects of persecution at Philippi. When he and Silas were there approximately ten years earlier, there was only a small Jewish settlement.

The opposition then was from the local authorities. That may not have changed. And so in light of what evidently was a looming storm of persecution, the Apostle counseled, And in nothing terrified by your adversaries.

The idea is ‘in nothing be terrified by your adversaries.’ Don’t be afraid of them. He continues, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Though somewhat enigmatic, the opposition of their adversaries was a sign of their perdition.

The word so translated (apoleia) has the sense of ‘perishing’ and in this case of perishing in hell. On the other hand, the opposition they were receiving was a clear sign of their salvation of God.

The greater thought Paul intended was, ‘Don’t be afraid of your adversaries. It is a clear sign they are lost and that you are saved.’

Truth, godliness, and righteous- ness will always stir opposition. It is axiomatic that you can tell if you are doing right by the opposition it brings.

The greater thought as stated in verse 28 was to be not terrified by their adversaries. He had gone through it all. They could too. Paul asks them to Stand fast in one spirit and to have the same mind. What mind is that? The mind of Christ.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Paul also wanted them to strive together for the faith of the gospel. Not individuals, but together to accomplish this.

Phi 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;

Paul thus notes by way of comment, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."

With the privilege of belief and salvation comes also the accompanying duty to suffer for Him. It is part of the territory of being a Christian. That suffering may range from slight and snub for His sake to ridicule, mockery, legal action, imprisonment, torture, and even death.

Church history overflows with all of the above for those who truly stand on biblical principle and live accordingly. The world hates God’s people if for no other reason than their righteous testimony by contrast reveals the world’s unrighteousness and thus condemns them. They therefore retaliate.

Paul warns them that they would suffer for Christ. If they crucified our Savior, we should not be surprised when we are not too popular with the masses.

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Phi 1:30. Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

The Philippian church evidently was now facing persecution. They had witnessed what had happened to Paul when present with them ten years earlier.

He had been arrested, beaten, and imprisoned. See Acts 16. He reminds them that they also now were facing that same trouble. They had witnessed his suffering then and were aware of his present trouble at Rome.

Mark 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

And he wanted them to stand against Satan and not be afraid of their enemy.

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

John 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.

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Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

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