Philippians 1

Philippians 1:1

I. PAUL’S GREETING, PRAISE, AND PRAYER (1:1-11) 1:1 Paul and Timothy are linked together at the opening of this Epistle. This does not mean that Timothy helped to write the Letter. He had been with Paul when he first visited Philippi, so he was known to the saints there. Now Timothy is with Paul as the apostle opens this Letter. Paul was now an older man (Phm_1:9), while Timothy was still quite young. Thus youth and age were yoked together in the service of the Best of masters. Jowett puts it nicely: It is the union of springtime and autumn; of enthusiasm and experience; of impulse and wisdom; of tender hope and quiet and rich assurance.Both are described as bondservants of Jesus Christ. Both loved their Master. The ties of Calvary bound them to the service of their Savior forever. The Letter is addressed to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. The word all recurs in this Epistle quite frequently. Paul’s affectionate interest went out to all the Lord’s people. The saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi describes the dual position of the believers. As to their spiritual status, they were set apart by God in Christ Jesus. As to their geographical location, they were at Philippi. Two places at the same time! Then the apostle mentions the bishops and deacons. The bishops were the elders or overseers in the assemblythose who took a pastoral interest in the flock of God and who led the flock by their godly example. The deacons, on the other hand, were the servants of the church who were probably chiefly concerned with its material affairs, such as finances, etc. There were only these three groups in the churchsaints, bishops, and deacons. If there had been a clergyman in charge, Paul would have mentioned him also. Instead he speaks only of bishops (plural) and deacons (also plural). Here we have a remarkable picture of the simplicity of church life in the early days. The saints are mentioned first, then their spiritual guides, and last their temporal servants. That is all! 1:2 In Paul’s characteristic greeting, he wishes the saints grace … and peace. The former is not so much the grace which comes to a sinner at the time of his conversion as the grace which he must constantly obtain at the throne of grace to help in every time of need (Heb_4:16). Likewise, the peace which Paul craves for them is not so much peace with God, which is theirs already, as the peace of God which comes through prayer and thanksgiving (Phi_4:6-7). Both blessings come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle honors the Son even as he honors the Father (Joh_5:23). There is no mistaking that to Paul, Jesus Christ is God. 1:3 Now Paul bursts into a song of thanksgiving. But that is nothing new for the apostle. The walls of the Philippian jail had echoed the songs of Paul and Silas on their first visit there. As he writes these words, he is probably a prisoner in Romebut he is still singing songs in the night. The indomitable Paul! Every remembrance of the Philippians awakened thanksgiving in his heart. Not only were they his children in the faith, but in many ways they had proved to be a model church. 1:4 In every prayer, he made supplication for the Philippians with joy. To him it was a sheer delight to pray for themnot dull drudgery. From this and many similar passages in Paul’s writing, we learn that he was a man of prayer. It is not necessary to search further for the reason he was so wonderfully used of God. When we remember the extent of his travels and the host of Christians he knew, we marvel that he maintained such a personal, intimate interest in them all. 1:5 The specific reason for his thanksgiving was their fellowship in furthering the gospel from the first day until now. Fellowship might include financial assistance, but it extends also to prayer support and a wholehearted devotion to the spread of the good news. When Paul mentions the first day, one cannot help wondering if the jailor was still alive when this Letter was publicly read to the assembly at Philippi. If so, this mention of Paul’s introduction to the Philippian believers would certainly have struck a responsive chord in his heart. 1:6 As the apostle thinks of the good start the believers have made in the Christian life, he is confident that God will finish the good work He has begun.The work which His goodness began, The arm of His strength will complete; His promise is Yea and Amen, And never was forfeited yet. Augustus M. Toplady Good work may refer to their salvation, or it may mean their active financial participation in the furtherance of the gospel. The day of Jesus Christ refers to the time of His coming again to take His people home to heaven and probably also includes the Judgment Seat of Christ, when service for Him will be reviewed and rewarded. 1:7 Paul feels justified in being thankful for the Philippians. In his heart he treasures a lasting memory of how loyally they stood with him, whether he was on trial, in prison, or traveling about in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. The defense of the gospel refers to the ministry of answering the critics, while the confirmation of the gospel relates rather to establishing the message more firmly in the hearts of those who are already believers. W. E. Vine says: The gospel both overthrows its foes and strengthens its friends. Grace here means the undeserved strength from God to carry on the work of the Lord in the face of severe opposition. 1:8 The memory of their faithful cooperation makes the apostle long to be with them again. He calls God to witness how greatly he yearns for them with the affection of Jesus Christ. Paul’s expression of love is all the more remarkable when we remember that he had been born a Jew and was writing to people of Gentile descent. The grace of God had broken down the ancient hatred, and now they were all one in Christ. 1:9 Thanksgiving now gives way to prayer. Will Paul ask wealth, comfort, or freedom from trouble for them? No, he asks that their love might constantly increase in knowledge and all discernment. The primary aim of the Christian life is to love God and to love one’s fellow man. But love is not just a matter of the emotions. In effective service for the Lord, we must use our intelligence and exercise discernment.

Otherwise, our efforts are apt to be futile. So Paul is here praying not only that the Philippians will continue in the display of Christian love, but also that their love will be exercised in full knowledge and all discernment.1:10 Love that is thus enlightened will enable them to discern the things that are more excellent. In all realms of life, some things are good and others are better. The good is often the enemy of the best. For effective service, these distinctions must be made. Love that is enlightened will also enable them to avoid what is questionable or downright wrong. Paul would have them sincere, that is, utterly transparent, and blameless in view of the day of Christ. To be without offense does not mean to be sinless. We all commit sins, but the blameless person is the one who confesses and forsakes the sin, asking forgiveness from those who were wronged and making restitution whenever possible. The day of Christ, as in verse 6, refers to the Rapture and the subsequent judgment of the believer’s works. 1:11 The final petition of the apostle’s prayer is that the Christians might be filled with the fruits of righteousness, that is, with the fruits which righteousness produces, or with all the Christian virtues that make up a righteous life. The source of these virtues is Jesus Christ, and their object is the glory and praise of God. This petition of Paul is exactly parallel to the words in Isa_61:3, that they may be called trees of righteousness (being filled with the fruits of righteousness), the planting of the Lord (which are by Jesus Christ), that He may be glorified (to the glory and praise of God.)The word fruit, Lehman Strauss writes, … is associated closely with our relation to Christ and His expectation of us. The branches on a vine are intended to bear fruit.

Philippians 1:12

II. PAUL’S IMPRISONMENT, PROSPECTS, AND PLEA FOR PERSEVERANCE (1:12-30) 1:12 The prayer is ended. Paul next rehearses his blessings, that is, the benefits that have resulted from his imprisonment. Jowett calls this section The Fortune of Misfortune.The apostle would have the brethren know that the things which happened to him, that is, his trial and imprisonment, have resulted in the furtherance of the gospel rather than its hindrance, as might have been expected. This is another wonderful illustration of how God overrules the wicked plans of demons and men and brings triumph out of seeming tragedy and beauty from ashes. Man has his wickedness, but God has His way.1:13 First of all, Paul’s chains have become evident as being in Christ. By this he means that it has become widely known that he was imprisoned as a result of his testimony for Christ and not as a criminal or evildoer. The real reason for his chains became well-known throughout the palace guard and in all other places. Palace guard may mean either: (1) The whole praetorian guard, that is, the Roman soldiers who guarded the palace where the emperor dwelt, or (2) The whole praetorium itself. The praetorium was the palace and here would include all of its occupants. In any event, Paul is saying that his imprisonment has served as a testimony to the representatives of the Roman imperial power where he was. T. W. Drury writes: The very chain which Roman discipline riveted on the prisoner’s arm secured to his side a hearer who would tell the story of patient suffering for Christ, among those who, the next day, might be in attendance on Nero himself. 1:14 A second favorable outcome of his imprisonment was that other Christians were thereby encouraged to be more fearless in testifying for the Lord Jesus. Persecution often has the effect of transforming quiet and bashful believers into courageous witnesses. 1:15 The motive in some hearts was jealousy and rivalry. They preached Christ out of envy and contentiousness. Others had sincere and pure motives; they preached Christ from good will, in an honest effort to help the apostle. 1:16 The jealous preachers thought that by doing this they might make Paul’s imprisonment more bitter. Their message was good, but their temper was bad. It is sad to think that Christian service can be carried on in the energy of the flesh, motivated by greed, strife, pride, and envy. This teaches the necessity for watching our motives when we serve the Lord. We must not do it for self-display, for the advancement of a religious sect, or for the defeat of other Christians. Here is a good example of the necessity for our love to be exercised in knowledge and discernment. 1:17 Others were preaching the gospel out of pure and sincere love, knowing that Paul was determined to defend the gospel. There was nothing selfish, sectarian, or cruel in their service. They knew very well that Paul had been committed to prison because of his bold stand for the gospel. So they determined to carry on the work while he was thus confined. 1:18 Paul refuses to be downcast by the wrong motives of some. Christ is being preached by both groups, and that is for him a great cause for rejoicing. It is remarkable that under such difficult circumstances, Paul does not feel sorry for himself or seek the sympathy of others. Rather he is filled with the joy of the Lord and encourages his readers to rejoice also. 1:19 The outlook is encouraging. The apostle knows that the whole course of events will lead to his deliverance. Deliverance (KJV, salvation) here does not mean the salvation of Paul’s soul, but rather his liberation from prison. The means which God will use in effecting his release will be the prayer of the Philippians and the ministry or help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Marvel here at the importance which Paul puts on the prayers of a feeble band of believers. He sees them as sufficiently powerful to thwart the purposes and the mighty power of Rome. It is true; Christians can influence the destiny of nations and change the course of history through prayer. The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ means the power of the Holy Spirit stretched forth in his behalfthe strength which the Spirit would supply to him. In general, it refers to the boundless resources which the Spirit supplies to enable believers to stand fast, regardless of what the circumstances may be.1:20 As he thought of the prayers of the Christians and the assistance of the Holy Spirit, he expressed his eager desire and hope that he might never be ashamed, but rather that he might always have a fearless and outspoken witness for Christ. And no matter what the outcome of judicial processes might bewhether he was to be freed or put to deathhis ambition was that Christ should be magnified in his body. To magnify does not mean to make Christ greater. He is already great, and nothing we can do will make Him greater. But to magnify means to cause Christ to be esteemed or praised by others. Guy King shows how Christ can be magnified by our bodies in life:… magnified by lips that bear happy testimony to Him; magnified by hands employed in His happy service; magnified by feet only too happy to go on His errands; magnified by knees happily bent in prayer for His kingdom; magnified by shoulders happy to bear one another’s burdens. Christ can also be magnified in our bodies by deathbodies worn out in His service; bodies pierced by savage spears; bodies torn by stones or burned at the stake. 1:21 Here, in a nutshell, is Paul’s philosophy of life. He did not live for money, fame, or pleasure. The object of his life was to love, worship, and serve the Lord Jesus. He wanted his life to be like the life of Christ. He wanted the Savior to live out His life through him. And to die is gain. To die is to be with Christ and to be like Him forever. It is to serve Him with unsinning heart and with feet that will never stray. We do not ordinarily think of death as one of our gains. Sad to say, the outlook today seems to be that to live is earthly gain, and to die would be the end of gain. But, says Jowett: To the Apostle Paul, death was not a darksome passageway, where all our treasures rot away in a swift corruption; it was a place of gracious transition, a covered way that leadeth into light.1:22 If it is God’s will for Paul to live on a while longer in the flesh, then that will mean fruitful labor for him.

He will be able to give further help to the Lord’s people. But it was a difficult decision for himwhether to go to the Savior whom he loved, or to remain on earth in the Lord’s service, to which he was also very attached. He did not know which to choose.1:23 To be hard pressed between the two means to be required to make a difficult decision between two possibilitiesthat of going home to heaven or that of remaining on earth as an apostle of Christ Jesus. He ardently longed to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. If he only considered his own interests, this is doubtless the choice he would make. Notice that Paul did not believe in any theory of soul-sleep. He believed that the Christian goes to be with Christ at the time of death and that he is in the conscious enjoyment of the presence of the Lord. How ridiculous it would be for him to say, as some do today: To live is Christ; to sleep is gain. Or, To depart and to sleep is far better. Sleep is used in the NT of the believer’s body at the time of death (1Th_4:14), never of his soul. Soul-sleep is a myth. Notice, too, that death is not to be confused with the coming of the Savior. At the time of death, we go to be with Him. At the time of the Rapture, He comes to us. 1:24 For the sake of the Philippians, it was more needful for Paul to live on earth a while longer. One cannot help but be impressed with the unselfishness of this great-hearted man. He does not think of his own comfort or ease, but rather of what will best advance the cause of Christ and the welfare of His people. 1:25 Being confident of thisthat he was still needed on earth to instruct, comfort, and encourage the saintsPaul knew that he would not be put to death at this time. How did he know? We believe that he lived so close to the Lord that the Holy Spirit was able to communicate this knowledge to him. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him. (Psa_25:14). Those who dwell deep in God, in quiet meditation, hear secrets that are drowned out by the noise, rush, and bustle of life today. You have to be near to hear. Paul was near. By remaining in the flesh, Paul would be able to promote their spiritual progress and increase the joy that was theirs through trusting in the Lord. 1:26 Through his being spared for longer life and service on earth, the Philippians would have added cause for rejoicing in the Lord when he would visit them once again. Can you not imagine how they would throw their arms around him and kiss him, and praise the Lord with great joy when he would arrive at Philippi? Perhaps they would say, Well, Paul, we prayed for you, but honestly, we never expected to see you here again. But how we praise the Lord that He has given you back to us once more!1:27 Now Paul adds a word of caution: Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Christians should be Christlike. Citizens of heaven should behave accordingly. We should be in practice what we are in position. In addition to this plea for consistency, the apostle makes an appeal for constancy. Specifically, he desires that whether he comes to them personally, or, being absent, hears reports about them, he may know that they are standing fast with a common spirit, and unitedly laboring earnestly for the faith of the gospel, that is, the Christian faith. Christians face a common foe; they should not fight each other but should unite against the enemy. 1:28 Neither were they to be terrified by the enemies of the gospel. Fearlessness in the face of persecution has a twofold meaning. First, it is an omen of destruction to those who fight against God. Secondly, it is a sign of salvation to those who brave the wrath of the foe. Salvation is probably used here in its future tense, referring to the eventual deliverance of the saint from trial and the redemption of his body as well as his spirit and soul. 1:29 The Philippians should remember that it is a privilege to suffer for Christ as well as to believe in Him.Dr. Griffith John wrote that once when he was surrounded by a hostile heathen crowd and was beaten, he put his hand to his face and when he withdrew it, saw that it was bathed in blood. He was possessed by an extraordinary sense of exaltation, and he rejoiced that he had been counted worthy to suffer for His Name. Is it not remarkable that even suffering is exalted by Christianity to such a lofty plane? Truly, even an apparent trifle burns with the fire immortal when it is in communion with the Infinite. The cross dignifies and ennobles. 1:30 The connection of this verse with the previous one is better understood if we supply the words Since you are engaged in: The privilege of suffering for Christ has been granted to you, since you are engaged in the same kind of conflict which you saw in me when I was in Philippi and now hear that I am still waging.