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| 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: |
All the saints – Applicable to all the saints everywhere, the well-developed, who have already made considerable progress; not applicable to the worldly, nor any not fully consecrated, nor to "babes in Christ." R2891:2
With us, as with the apostles in their writings, the word saint is used to designate the truly consecrated among professing Christians. As the church began to grow popular, this Scriptural use ceased. R1139:1
Spirit-begotten ones, the smallest section of those who profess Christ, are the only class addressed throughout the New Testament prospectively "the saints," the "elect." SM628:1
With the bishops – The word "bishop" signifies "overseer," and is evidently another name for the elders mentioned here. R1957:1*
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| 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. |
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| 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, |
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| 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, |
In every prayer of mine – Paul's two years in Rome, awaiting the due processes of the law, were years of special advantage to the work of the Lord. He was safe from his Jewish enemies. He prayed for the churches. R1570:5
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| 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; |
From the first day – A few women and some worn-out travelers talking together by the banks of the rushing river. The chief title of Philippi to be remembered was one insignificant Jew and his letter to the church founded there. R2227:3
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| 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: |
Being confident – Full assurance of hope and faith are the proper conditions for the Lord's people. (Heb. 6:11; Heb. 10:22) R2642:1
Lay hold upon the exceeding great and precious promises. We must draw our supplies of strength from above: they are not within us except as implanted there by the Spirit of God. R2154:3
He which hath begun – Whatever our endeavors, success is not brought about merely by our own aspirations. We are not alone in working out our salvation. R4796:2
A good work – Of developing character. (Heb. 12:6-8) R1721:2
As Zerubbabel laid the foundations of the temple, he would also complete it. As Jesus founded the house of sons at Pentecost, he will chisel, polish, shape, prepare, complete the good work. R3651:4
Will perform it – Is both able and willing to complete it. R5425:2, R5118:5, R4133:5, R3651:4, R3155:6, R2738:4, R2642:2
The only condition is our own faithfulness. God will never fail. He never makes an arrangement which he would wish to abrogate or amend. There is no changeableness with God. R5855:6
The few who enter fully into sympathy with Paul and David (Psa. 23:6) in their expressions of confidence have therein a great joy, a great blessing, a great rest of heart which none others possess. R5425:2, R2642:2
We are as dear to him as the apple of his eye. Any whom he accepts as his children will have divine love and care in the supervision of their affairs, making all things work for good to them. R5118:5
A realization of the grace of God should lead us to that faith in him, that confidence in his Word, which would believe in him to the extent of accepting all of his gracious provisions with full confidence. R4133:5
We are fully assured that he will finish it, if we let him. R2154:3
"The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. Though he stumble, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand." --Psalm 37:23, 24; R3155:6
Continue to submit our wills, our lives, our all, to his wisdom and loving care. Look up, lift up the head, realizing that our deliverance is nearer than when we first believed. He will complete the good work. R2738:4
Paul speaks of the full assurance of hope (Heb. 6:11) and of full assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22) as being the proper conditions for the Lord's people. "I SHALL dwell in the house of the Lord forever." R2642:2
It is a great perversion of language to apply to the world of mankind the promises which are intended for the Church: divine assurances of God's present interest, care and faithfulness toward them. R1298:1
We rejoice that there is hope for the Great Company. He who began the good work in them will continue it and perfect it for even these who really love and trust him. They still wear the robe, though soiled. R2160:6
Until – In. R5118:5
The day of Jesus Christ – The Millennial age--early in the morning of which the Church is to be helped, delivered, "changed." R4133:5; HG315:3
The crowning day. R1721:2
The Church's trial or judgment, which has been going on during this age, ends in this day of the Lord. Paul points to this day as the time for the consummation of the Church's hope. R593:2
The Millennial Day was specially preached about by the Apostles as "The Day of Christ," "The Kingdom of God." It was the earnest faith of the early Church. HG315:3
This "day of judgment" is not to be understood as a 24-hour day, but as a day on a larger scale--"a day with the Lord is as a thousand years." (2 Pet. 3:8) NS329:3
He who began the good work in the Great Company will perfect it--even though it be completed in the great tribulation at the inauguration of the Millennial or "the day of Jesus Christ." R2160:6
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| 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. |
In my bonds – Paul was then a prisoner in Rome. R5846:2, R1018:6*, R831:2*
Paul's epistles to the Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and to Philemon were all written from Rome. R1570:5
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| 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. |
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| 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; |
And this I pray – "We have a care for the churches and the scattered sheep, and continually bear you before the throne of the heavenly grace, and watch as well as pray for your interests and welfare." R2576:2
Awaiting the arrival of witnesses from Jerusalem and the formulating of charges, Paul was relatively free to preach and teach and write and pray. R1570:5
In knowledge – Whoever has little knowledge of God and His character and His Word has proportionately little of the sanctifying power of the truth. "The excellency of the knowledge of Jesus." (Phil. 3:8) NS505:6-506:3
In all judgment – To exercise human judgment in condemning others would be wrong, but to apply the judgment of God as expressed in his Word, we are commanded to do. Even here, love must abound. R664:4*
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| 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; |
The day of Christ – The Millennial age, the day of glory. R5538:5
The new dispensation is also styled "The times of restitution" (Acts 3:21)--the Millennial day. R5378:2
The seventh day of a thousand years. In it Satan and sin are to be overthrown; righteousness is to be established by the Redeemer. R5139:5
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| 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. |
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness – If we would have increase of the spirit of Christ and bear much fruit, we must be particular to have pure seed--following only our Master--letting the sunlight of heaven and dew of truth into our hearts. R455:3
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| 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; |
The things which happened – Those who tread the same narrow way as Jesus refuse to ask for earthly blessings; but, without asking, some have been relieved of maladies to enable them to accomplish further labor in the Lord's vineyard. R749:5
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| 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; |
In all the palace – "Throughout the whole Praetorian guard." (Revised Version) R831:5*
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| 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. |
Without fear – Disciples of Christ, by example, had been confirmed in their faith and emboldened to speak the Word. R1018:6*
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| 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: |
Some indeed – Enemies (seeing his liberty for two years-- Acts 28:30) were explaining Christianity, hoping thereby to add affliction and perhaps death to Paul's bonds. F672; R1827:4
Preach Christ even of envy and strife – Many thus have their attention called to certain truths, which we would never be able to give them: the nominal church is Babylon, our Lord is present, the end of the Gentile times will come in 1914. R5412:1
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| 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: |
Preach Christ of contention – We can only rejoice if some are brought to a proper knowledge of the Lord even though we must greatly regret the improper motives of the presentation. F317
Seems to refer to those who have not known Christ, but who nevertheless draw attention to the fact that they had heard that there was such a claim--that there is a Christ. They are opponents. R5259:2
To my bonds – Paul was a prisoner in Rome, at times well treated by some of the emperors, yet constantly liable to be put to death on some caprice, which affliction or death his enemies hoped to accomplish. F672; R1827:2
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| 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. |
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| 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. |
Every way – The scoffing author of the drawing "Blasphemous Graphite" (on the guardroom of the Imperial barracks of the Palatine) only intended to cast ridicule and contempt, but notwithstanding Christ was preached. R831:5*
Christ is preached – The Lord has not given any of us a right to supervise his work nor to forbid another to preach the Gospel. The disciples of old did this and Jesus rebuked them. (Mark 9:38-40) R5122:2
"We have never offered objections to the many who have quoted at length from our writings without mentioning them. Yet our observation is that those who are ashamed of the channel finally lose the truth." R1537:4
Therein do rejoice – We rejoice in the hope of coming glory, not only because it means blessing to ourselves, but because also it means participation with the great Messiah in extending blessings to the world. HG374:3
We think it unwise for a brother to hold meetings during the regular hours of class meetings. However, even though this were done, rejoice to know that the Gospel of the kingdom is being preached. R5122:1
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| 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, |
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| 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. |
Christ shall be magnified – Whatever might be his own lot, Christ would be honored, and in this Paul rejoiced. R1019:1*
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| 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. |
For to me to live – For me to live in the world is for a member of The Christ to be living here. R4526:3
In this sense, Christ is still in the world as its teacher and reprover--illustrating the word and love of God. All the body following the Leader have been "despised and rejected of men." R455:5
Is Christ – "Is (to live) for Christ." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:1
Paul remained, by God's grace, that he might further serve the Lord's flock. R4526:3
For those who are dead to self, to live is for Christ to live; and in them Christ is still present in the flesh, they being his representatives before men. R1008:2
Christ in the flesh is still in the world as its teacher and reprover--illustrating the word and love of God. R455:5
As a member of the Body of Christ. OV317:2
And a member of the Body of Christ. That is the only standing I have. Q390:T
To die is gain – For Paul to have died and rested from his labors, to await the resurrection morning, would have been gain. He did not expect his reward until the morning of the Millennial day. R4526:3; R4527:1
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| 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. |
I wot not – "I do not exactly know." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:1, R284:5
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| 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: |
For – Having reached the mark of perfect love. R4050:1, 2
In a strait betwixt two – "Hard pressed by the two things." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:4, R284:5
Paul was in a strait of indecision as to his own preference of the two possible things--to live and serve the Church in suffering, or to die and rest from his labors. F672; R5133:4; R1827:5, R284:5; Q751:2; HG586:5
He was full of joy in the assurance that whatever might be his own lot, Christ would be honored. If his imprisonment and ill treatment had magnified Christ, how much more his death as a martyr. R1019:2*, R284:5
Having a desire to depart – "I have an earnest desire for the returning and being with Christ." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:1, R284:5
Greek, analusai; loosing again or returning. F670, R1827:1, R1019:3*, R284:5; HG586:6
Plato sometimes used the Greek word analusai to mean depart and sometimes used it to mean return. F671; R1827:2
Also occurs in Luke 12:36--Diaglott footnote. F670; R5133:4, R1827:1, R1019:3*, R284:5; Q751:2; HG586:6
It could not mean depart (death) here because life or death seemed a matter of indifference to Paul. F672; R5133:4, R1827:4, R1019:2*, R284:5; Q751:2; HG586:5
He had a longing, an intense desire for a third thing: a thing he knew was impossible, a thing he knew and had taught the Church was a long way off (2 Thess. 2:1-8)--the returning of Christ and being with him. F672; R5133:4, R1827:4, R1018:6*, R284:5
In coming again, Jesus would "depart" from the Father and at the same time "return" to his disciples. Q751:2
Which is far better – "Since it is very much to be preferred." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:1,4, R284:5
Far better than either living under the present trying conditions or dying, sleeping, resting and waiting for the Kingdom. F670: R5133:4; HG586:6
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| 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. |
To abide in the flesh – "To remain in the flesh." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:4
Tradition declares that Paul was acquitted by Nero and had some five years of liberty and service before being rearrested and executed. F672; R1827:4
Is more needful for you – "Is more requisite on your account." (Diaglott) F670; R1827:1
It is the mission of the Little Flock to lay down their lives as human beings, but sometimes their lives are prolonged to enable them to accomplish further labor in the Lord's vineyard. R749:4,5
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| 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; |
I know that I shall abide – Satan's power does not extend to the Church. Paul's confidence here supports the thought that Satan does not have the power of death (Heb. 2:14) but that his dominion is the dominion of death. R1779:6, R1271:3
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| 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. |
By my coming – Greek, parousia; presence. B159
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| 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; |
Let your conversation be as – Out of the good treasures of the heart we shall speak the words of truth and soberness, and honor our Lord by a godly walk and conversation, subduing the tendencies of our fallen nature. R4805:5, R1938:6
We know of no evil to which God's consecrated people are more exposed than to doing injury with their tongues to their fellow-creatures while offering praise to God. R2443:5
I may bear of your affairs – Paul was desirous that these disciples should continue to manifest the fruits of the spirit and to grow in grace. R1703:3
Stand fast – To stand is to adhere to fixed principles. We are frequently exhorted to stand, to be steadfast, to continue. No one can stand in his own strength; we are admonished to stand fast in the Lord. R90:1
With one mind – The Greek word psuche, (sentient being) is translated "soul" fifty-six times, "mind" three times, "heart" once, "life" forty-one times. E335
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| 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. |
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| 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; |
It is given – It was graciously given. (Diaglott) R4491:1*
In the behalf – On behalf. (Diaglott) R4491:1*
On him – Into him. (Diaglott) R4491:1*
To suffer – The Church's sacrifice is not to get the world free. Christ's sacrifice is all that is necessary for that. Our sacrificing is that we may suffer with the Lord; and, consequently, reign with him. R4765:3,4
This epistle is one of encouragement and wise counsel--to learn more fully how to deny ourselves even as Christ did. R1703:3
Paul's life was a practical exemplification of his teaching in this text. One example: Although forewarned of persecution at Jerusalem, he was willing to be bound or to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. R1559:2,5
"All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (2 Tim. 3:12) Faithful Jeremiah, typifying the faithful of the Gospel age, was persecuted because he boldly declared the word of the Lord. R1372:2
The flesh of the goat was treated in the same manner as the flesh of the bullock. It was consumed with fire outside the camp. Jesus' sufferings when ended resulted in death of the flesh. So should ours. R80:3
We are living in the period of Christ's parousia, so it comes to us with peculiar force that we should "not be ashamed before him at his presence." R51:1, 4*
For his sake – On his account. (Diaglott) R4491:1*
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| 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. |
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