14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.
15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.
18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
you have done well (v.14) — you have done a beautiful thing
shared (v.14) — have fellowship with — The Philippians made Paul’s hardship their own.
beginning of the gospel (v.15) — When Paul first taught them his gospel
Macedonia (v.15) — about 10 years before this letter (Acts 17:1-15)
concerning (v.15) = on the score of, to the account of
Thessalonica (v.16) — about 92 miles from Philippi on the Via Egnatia. Paul did not take anything from the church in Thessalonica, but worked as a tentmaker.
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For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God (1 Thessalonians 2:9).
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Nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
not that I seek the gift (v.17) — Paul wanted to make sure the Philippians understood why he was talking about money.
fruit (v.17) — spiritual fruit
your account (v.17) — with the idea of earning (spiritual) interest
I have all (v.18) = I have in full
sweet-smelling aroma (v.18) — their gift is acceptable to God, like the odor of the Old Testament peace offering
Paul acknowledges that he was more than content with what he had received from the assembly. And he wanted them to be aware that their thoughtfulness and generosity had touched the heart of God. Their gifts were “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable.” The apostle borrows this particular phraseology from the Old Testament. There were five Levitical offerings that were practiced under the Mosaic system, three of which were sweet-smelling savor offerings. They are:
The burnt offering which typified Christ offering Himself to the Father as the sinless spotless Lamb of God (Leviticus 1:3-4).
The meal offering which typified the flawless humanity of Christ who endured suffering on behalf of the sinner (Leviticus 2:1-3).
And the peace offering which typified Christ as the peacemaker who brings the believer into fellowship with God and other believers through His finished work (Leviticus 3:1-3).
These three offerings were all well pleasing to God, typifying Christ’s affectionate devotion to His Father’s will. — Sadler, page 203.
acceptable sacrifice (v.18) — regarded with favor by God (Hebrews 13:16)
supply all your need (v.19) — out of God’s fullness. “Supply” is from the same Greek word that was just translated “I am full.”
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:
12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
flourished again (v.10) = sprouted, blossomed — no reproach — lit. “you flourished anew as to taking thought for me”
lacked opportunity (v.10) — The Philippians had no way to get money to Paul in Rome.
not that I speak in regard to need (v.11) — Paul didn’t see their gift in terms of relief of his needs but as proof of the Philippians’ spiritual prosperity. His rejoicing was in the Lord, not in the gift.
I have learned (v.11) — tense indicates a decided fact, not a reference to time — “I have come to learn” — emphasis on “I” in contrast with others
whatever state (v.11) — whatever circumstances
content (v.11) = sufficient in oneself, independent of external conditions. Paul was independent of men because he depended on God.
abased (v.12) = brought low, humbled
abound (v.12) = having more than enough, overflow
everywhere and in all things (v.12) — not in things or people, but in each experience and in all circumstances
I have learned (v.12) — lit. “I have been initiated” — I have learned the secret (one kept hidden in the past but now revealed). Paul has learned how to deal with external circumstances in a way that is available to all, but not yet learned by many, who are in Christ.
full (v.12) = fed full — to be fattened like an animal
I can do (v.13) = lit. “I have strength (for)”
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
finally, brethren (v.8) — as in 3:1, not “the last” but, “for the rest”
brethren (v.8) — a term of affection
true (v.8) — in contrast to lies, but also genuine, sincere, simple
honest (v.8) = honorable — things that claim respect
just (v.8) = being right — between man and man and man and God
pure (v.8) = free from corruption — stainless, unsullied
lovely (v.8) = agreeable — produces a sense of love because of its purity, beauty or holiness — endearing
good report (v.8) = well-sounding, attractive, winning, gracious — not “well spoken of”
virtue (v.8) — moral excellence in the estimation of God
praise (v.8) — praiseworthy
think (v.8) — make these things the subject of thoughtful consideration — carefully reflect on them and let them shape your conduct
learned and received (v.9) — from Paul’s teaching
do (v.9) — practice, habitually carry out
peace (v.9) — “shalom” = wholeness
All Christians have peace with God, but we only experience the peace of God when we walk in Him.
The word “if” refers to a fulfilled condition. The word “virtue” in the Greek text was used in classical Greek for any mental excellence, moral quality, or physical power. Paul studiously avoids it. Only here does he use it. It seems that the apostle includes it in order that he may not omit any possible ground of appeal. Lightfoot suggests, “Whatever value may reside in your old heathen conception of virtue, whatever consideration is due to the praise of man.” — Wuest, page 111.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
careful (v.6) = anxious, having a distracting care — the habit of worry
nothing (v.6) = lit. “not even one thing”
prayer (v.6) — general term — prayer to God as worship and devotion
supplication (v.6) = petition for desired benefits
requests (v.6) — the things asked for
peace (v.7) — a sense of rest and contentment
peace of God (v.7) — more than “peace with God” — inward tranquility based and grounded on God’s presence
understanding (v.7) — all thinking power: perceiving, knowing, judging, determining
keep (v.7) — a military term — “to keep with a garrison”
heart (v.7) — the seat of thought and feeling
mind (v.7) — thoughts, mental actions issuing from the mind.
Stop perpetually worrying about even one thing, but in everything, by prayer whose essence is that of worship and devotion, and by supplication which is a cry for your personal needs, let your requests for the things asked for be made known in the presence of God, and the peace of God which surpasses all power of comprehension, shall mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. — Wuest, page 110.
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
moderation (v.5) — sweet reasonableness — looking humanely and reasonably at the facts of a circumstance or case — the opposite of self-seeking or contention — the outward expression of an inward character — forbearance, considerateness, graciousness, gentleness — overlooking the faults and failures of others
known (v.5) = knowledge gained by experience
at hand (v.5) — could refer to the Lord’s constant presence and/or His soon, or imminent, return — The Lord’s presence and imminent return are grounds for not worrying.
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Therefore (v.1) — because of their citizenship in heaven
longed for (v.1) — earnest desire — used only here in the New Testament
joy (v.1) — in the present
crown (v.1) — in the present and the future
crown (v.1) — victor’s crown — a reward or prize
Euodias (v.2) = prosperous journey
Syntyche (v.2) = pleasant acquaintance
beseech (v.2) = to call to one’s side
be of the same mind (v.2) = think the same thing, agree
intreat (v.3) = request with authority behind it
true (v.3) = genuine
yokefellow (v.3) = pull well in double harness — It may have been a proper name — Syzygus
help (v.3) = take hold with another in a task
those women (v.3) — Euodias and Syntyche, who worked with Paul when he was in Philippi
labored (v.3) — used of athletes on a team together pursuing a common goal — strenuous effort
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
our citizenship (v.20) — strong emphasis on “our”
citizenship (v.20) = the condition or life of a citizen, a noun — same word as conduct (verb) in Philippians 1:27.
The stability and security of the citizen under Roman law filled the thoughts of the time with high conceptions of citizenship and its value. Philippi, being a Roman colony, and its citizens therefore Roman citizens, thought in terms of citizenship. Paul seizes this fact as a good opportunity to illustrate to the saints their heavenly citizenship with its privileges and responsibilities. What a contrast between those mentioned in 3:18-19, who were citizens of this earth, and those spoken of in 3:20-21, who are citizens of heaven! — Wuest, page 102.
our citizenship is (v.20) = exists — a present reality, being, a fixed location
heaven (v.20) — plural in Greek — all the heavenly regions contrasted with earth
wait = expect eagerly
The word “look” [wait] is the translation of a Greek word made up of three words put together, the word, “to receive,” which speaks of a welcoming or appropriating reception such as is tendered to a friend who comes to visit one; the word “off,” speaking here of the withdrawal of one’s attention from other objects, and the word “out,” used here in a perfective sense which intensifies the already existing meaning of the word. The composite word speaks of an attitude of intense yearning and eager waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus into the air to take His Bride to heaven with Him, the attention being withdrawn from all else and concentrated upon the Lord Jesus. — Wuest, pages 102-103.
Savior (v.20) — the capacity in which He is coming — to complete our salvation (glorification) — the redemption of our bodies — also saving us from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
lowly (humble) body (v.21) = body of our humiliation — subject to suffering, indignity and the effects of sin
conformed (v.21) = transformed — having the same form
His glorious body (v.21) — the body of His glory, His resurrected body with His glory manifested
according to the working (v.21) = according to the energy of His being able — according to the exercise of the power that is His
subdue (v.21) = to arrange under one’s authority, as a general marshals his forces
subdue all things unto Himself (v.21) — perhaps referring to the Father, but all will be subject to both the Father and the Son (1 Corinthians 15:25).
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
The Christian journey — be mindful of the things — the fullness or perfection we have in Christ
We have not obtained to it, but walk in the light you have. Let the knowledge move you forward.
example (v.17) — be followers of Paul, not what he does, but who he is. — I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you (1 Corinthians 4:14)
And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? (1 Corinthians 3:1-5).
The Corinthians were following different people. We should NOT follow Paul as if he originated doctrine — the Lord did. God gives the increase. God is the architect, then gave Paul the blueprints as master-builder or steward. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:1).
We are to be workmen (2 Timothy 2:15). Our work will be tested according to the blueprint.
destroy (1 Corinthians 3:17) — render unusable (Those in Corinth who were following Christ were looking back on His earthly ministry. They needed to follow Paul.)
The gospel was committed to Paul’s trust (1 Timothy 1:11). — in him first (1 Timothy 1:16). Longsuffering — referring to this age. No sin is beyond grace.
Follow Paul as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Today, you can only follow Christ by following Paul. Be followers of Paul and the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
followers together (Philippians 3:17) — the assembly — become examples to others
We magnify the office (Romans 11:13), not the man. The best of men are men at best.
The things you heard from Paul, teach others (2 Timothy 2:1-2) among many witnesses — those following Paul keep each other on the path and bring others in to believe and come to knowledge of the truth.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.
followers together (v.17) = fellow-imitators (always used in a good sense in the New Testament) — join with Paul in the realization that they haven’t attained perfection — contrasted with those in verses 18-19 who are self-righteous and glory in their own accomplishments.
mark (v.17) — note so as to follow the example set — observe others carefully to see if they walk according to Paul’s gospel
us (v.17) — Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus
ensample (v.17) — example, mold, pattern, model (singular)
enemies of the cross (v.18) — denied Christ while claiming to have obtained righteousness
end (v.19) — not the end of existence, but the outcome of their course of action
destruction (v.19) — not “loss of being” but “loss of well-being”
god is their belly (v.19) — self-indulgence
glory is in their shame (v.19) — they glory in their licentiousness
mind earthly things (v.19) — a noun, “mincers of earthly things”
Paul is evidently referring to those who profess Christ but consider liberty to be license to indulge in sin.
Verses 18 and 19 are perhaps referring to Epicurean Greeks who taught that satisfying the appetites was mans’ highest goal. Some who had heard, and perhaps professed, the gospel may have been in this camp.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
mature (v.15) — (“perfect” in KJV) = that which reaches the end, full-grown
Paul, perhaps, is using irony in light of verse 12 where he says he doesn’t consider himself perfect yet, but he could also be, and probably is, referring to positional perfection in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
Paul was far from practical perfection, but he was a mature Christian because he constantly walked in Christ.
think otherwise (v.15) — think otherwise than they ought to be thinking — thinking they are perfect. Evidently, there were some in the Philippian church who thought themselves sinlessly perfect, with no further spiritual growth needed.
attained (v.16) = (here) arrive at, reach, progress along a road to a certain point. Attain (in verse 12) means “to take or appropriate.
already attained (v.16) — to the point of the level of spiritual maturity we have reached
walk by the same (v.16) = (here) walking with others, walking in step — walking in verse 17 means “walking individually.” The picture is one of walking along a path.
rule (v.16) = measuring rod (this word isn’t in the most authentic manuscripts)
let us be of the same mind (v.16) — not in the most authentic manuscripts
