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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

CHAPTER ONE: “GOOD CITIZENSHIP”

[“Gospel Behavior”]
Key word: Citizenship
Theme Verse: 15

Philippians 1:1-2 – From… to

PH1:1 Paul and Timothy 1 – slaves of Christ Jesus on behalf of all the Saints incorporate in Christ – to all those abiding in Philippi, 2 together with overseers and deacons: 3

1	Paul and Timothy: Timothy is listed as a co-writer [possibly the secretary] in 5 other epistles. [2 Corinthians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon.]

2	Philippi: A city called “the principal [or, first] city of the district of Macedonia.” It was named after Alexander the Great’s father – an ancient city. [Acts 16:11, 12]

3

Together with overseers and deacons: This is the only inspired letter addressed also to overseers and deacons. EPI-SCOPOIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1985, over + see] For notes on these offices, see 1 Timothy 3:1ff. Because of this it would be most fitting that modern elders and deacons become familiar with the letter.

PH1:2 Grace and peace to all of you, from God 4 our Father and from our Master Jesus Christ.

4	God: Paul’s standard dualism omitting the Holy Spirit. The designation “holy spirit” is absent from Philippians. Compare Philippians 1:19; 3:3.

Philippians 1:3-7 – Thanks for Contributions

PH1:3 I continually thank my God 5 every time I mention all of you

5	My God: A rare statement by Paul. [Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:21; Philippians 4:19; Philemon 4] The Nazarene uses “my God” several times, indicating, like Paul, he had his own God. [John 20:17; Revelation 3:2, 12]

PH1:4 in every one of my supplications on your behalf. 6 Making joyful supplication

6	My supplications on your behalf: A regular feature of Paul’s salutation is his prayers in the congregation's behalf.

PH1:5 because of your contribution to the Good News 7 – from the first day until the present.

7

Contribution to the Good News: [RHM] Or, fellowship, furtherance, cooperation, partnership. The Greek is COINONIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2842] and literally means something in common, communion, or sharing. [Paul uses the word again in verse 7 and elsewhere.] Paul particularly thanks God in prayer for their “contribution” to him to assist the Evangel. Compare Philippians 4:14, 15. Paul means a material contribution.

PH1:6 [I am] confident that the One who started a good work 8 among all of you will finish [it] 9 until [the] Day of Christ Jesus. 10

8	The One who started a good work: KNX: he who inspired this generosity. Likely Paul means God. Compare Philippians 2:13.

9	Will finish [it]: Or, perfect, complete. Compare a similar use of the Greek epi-TELESEI at Ephesians 4:11-16.

10

Until [the] Day of Christ Jesus: Most likely referring to the Parousia or Arrival of Christ when he judges his own Household. [1 John 2:28] In harmony with Revelation 6:17 both God and Christ are used in the phrase “day of.” [Romans 2:5; 1 Corinthians 1:8; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:12]

PH1:7 In harmony with this I feel I am right in thinking this way about all of you, because I have all of you in my heart. Meanwhile you all share in my imprisonment, 11 the defense and establishment of the Good News, 12 as well as all the unmerited favor 13 bestowed on me.

11	You all share in my imprisonment: Paul uses SYN-COINONOUS. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4791] By their contribution they share in Paul’s prison bonds. [Philippians 4:14]

12

The defense and establishment of the Good News: Or, confirmation, vindicating. It is likely Paul’s refers to his defense [Greek APOLOGIA = from + word = apology] before the Roman courts recorded in the Book of Acts. Such legal defense did go a long way in establishing the Christian Church in the Roman world. Compare Philippians 1:17. [Acts 24:10; 24:14]

13	Unmerited favor: Or, grace, undeserved kindness, unmerited charity. Literally “charity” as the Greek is CHARITOS, that is an undeserved gift or favor giving in kindness. See notes else where in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

Philippians 1:8-11 – A Prayer for Abounding Love

PH1:8 For The God 14 is my witness that in union with Christ Jesus I have a deep hunger for you 15 with those tender affections of Christ Jesus. 16

14

The God: The Greek is HO THEOS and is Paul’s preferred designation for God. See also Philippians 4:9. The Greek and Roman world were filled with “gods” as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:4, 5. Also both the Hebrew and Christian Bibles use elohim or theos for angels, human kings and judges. Thus, carefully Paul’s Greek distinguishes “The God” from others.

15	I have a deep hunger for you: Or, yearning, longing. Paul is often affection in his opening words to congregations and individuals.

16	Tender affections of Christ Jesus: [RHM] Or, bowels, tender mercies, deep-felt affection. [SPLAGCHNOIS, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4698] The KJV’s “bowels” is accurate. A modern phrase might literally be, “gut-feeling,” or “pit of my stomach.” Compare Colossians 3:12.

PH1:9 And thus I continually pray so your loving concern will abound more and more 17 – along with an elevated knowledge 18 and full comprehension 19 –

17	Loving concern will abound more and more: Or, stronger and stronger. See notes elsewhere on AGAPE. Compare 1 Thessalonians 3:12. We may grow and abound in many attributes, but we cannot ever stop growing in love.

18

Elevated knowledge: The Greek is epi-GNOSEI [over + know] and is also translated “accurate knowledge” or “perfect knowledge.” It may refer to a heightened experience or intimacy [acquaintance] with God accompanied with an advanced knowledge of His will and purpose. It is a favorite word of Paul’s and occurs often. [Romans 1:28; 3:20; 10:2; Ephesians 1:17; 4:13; Colossians 1:9, 10; 2:2; 3:10; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:25; 3:7; Titus 1:1; Hebrews 10:26]

19	Full comprehension: Or, judgment, discernment, understanding, perception. The Greek is AISTHESEI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #144, sense-perception].

PH1:10 leading to a confirmation of loftier matters, 20 so that all of you may be pure 21 and above reproach [Daniel 12:2] in Christ’s Day 22

20

Leading to a confirmation of loftier matters: Or, KJV: approve of things that are excellent; RHM: putting to test the things that differ; ABU: may distinguish the things that differ; CON: to distinguish good from evil; MOF: make a sense of what is vital; WMS: always approve of the better things; KNX: prize what is of value; TCN: appreciate all moral distinctions. In order to judge between good and bad, a right or wrong course, godly and wicked persons, the Christian needs the three things Paul as mentioned before: love, experience with God, and a good sense of discernment. Compare Hebrews 5:14. Notes the words discernment and understanding in the book of Proverbs. Paul may mean a “confirmation” of which individuals are truly supporting the Gospel. He goes on to identify two groups in the church. Or, Paul may refer to their godly discernment in the use of their personal funds and the right use of them in the furtherance of the Good News.

21	So that all of you may be pure: Or, genuine, incorrupt, unsullied. The Greek is EILIKRININEIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1506, judged by sunlight; genuine, pure, sincere]. In contrast to those with another agenda regarding the Good News.

22

Above reproach in Christ’s Day: Or, blameless. Or, to meet Christ on the day when he comes [BAR]. “Christ’s Day” is the parousia-judgment. [See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© elsewhere.] Compare 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28. There is a possibility Paul has borrowed a word or idea from Daniel 12:2. [See the word “reproach” or “shame.”] When the Lord judges his Church, or the Household of Faith [Matthew 24:45-25:46] at his Parousia [Arrival], there will be two outcomes for the “wheat and weeds” [or, sheep and goats] – freeness of speech, or shame. [1 John 2:28] All Christians of any sort, good or bad, will be resurrected to their judgment before the throne of Christ. [2 Corinthians 5:10; John 5:29] See the article God and Judgment in Nazarene Commentary 2000© Biblical Articles.

PH1:11 – brimming over with the fruitage of righteousness 23 by means of Jesus Christ unto God’s praise and glory.

23

Brimming over with the fruitage of righteousness: Or, filled with. The genuine Christian is characterized not only by righteousness, but the fruitage it produces – virtue and kindness. Such is the result of “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” [2 Corinthians 7:1] Compare James 3:18. Righteous(ness) is a word possessed of the Spirit-Helper Jesus promised he would send. [John 16:8, 13]

Philippians 1:12-14 – Prison Causes Some to Speak

PH1:12 But, brothers, I want all of you to be aware that all of my affairs have resulted in the advancement of the Good News. 24

24	The advancement of the Good News: Or, furtherance, served to advance. Compare Philippians 1:14.

PH1:13 So that my prison bonds in Christ have become manifest among all the Praetorian Guard 25 and all the rest.

25

Prison bonds in Christ have become manifest among all the Praetorian Guard: These were the bodyguards of Caesar’s household. Note Philippians 4:22. From these it can be seen that Paul’s imprisonment had a broad influence in Rome. Through the history of the Church the Enemy’s attempt to stop the Evangel only results in its further spread. Read the epistle to Philemon as an example of one of Paul’s cellmates receiving the Gospel.

PH1:14 And most of [the] Master’s brothers 26 have gained confidence regarding my prison bonds 27 and are much more daring in their willingness to speak the Word without fear. 28

26	The Master’s brothers: Or, brothers in the Lord. Compare Matthew 25:40 and Hebrews 2:10-12.

27	Gained confidence regarding my prison bonds: Paul’s example moves some in the Church.

28	Much more daring in their willingness to speak the Word without fear: Or, more abundantly bold. Every disciple of Christ is bound to speak as a result of their faith. [2 Corinthians 4:12, 13] Compare Romans 10:9, 10, 15. Every Friend of the Nazarene is an evangelist. [John 14:15; 15:14]

Philippians 1:15-20 – Two Kinds of Christians

PH1:15 However, in contrast, some proclaim Christ with envy and strife, 29 while others, surely, because of good intentions. 30

29

Some proclaim Christ with envy and strife: Or, jealousy and opposition, contentiousness, rivalry partisanship. BAR: motives of jealousy and controversy. The Corinthians are an example of such. [1 Corinthians 3:1, 2; 2 Corinthians 12:20] Compare Galatians 5:15, 26. Jesus foretold two classes in his Church or Kingdom – the wheat and the weeds. [Matthew 13:37-42] Or, the sheep and goats. [Matthew 25:31-46] The weeds, or goats, may be identified by jealous ambition and contention. [James 3:13-18]

30

While others, surely, because of good intentions: Or, good will, good motives, good will. The second type of Christians “proclaim Christ” [“speak the word of God fearlessly”] without an agenda, but from a pure and guileless heart. It is unfortunate that some Christians have adversarial and confrontational characteristics. These arise out of pride and egotism

PH1:16 These later ones do so out of loving concern, 31 knowing I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 32

31

These later ones do so out of loving concern: The wheat-Christian proclaims Christ, speaking the word of God fearlessly, without envy and strife, but in love and pure motive. The weed-Christian is characterized by jealousy, strife, and contentiousness. Through the Gospel Age there have been Christians who preached Christ for pure and impure reasons. Some have even been forced or threatened to preach.

32	I have been appointed to defend the Good News: Or, set here, I am set. Perhaps drawn from the Glorified Lord’s commission of Paul. [Acts 9:15] Paul’s later life involves numerous court appearances in defense of the Christian Faith.

PH1:17 But, the former proclaim the Christ out of contentiousness, 33 not with a pure motive, 34 supposing they will stir up more oppression in my imprisonment. 35

33

The former proclaim the Christ out of contentiousness: Or, intrigue, motives of rivalry, a factious spirit, their own ends. It is a sad fact that the history of the Church has been filled with men and women who act as evangelists with the wrong motivations. Other members of the Church have had an adversarial nature and are responsible for much of the disunity in local churches. Two motives energize these: jealous ambition and pride. Dissension is evidence of the animal or demonic, and at the least a childish immaturity. [1 Corinthians 3:1, 2; James 3:14-16]

34	Not with a pure motive: Or, not sincerely, not purely, mixed motives. Some evangelists have preached Christ out of a materialistic gain. [1 Timothy 6:5] Others out of self-glory.

35

Supposing they will stir up more oppression in my imprisonment: Or, affliction, tribulation, persecution. It is possible Paul includes the Judaizers [the strong traditional Jewish influence] who wished the Christian Church remain under the Law with Moses [Acts 15:1-3], rather than Christ, as the leader. These and others may have spread rumors about Paul. Surely, Paul thinks of those Jews present at some of his trials. [See Acts 22-26]

PH1:18 What then? Only that in every way – whether in pretense or truthfully 36 – Christ is proclaimed. 37 Now because of this I rejoice 38 and will continue to rejoice!

36

Pretense or truthfully: Or, TCN: with assumed or with real earnestness; GDS: false motives or honest ones; MOF: ulterior ends or honestly. Read Galatians 2:4 and note that within the Church there have always been zizania [or, weeds], or “sons of the Wicked One.” [2 Corinthians 11:14-16] It has been the sad situation that the majority of those who ruled in the Church were of this class. Church history is filled with intrigue and inquisitional oppression of the true Wheat.

37

Christ is proclaimed: No matter the motives or agendas, the result is that Christ is proclaimed even by the contentious and ambitious. Honest and sincere persons throughout the Gospel Age have been able to learn of Christ even through the words of the hypocrites. Refer back to Philippians 1:10 and Paul’s caution to discern that which was “loftier.”

38	Rejoice: Compare the word at Philippians 2:17, 18, 28; 4:4, 10. See “joy” at Philippians 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1. Paul’s letter to the Philippians is filled with joy and encouragement. Nowhere does he sternly rebuke them as he does the Corinthians.

PH1:19 [I rejoice because] this will result in my salvation. [Job 13:16 LXX] 39 And this because of your prayers 40 and the abundant supply of Jesus Christ’s Pneuma. 41

39	[I rejoice because] this will result in my salvation: What a happifying feeling that joy or rejoicing is involved in attaining salvation. Paul alludes to Job 13:16 in the LXX.

40	Because of your prayers: A righteous man’s prayer has much force, writes James. [James 5:16] How much power, then, is within an entire congregation of righteous ones overflowing in such fruitage? [Philippians 1:11]

41

The abundant supply of Jesus Christ’s Pneuma: Or, the stored wealth, the help; the spirit of Jesus Christ. All spirit and human beings possess pneuma or spirit. [Compare 1 Corinthians 2:11.] Pneuma may also mean “mind” or mental capabilities with its influence and disposition. [1 Corinthians 2:16; compare notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] The God has His own Holy Pneuma as does His Son. Additionally, the Son is the channel of God’s own Pneuma. [John 15:26]

PH1:20 Accordingly my hope and earnest expectation is that I will never be ashamed 42 but in every way speak out boldly, 43 even as Christ is presently being magnified in my body 44 – whether through life or through death. 45

42

I will never be ashamed: Or, disgrace myself, put to the blush. Compare Philippians 1:10 and the word “reproach” and the footnote. [Daniel 12:2; 1 John 2:28] Surely Paul is ashamed of those who preach the Christ out of envy, rivalry and strife. He hopes this will never happen with those genuine Christians in Philippi.

43	But in every way speak out boldly: Or, freeness of speech, boldness, unfailing courage. His prayers are answered. Note Acts 4:29, 31; 9:27, 28; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8. Though not specifically related there is something of 1 John 2:28 here.

44	Christ is presently being magnified in my body: Or, honored in my body. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:10. [2 Corinthians 4:10; Colossians 1:24] Paul’s body was imprisoned and suffering.

45

Whether through life or through death: Paul does not know whether his imprisonment will result in the death sentence. As matters turned out, Paul was released to continue his missionary work for a few years before a final martyrdom in Rome. Note how the book of Acts ends with his first imprisonment. [Acts 28:1ff] Compare Romans 14:8.

Philippians 1:21-26 – Life and Death Choices

PH1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die gain. 46

46

To live is Christ, and to die gain: The following phrases by Paul have several views. Some wish to make it read that Paul expected to immediately survive death to be with Christ. Such a view contradicts what he writes first in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-52. Paul is prepared to die if that be the outcome to his imprisonment. He is confident that death is “gain.” See the Biblical Article The Resurrection – According to Paul or the book Where Are the Dead?

PH1:22 But, if to continue to live in the flesh, 47 to me this means [more] fruitful work. 48

47	If to continue to live in the flesh: In harmony with his teachings in 1 Corinthians 15, if he should die, in his next existence in would not be “in the flesh.” [Compare 1 Corinthians 15:50 and 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2.]

48	To me this means [more] fruitful work: It is hard to accept that had Paul immediately gone to heaven, he would not still have a “fruitful work.” Paul, of course, means that life in the flesh allows him to continue his work on behalf of the Philippians and others regarding the Evangel.

PH1:23 Now I feel pressure from both sides 49 – having the desire for the releasing to be with Christ. 50 For surely this is the best. 51

49

Now I feel pressure from both sides: Or, constraint, dilemma, pressure, hard position; between the two. That is, the possibility of two outcomes to his imprisonment: death or life. It seems clear that Paul does not know what the outcome will be. Contrast this attitude with his later confidence when he writes 2 Timothy 4:6-8 during his second Roman imprisonment. Then, he knew the end was near.

50

Having the desire for the releasing to be with Christ: Or, KJV: having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; MOF: my strong desire is to depart and be with Christ; MON: I have a strong desire to break camp and to be with Christ. The later version is closest to the Greek ANALYSAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #360, to break up] which literally means to take down a tent. The word also occurs at 2 Corinthians 5:1. There are two views: Paul’s releasing from death to be with Christ; or, Christ’s releasing from heavenly restraints to Return. [Acts 3:21] At 1 Corinthians 15:23 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Paul writes that Christians will be raised, resurrected, or awakened from sleep at the Arrival [Parousia] of Christ. This parallels what the Nazarene taught. [Matthew 24:29-31; John 14:1, 2] Paul’s use of “releasing” does not necessarily mean he expected to be instantly with Christ in the heavens. 2 Timothy 4:6 seems to confirm that “the releasing” is Paul’s own departure of his life in the flesh. Peter uses similar language at 2 Peter 1:13. At 2 Corinthians 5:3 Paul mentions three states: earthly housing, nakedness, and heavenly housing.

51

For surely this is the best: It is possible Paul means three possibilities: life, death, and the Return of Christ so that he may be with him. Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1. According to the prophet Daniel the Saints of the Most High – those People who will rule the nations with Messiah [Daniel 7:27] – will be delivered at the Arrival of Messiah. [Daniel 7:22] See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:12, 18.

PH1:24 But it is more necessary for your sakes to remain in the flesh. 52

52	Necessary for your sakes to remain in the flesh: Paul will never die of old age in his sleep. He will “die with his boots on.” Though he longs for the Return of Christ, he is quite aware of his commission from the Lord Jesus. [Acts 9:15]

PH1:25 Now having this conviction 53 I know I will remain 54 and continue right by your side 55 and this will result in your progress 56 and the joy of the Faith. 57 –

53	Now having this conviction: Or, confidence. That he will remain in the flesh on their account. Paul is confident he will be released from prison to continue his work.

54	I know I will remain: Or, abide.

55	Continue right by your side: Or, continue with you all.

56	Resulting in your progress: Or, furtherance, to develop advancement.

57	The joy of the Faith: Or, glad, happy. Christians serve and worship a “happy God.” [1 Timothy 1:11] For details on the meaning of “joy” see notes elsewhere in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

PH1:26 Thus your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus 58 because of my presence again among you. 59

58	Your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus: Or, rejoicing, glorifying, exultation; PME: so you can look forward to making much of me as your minister in Christ.

59	My presence again among you: Or, coming, visit, arrival. Paul uses the same word the Nazarene does – parousia. [Matthew 24:27, 37, 39]. Paul hopes to visit them yet again.

Philippians 1:27-30 – Good Citizenship

PH1:27 Only behave as a citizen worthy of the Good News 60 of the Christ, so that whether I arrive or remain absent, 61 I may hear reports about all of you that you all continue to stand in one mental inclination, 62 faithfully striving together in one soul 63 of the Good News.

60

Behave as a citizen worthy of the Good News: Or, RHM: be using your citizenship; BER: conduct yourselves as citizens; GDS: show yourselves citizens; BAR: your day to day conduct in the ordinary life of society. The Greek is POLITEUESTHE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4176]. Paul uses the word again at Philippians 3:20. Christians are “aliens and sojourners” on earth. [1 Peter 2:11] Their true citizenship exists in the celestial City. [Hebrews 12:22] The true disciple of Jesus Christ strives hard to make sure his behavior reflects the Gospel. Compare 1 Peter chapter 2. [Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10]

61	I arrive or remain absent: “Absent” is the opposite of being present, the result of an arrival. Some Christians behave one way when a person of authority is present, and differently after his departure.

62

Continue to stand in one mental inclination: Or, spirit, pneuma. Possibly Paul uses pneuma as attitude or disposition. He exhorts the congregation – not to be divided by the two attitudes he has discussed earlier – but in “one mind.” Compare 1 Corinthians 1:10. Contrast this with the “one soul” mentioned next.

63	Faithfully striving together in one soul: Or, mind, heart, purpose. As one single living being. Compare Acts 4:32. The congregation of many members striving as one entity.

PH1:28 Do not be frightened by anything from those opposing you, 64 which is all proof to them of their own destruction, 65 but of your own salvation 66 – and this is from God.

64

Do not be frightened by anything from those opposing you: Or, terrified, scared. Opposition to the genuine Gospel [Galatians 1:7-9] was present in several forms within the Church at this time: a] Judaizers who wished to remain in the Law, following Moses; b] Gnostics who wish to combine Greek philosophy with certain aspects of Judaism and Christ; and, c] others who were forming their own sects or schisms. (See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10; 2 Peter 2:1ff) Roman persecution was beginning to grow and would reach a holocaust in Nero.

65	Proof to them of their own destruction: Compare similar language at 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9.

66	Your own salvation: Compare 2 Thessalonians 1:5. Both Acts 14:22 and 2 Timothy 3:12 echo the Nazarene at Matthew 5:11, 12. The word “salvation” occurs three times in Philippians 1:19, 28; 2:12.

PH1:29 Because it was graciously given to all of you – not to just believe in him – but to also suffer in Christ’s behalf. 67

67

Suffer in Christ’s behalf: On such suffering see the word in 1 Peter where it occurs most often. Jesus predicted the very thing. [Matthew 24:9; John 16:2] The Messiah was foretold to suffer. [Isaiah chapter 53] Likewise, those who would be his disciples must also accept this model. [Matthew 16:24, 25; 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1]

PH1:30 And just as you heard of my own agony 68 you should also experience the same [agony]. 69

68	You heard of my own agony: Or, contest, conflict, struggle, battle. The Greek is AGONA. [Acts 16:22; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:2] The Nazarene taught, “Agonize to enter the narrow gate.” [Luke 13:24]

69	You should also experience the same [agony]: Literally this is, “you saw in me and now you hear in me.”

Review Questions on Chapter One

Summary Questions on Chapter One