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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Philippians 1:27 - 1:27
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Only
This one thing I urge as the only thing needful.
Let your conversation be (πολιτεύεσθε)
Only here in Paul's writings, and elsewhere only Act 23:1. The verb means to be a citizen. Lit., Be citizens worthily of the Gospel. Rev., Let your manner of life be. Margin, Behave as citizens. Compare Eph 3:19, and see on Phi 3:20. The exhortation contemplates the Philippians as members of the christian commonwealth. The figure would be naturally suggested to Paul by his residence in Rome, and would appeal to the Philippians as a Roman colony, which was a reproduction of the parent commonwealth on a smaller scale.
Ye stand fast (στήκετε)
Compare Eph 6:13; 2Th 2:15. For the verb, see on Joh 1:26; see on Joh 8:44.
Spirit - mind (πνεύματι - ψυχῇ)
See on Rom 8:4; see on Rom 11:3.
Striving together for the faith (συναθλοῦντες τῇ πίστει)
The verb occurs only here and Phi 4:3. The figure is that of an athletic contest, and is in keeping with standfast. Not to be rendered striving in concert with the faith, thus personifying faith, and making the faith signify the gospel teaching. For the faith as christian doctrine, see on Act 6:7. Faith is to be taken in its usual subjective sense of trust in Christ or in the Gospel. Together refers to the mutual striving of the Philippians; not to their striving in concert with Paul.