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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - Philippians 2:1 - 2:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Therefore
Paul has spoken, in Phi 1:26, of the Philippians' joy in his presence. Their joy is to find expression in duty - in the fulfillment of their obligations as members of the christian commonwealth, by fighting the good fight of faith and cheerfully appropriating the gift of suffering (Phi 1:27-29). Phi 2:30, alluding to his own conflicts, marks the transition from the thought of their joy to that of his joy. Therefore, since such is your duty and privilege, fulfill my joy, and show yourselves to be true citizens of God's kingdom by your humility and unity of spirit.
Consolation (παράκλησις)
Rev., comfort. Better, exhortation. See on Luk 6:24. If Christ, by His example, sufferings, and conflicts, exhorts you.
Comfort of love (παραμύθιον)
Rev., consolation. Only here in the New Testament. From παρά beside, and μῦθος speech or word. Παρὰ has the same force as in παράκλησις exhortation (see on Luk 6:24); a word which comes to the side of one to stimulate or comfort him; hence an exhortation, an encouragement. So Plato: “Let this, then, be our exhortation concerning marriage” (“Laws,” 773). A motive of persuasion or dissuasion. Plato, speaking of the fear of disgrace, or of ill-repute, says. “The obedient nature will readily yield to such incentives” (“Laws,” 880). Also an assuagement or abatement. So Sophocles: “Offspring of the noble, ye are come as the assuagement of my woes” (“Electra,” 130). Plato: “They say that to the rich are many consolations” (“Republic,” 329). Plato also calls certain fruits stimulants (παραμυθία) of a sated appetite (“Critias,” 115). Here in the sense of incentive. As related to exhortation, exhortation uses incentive as a ground of appeal. Christ exhorts, appealing to love. Compare Phi 1:9 sqq. See Rom 5:8; 1Co 13:4; 2Co 5:14; Gal 5:13; Eph 5:2; 1Jo 4:16, etc. The two verbs kindred to exhortation and incentive occur together at 1Th 2:11. See on 1Co 14:3. Render here, if any incentive of love.
Fellowship of the Spirit
Communion with the Holy Spirit, whose first fruit is love. Gal 5:22. Participation in His gifts and influences. Compare 2Pe 1:4, and 2Co 13:13.
Bowels and mercies (σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί)
For mercies, see on 2Co 1:3, and compare Col 3:12.