John Bengel Commentary - Philippians 1:22 - 1:22

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John Bengel Commentary - Philippians 1:22 - 1:22


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Php 1:22. Εἰ δὲ, but if) Here he begins to discuss the first member of the period: the second at ch. Php 2:17, yea, and if I am offered. Moreover, he uses δὲ, but, because, from the disjunction [two alternatives] laid down in the preceding verse, he now assumes the one; and on this assumption, presently, as if repenting, he begins to doubt, in such a way, however, as not to avoid assuming it in the meantime.-τὸ ζῇν, viz. ἐστί μοι) if living is to me: if I am to live.-ἐν σαρκί) This is a limitation; for even they who die, live.-καρπὸς ἔργου, the fruit of my labour) I derive this fruit from it [from living], that I may thereby do the more work; a noble work, ch. Php 2:30; desirable fruit, Rom 1:13. Another seeks fruit from [by means of] his labour; Paul regards the labour itself as the fruit. This living is the fruit of my labour. The expression, καρπὸς ἔργου, the fruit of labour [= the labour (is) my fruit]; as, the river of the Rhine, the virtue of liberality [for the river Rhine; the virtue, liberality]. The price of the labour is its immediate result.[11] Cicero says, “I propose to myself as the fruit of friendship, friendship itself, than which nothing is more abundant.”-αἱρήσομαι, I shall choose) He supposes the condition, viz. if the power of choosing were given to him. This is the reason of [the ground on which he uses] the Future. [The lot of the Christian is truly an excellent one. It is only of things that are good that the choice can be made, so as to perplex or put his mind in a strait with hesitation. He never can be disappointed.-V. g.]-οὐ γνωρίζω) I do not explain, viz. to myself; i.e. I do not determine.

[11] The reward which the labour itself affords is an immediate result, independent of its future rewards.-ED.