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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Philippians 1:30 - 1:30
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
30. τὸν αὐτὸν ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες. The participle, with its nominative, is out of construction with the ὑμῖν of Php 1:29, and in construction with the πτυρόμενοι of Php 1:28. So that, grammatically, the words from ἥτις ἐστὶν to πάσχειν must be reckoned parenthetical. But the thought of Php 1:29 glides into that of Php 1:30 supra grammaticam.
ἀγῶνα. The word (originally meaning a gathering (ἄγω), as at the Greek sports) slightly suggests the athletic arena, and thus echoes συναθλοῦντες above (Php 1:27). It recurs Col 2:1; 1Th 2:2; 1Ti 6:12; 2Ti 4:7; Heb 12:1. The word ἀγωνία is used of our blessed Lord’s great “Wrestling” in the Garden, Luk 22:44. The ἀγών here obviously is the strife of faith and patience against persecuting violence.
ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες. For the phrase see Col 2:1, ἡλίκον ἀγὼνα ἔχω ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν. The verb in such a connexion comes nearly to mean “feeling,” “experiencing.” Cp. 2Co 1:9, ἐν ἑαυτοῖς κατάκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν for a somewhat similar use of ἔχειν.
εἴδετε. In the streets and court-house at Philippi, Acts 16.
ἀκούετε. In the Roman prison. He appeals to them with the magic power of a leader in suffering.