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Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspired—readers have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives.
Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: hyperlink, hyperlink, and hyperlink.
READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. Php_1:1-2 forms a general introduction to the whole letter. The introduction is typically Pauline except for the fact that there is no emphasis on his apostleship. This church and Paul had a wonderful relationship. He did not need to invoke his apostolic authority. This church apparently sent Paul financial help from time to time (cf. Php_1:5; Php_1:7; Php_4:15). The only other Pauline church from which we know he accepted help was Thessalonica (cf. 2Co_11:9).
B. Greek letters of the first century typically opened with a prayer of thanksgiving. Php_1:3-8 is Paul's prayer of thanksgiving for the Philippian church. They incorporate the main truths of Christianity and set the agenda for the letter.
C. This book has an unusual number of compounds with syn (Greek "sun") which meant "joint participation with":
1. Php_1:7; Php_4:14 syn + fellowship (koinônia, same root, Php_1:5; Php_2:1; Php_3:10; Php_4:14; Php_4:16)
2. Php_1:27 syn + strive (athleô in Php_4:3 a proper name)
3. Php_2:2 syn + soul (psuchç, same sense in Php_1:27)
4. Php_2:17-18 syn + rejoice (chairô)
5. Php_2:25; Php_4:3 syn + worker (ergon, cf Rom_16:3; Rom_16:9; Rom_16:21; 2Co_1:24)
6. Php_2:25 syn + soldier (stratiôtç, cf. Phm_1:2)
7. Php_3:10 syn + form (morphç)
8. Php_3:17 syn + initiator (animeomai, same root in 1Co_4:16)
D. Php_1:9-11 is Paul's prayer for the spiritual growth and maturity of the church. These verses focus on the Philippians' Christlike lifestyle, while Php_1:3-8 focus on their position in Christ thus combining the two aspects of salvation: our position in Christ (forensic justification and positional sanctification) and our possessing of that position in Christlikeness (progressive sanctification).
E. There are several hints that Paul expected to be released from prison in Php_1:17-26 :
1. the term "deliverance" in Php_1:19
2. the first class conditional sentence of Php_1:22
3. Paul's statement in Php_1:25
4. the ambiguous phrasing of Php_1:26
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY