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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Php_1:27-30
27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28in no way alarmed by your opponents which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Php_1:27 "only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel" Php_1:27-30 forms one extended sentence in the Greek text. This is a present middle (deponent) imperative from the Greek root for city (polis cf. Php_3:20; Act_23:1; Eph_2:19). It could be translated "you must continue to live as citizens" (cf. Php_3:20). This is reflected in several English translations:
1. The Berkeley Version of the New Testament (Gerrit Verkuyl)
2. The New Testament: An American Translation (Edgar J. Goodspeed)
3. The Emphasized New Testament: A New Translation (J. B. Rotherham)
This would have reflected the historical setting of Philippi as a Roman colony. It also implies theologically that believers are citizens of two worlds and have obligations in both. Paul's usual metaphor for the Christian life is the word "walk." The early Christians were first called "the Way" (cf. Act_9:2; Act_18:25-26; Act_19:9; Act_19:23; Act_22:4; Act_24:14; Act_24:22). Believers are to live worthy lives (cf. Eph_4:1; Eph_4:17; Eph_5:2; Eph_5:15; Col_1:10; 1Th_2:12).
▣ "so that whether I come and see you or remain absent" This same truth about the need for consistency in our Christian life can be found in Php_2:12 and in Eph_6:6 as Paul admonishes Christian slaves to be diligent whether they are being watched by their masters or not. God is always present!
▣ "that you are standing firm in one spirit" This is a present active indicative. Paul often uses the phrase "standing firm" in one of two senses: (1) our position in Christ (cf. Rom_5:2; 1Co_15:1) or (2) our need to maintain Christlikeness (cf. Php_4:1; 1Co_15:1; 1Co_16:13; Gal_5:1; Eph_6:11; Eph_6:13-14; 1Th_3:8; 2Th_2:15). This is a call to church unity (cf. Act_4:32; Eph_4:1-6).
The concept of "one spirit" has been greatly debated. It can refer to the human redeemed spirit, or to the Holy Spirit. This context, as well as Php_2:1, combines both aspects. Notice believers are to stand in one spirit, in one mind (psuchç). Unity is crucial (cf. Eph_4:1-6).
▣ "striving together" This is a present active participle. This syn compound is either (1) an athletic term for a team's participation in the Greek games or (2) a military term. We get the English term "athlete" from this Greek word (cf. Php_4:3; 2Ti_2:5). The Christian life as a spiritual battle is discussed in Eph_4:14; Eph_6:10-20.
Notice NJB translation "battling, as a team with a single aim, for the faith."
▣ "For the faith of the gospel" The definite article is present which makes it "the faith." The context demands that this is used in the sense of Christian truths (cf. Eph_4:5; 1 Tim. 4:20; 2Ti_1:14 and Jud_1:3; Jud_1:20).
Believers ask many questions that the Bible does not address (the exact process of creation, the origin of Satan, the origin of angels, the exact nature of heaven and hell, etc.). Everything that is necessary for salvation and an effective Christian life has been revealed. Holy curiosity must not demand more than what has been given (revelation).
Php_1:28 "in no way alarmed by your opponents" This is a present passive participle which is used to describe a stampede of animals (cf. Act_18:9-10; 1Co_2:3). The opponents could be
1. local Jews, although there was no synagogue mentioned in Philippi
2. traveling Jewish opponents, as in Act_17:13, or like the Judaizers of the Galatian churches (cf. Php_3:2-6)
3. local pagans (cf. Act_16:16-21)
4. local civil authorities (cf. Act_16:21-40)
▣ "which is a sign of destruction for them" This Greek term, "sign," meant proof based on evidence (cf. Rom_3:25-26; 2Co_8:24). "Destruction" was a military metaphor which meant "to loose," "bring to nought," or "destroy." The Christians' fearless testimony and lifestyle were witnesses to the judgment of the opponents and the salvation of the believers.
▣ "but you" The "you" in both Php_1:28-29 is emphatic. What a contrast exists between believers and non-believers.
▣ "of salvation for you" This term is rather ambiguous, as in Php_1:19. It could be used (1) in its full salvatory sense or (2) in its OT sense of physical deliverance (cf. Jas_5:15). In the context of false teachers and external persecution it is difficult to choose between the two options.
▣ "and that too, from God" The terms "sign" and "salvation" in Php_1:28 are both feminine while the term "that" is neuter. Therefore, the term "that" may refer to the courage God gives believers to face these opponents. This is a similar construction to Eph_2:8-9 where the "that" referred not to "grace" or "faith," which are also feminine, but to the whole process of salvation.
Php_1:29 "for to you it has been granted" This is an aorist passive indicative from the root charis (cf. Php_2:9; Rom_8:32). God's gracious gifts are the key both to salvation and the Christian life (cf. Php_1:28).
▣ "not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake" These are two present infinitives which specify what God has given believers in Christ. One relates to continuing faith and the other to continuing maturity. It is hard for believers in modern western culture to discuss suffering. In the NT it was often the norm of the Christian life (cf. Act_14:22; Rom_8:17; 1Th_3:3; 2Ti_3:12; 1Pe_3:14; 1Pe_4:12-16). A brief breakdown of some of the purposes of suffering might be
1. it was beneficial for Christ (cf. Heb_2:10; Heb_5:8), therefore,
2. it will be beneficial for believers (cf. Php_2:10; Rom_5:3; Jas_1:2-4; 1Pe_1:6-7), and
3. it brings joyous assurance of believers' place in Christ (cf. Mat_5:10-12; Act_5:41; Jas_1:2; 1Pe_3:14; and 1Pe_4:12-16)
Php_1:30 "experiencing the same conflict" The Philippian believers were undergoing persecution. The term "struggle," used so often by Paul, was either an athletic or military metaphor. We get the English word "agony" from this Greek word.
▣ "which you saw in me" We learn something of Paul's persecution at Philippi from Act_16:22-24 and 1Th_2:2. Paul modeled Christianity for them and us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS to Php_1:27-30
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.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. What is Paul asking the believers to do in Php_1:27?
2. Who are the opponents that are mentioned in Php_1:28?
3. How are suffering and persecution beneficial to believers?
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