Philippians

1:27-2:4

3. Exhortations, 1:27-2:18

i] An exhortation to unity and steadfastness

After Paul details his personal circumstances as a prisoner, 1:12-26, he moves on in his letter to encourage his readers. In the passage before us, 1:27-2:4, Paul exhorts the Philippians to steadfastness, unity and humility. First, he calls on his readers to "stand fast" together (steadfastness) for the gospel, striving against all opponents, v28, through suffering v29, and conflict, v30. He then goes on to encourage his readers to engage in a determined oneness of intent, 2:1-2. Finally, he encourages his readers to take on humility, 2:3-4.

Paul begins this passage with an exhortation, v27-28. Together and as individuals, the Philippians must behave in a worthy manner within society (ie. be good citizens). Despite the difficult circumstances they face they must remain steadfast, united and unmoved. This behavior will expose the false motives and the inevitable end of those set on persecuting the church.

monon add "whatever happens" - only. Here transitional, serving to draw a conclusion from the previous passage; well expressed by the NIV.

politeuesqe (politeuw) imp. "conduct yourselves" - be a citizen, perform your duties as citizens. The word particularly applies to the duties and obligations of Roman citizens. Philippi was a Roman colony and therefore, the word had weight for Paul's readers. For believers, citizenship is heavenly and carries its own duties and obligations.

axiwV + gen. "in a worthy manner" - worthily of.

tou euaggeliou tou Cristou "the gospel of Christ" - The genitive "of Christ" is usually classed as objective, "about Christ", or subjective, "from Christ", but probably best classed as ablative, expressing origin, "from Christ", or simply "adjectival, epexegetic, limiting "gospel / important news", "which concerns / is about Christ; "the good news about Christ", CEV.

iJna + subj. "then" - that [....... I may hear]. Introducing a consecutive clause expressing consequence / result / hypothetical result, "then ..... I will know that you stand ....", or possibly a purpose clause, "in order that"; "so that ... I may know that you are standing fast", Phillips.

eite .... eite "whether ...... or" - either .... or. Forming a conditional construction here supported by three conditional adverbial participles.

akouw pres. subj. "only hear" - I may hear. The NIV, as with most translations, has linked this verb to the third participle in a group of three, "having come, having seen you, or being absent" to form the phrase "only hear about you in my absence." This then leaves the following clause without a verb, which must then be supplied, "I will know." The sense of the three participles is clear without the verb "hear"; "in order that, whether I visit you or not, I may hear / know / learn of the news about you."

peri + gen. "about [you]" - [the things] about [you]. "The things about you" that Paul wants to hear is the "standing firm", so the phrase is often left out, "I will hear that you are standing fast", Barclay.

oJti "-" - that. Here introducing a dependent statement of perception expressing what Paul hopes he will hear / learn of the Philippians; "that you are standing firm in one spirit / Spirit."

sthkete (sthkw) pres. "stand firm" - you are standing. "Hold your ground" (a military image), leading to the idea of firmness and uprightness.

en eJni pneumati "in one spirit" - This prepositional phrase is adverbial, expressing manner. Possibly referring to the Holy Spirit, but more likely "spirit" in the sense of the element of our being that is sensitive to God; "a united spirit", Phillips; "with one common purpose", TEV.

mia/ yuch/ (h) "one man" - soul, self, inner life. Most likely in apposition to "one spirit". For Paul and his contemporaries, the soul was the psyche, the substance of a person, their being, and thus the source of their affections and passions. Its seat was the person's stomach, their loins. On the other hand, the "spirit" (not the Holy Spirit), if a distinction can be made, and often it can't, is a person's ideals, principles of a higher life, intuitive morality. As for the "heart", it was the source of intelligent thought, intellect, reason. So, Paul wants his readers to act with a focused ideal/purpose (spirit) and be united in their aims and objectives (soul); "one in spirit, one in mind", REB.

sunaqlounteV (sunaqlew) pres. part. "contending" - working together with, struggling together side by side. The participle is adverbial, modal, expressing the manner in which the action of the verb "your are standing" is accomplished; "I will hear that your are standing fast, one is spirit and one in heart, one in your united contest for the faith of the gospel", Barclay.

th/ pistei tou euaggeliou "for the faith of the gospel" - "The faith" is probably a dative of advantage, "for". It is probably "the faith", in the sense of teachings or truths, rather than "belief". "The gospel" may be an objective genitive, "the faith (in the sense of belief) in the gospel", or better adjectival, "the faith which is the gospel", even ablative, origin, "the faith which is based on the gospel", O'Brien. "Contending for gospel truth."

Westcott suggests that v28-30 is an ellipsis and proposes that "what is for them a sign of perdition is your salvation ..." commences a parenthesis made up of 28b + 29, best arranged to follow 28a + 30. This reads well, but is accepted by few translators. Best to follow the NIV and start a new sentence at "this", although its antecedent is unclear.

pturomenoi (pturw) pas. part. "frightened" - terrified, startled. The participle, as with "contending", is adverbial, modal, expressing the manner by which the verb "you are standing", v27, is accomplished. A hapax legomenon (once only use in the NT), often used to describe a startled horse. Paul probably has in mind the consequence of fear, namely being debilitated and therefore, wavering. We are always frightened, but don't always let fear get the better of us. "Without being frightened", without wavering "in any way", or literally "not any thing." Not wavering from the obligations and responsibilities of a citizen of heaven.

en + dat. "in [any way]" - in [nothing]. Local, sphere; "in any form of intimidation."

uJpo "by" - Here instrumental / agency.

twn antikeimenwn (antikeimai) pres. mid. part. "those who oppose you" - the one's opposing. The participle functions as a substantive. Possibly the judaizers (Jewish law-bound Christians who opposed Paul's "by faith alone" theology), Jews, and/or local heathen opponents.

endeixiV (iV ewV) "a sign" - evidence, indication, proof. Here, their firm resolve in the face of persecution serves as an evidence of the ultimate punishment of the persecutors under the hand of God, and of the salvation of believers; "this will prove to them", TEV.

autoiV dat. pro. "-" - to them. Dative of interest, advantage.

apwleiaV (a) gen. "that they will be destroyed" - of destruction, ruin. The genitive is adjectival, limiting "sign"; "a sign to them of their doom."

de "but" - but, and. Here adversative.

swthriaV (a) gen. "that [you] will be saved" - of salvation [of you]. The genitive, as for "of destruction", is adjectival, limiting "sign". "Salvation" = "eschatological vindication, but possibly suffering now", Reumann.

The suffering presently faced by the Philippians is grounded in the divine will, v29-30. The kingdom comes with pain and struggle; such was the experience of Christ, the experience of Paul and the apostles, and now the experience of the Philippian church.

oJti "for" - because. Here expressing cause/reason. Introducing a clause that provides the reason for "that (this) is by God." The "that" being the standing firm and its sign value.

ecarisqh (carizomai) aor. pas. "it has been granted" - it was graciously given. Paul sees suffering as a high privilege indicating God's favour. The root sense of the verb is "grace". Presumably the agent of the gracious act is God, so "it has been granted by God."

uJmin dat. pro. "to you" - Dative of interest, advantage.

uJper + gen. "on behalf of [Christ]" - Expressing cause/reason; "because of / for the sake of"; "because of your association with Jesus / union with Christ", but possibly "on behalf of Christ", Cassirer.

to ..... pisteuein (pisteuw) pres. inf. "to believe on him" - to continue to believe. The articular infinitive, as with "to suffer", forms a substantival phrase, subject of the verb "has been granted." The present tense indicates continuation rather than a once only act; a reliance upon/toward the person of Jesus.

eiV auton "on him" - into, to him. A common expression of Paul's for belief in Christ.

econteV (ecw) part. "since you are going through" - having. The "you" of v29 is the likely subject of this participial phrase, which probably forms an adverbial clause, causal, expressing reason, for "to suffer has been granted to you", as NIV, "since/because." "You have to fight the same battle as you once saw me fight, and which, as you hear, I am still fighting", Barclay.

ton auton "the same" - "with me", TEV. Share in the troubles associated with the gospel.

agwna (wn wnoV) "struggle" - a gladiatorial, or athletic contest. Paul sees persecution in gladiatorial terms. He reminds them that when he was in Philippi, he too suffered persecution.

en emoi "that I still have" - in me. "In my life."

Paul now appeals to the Philippians, which appeal is grounded in the present spiritual experience of the church: encouraged by their union with Christ; comforted by his love; enriched in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit; and melted by the mercy of God, v1. Verses 1-4 consist of one sentence in the Greek with the main verb, "make me completely happy", TEV, v2a.

oun "-" - therefore. Drawing a logical conclusion / inferential, possibly referencing v27, "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ" ....... therefore .....

ei + ind. "if" - Introducing a conditional sentence 1st class where the condition is assumed to be true; "if, as is the case, ..... then [make my joy complete]." The protasis of the conditional sentence is represented by four separate clauses covered by the assumed verb "have", "if you have", NIV.

paraklhsiV (iV ewV) "encouragement" - consolation, comfort..... but also, exhortation. Here it is best taken as encouragement in the form of exhortation. In our union with Christ, the Spirit serves to persuade us, exhort us forward in the Christian life.

en + dat. "from being united with [Christ]" - in [Christ]. Locative, of sphere, "in union with Christ." Possibly "through/by means of", although unlikely. "In our relation to Christ", Goodspeed.

paramuqion (on) "comfort" - consolation. Although here probably something more motivating, e.g. encouragement, addressing others from the basis of love, "speaking in love."

agaphV (h) gen. "from his love" - of love. Usually treated as a subjective genitive, such that the comfort comes "from love", "a solace afforded by love", Cassirer, although better classed as an ablative genitive of origin. Possibly human love, but note how the NIV has opted for divine love with the addition of "his". None-the-less, the genitive may simply be adjectival, limiting "comfort", a loving type of comfort.

koinwnia (a) "fellowship" - communion, fellowship, sharing, participation. "A communion based on common ownership (of the Spirit)", Hansen.

pneumatoV (a atoV) "with the Spirit" - of s/Spirit. Again the genitive causes problems taken as either: i] subjective, "if you are really sharing in the partnership that the Holy Spirit can make possible", Barclay; or ii] objective, "fellowship in the Spirit." Again probably just adjectival, either i] a Spirit type fellowship, as NIV, a fellowship "with the Spirit", or ii] "a spiritual fellowship", Bruce; note that pneumatoV is anarthrous / without an article. The Holy Spirit and his impelling/compelling, may well be intended;

splagcna (on) "tenderness" - [if any] bowels [and compassions] = the seat of our feelings, affection, mercy. "Kindness", TEV.

oiktirmoi (oV) "compassion" - pity and mercy of a tender sort, especially toward the young.

Paul now spells out his appeal to the church, v2-4. He looks for a response that will give him joy; make my joy complete i] by being in perfect harmony of mind; ii] by joining in a common love for God and each other; iii] by sharing in a common life; iv] by taking every decision in unity of mind; v] by never acting from motives of competitive rivalry or in the conceited desire for empty prestige; vi] by regarding others better than yourself; vii] by concentrating, not only on your own interests, but also the interests of others.

plhrwsate (plhrow) imp. "make [my joy] complete" - make full, fulfill. The main verb of the sentence covering v1-4; "make me completely happy", CEV.

iJna + subj. "by" - Usually introducing a purpose clause "in order that"; or a result/consequence clause, "so that"; or a causal clause, "because"; but most likely here an epexegetic clause, "that/that is", explaining and clarifying "make my joy complete", or better an epexegetic limitation defining the limited way Paul's joy is completed, "by". "You can do this by being like-minded", O'Brien, as NIV.

fronhte (fronew) pres. subj. "being [like-]minded" - may be thinking [the same thing]. Expressing a concord, a harmony. This durative present verb is linked to a series of attendant participles all of which serve to clarify what makes Paul's joy complete. "By being in perfect harmony of mind", Barclay.

econteV (ecw) pres. part. "having" - The participle is possibly adverbial, causal, "because you have the same love, but more likely attendant circumstance, as NIV.

thn authn pro. "the same [love]" - "Sharing in mutual love."

sumyucoi adj. "being [one in] spirit" - united, as one. The assumed verbal action picks up on fronhte, "you think" = "being [like]-minded." Literally "one in soul", and therefore of a common purpose/ideal; "united in what you think", CEV.

fronounteV (fronew) pres. part. "and purpose" - thinking [the one thing]. Attendant circumstance participle expressing action accompanying the verb "you think / being [like]-minded." The same ideas, the same thoughts. As above, but for emphasis.

"do" - An attendant participle, as with "having" and "thinking", v2, can be assumed, "[make my joy complete by being like-minded, ..... by] doing nothing according to selfish ambition / self-interest [or] according to vain conceit", although often translated as an imperative, as NIV.

mhden adj. "nothing" - no. "Never act", Phillips.

kata + acc. "out of" - according to, in accordance with. "From", NRSV, as NIV.

eriqeian (a) "selfish ambition" - strife. "Rivalry / party spirit" ....... is a better translation

kenodoxian (a) "vein conceit" - personal vanity, vainglory, self praise, selfish ambition. "A cheep desire to boast", TEV.

alla "but" - but. Adversative.

th/ tapeinofrosunh/ (h) dat. "in humility" - the lowliness of mind, lowly thinking. The dative forms an adverbial phrase expressing manner. Paul is not arguing for low self esteem, low self worth, but rather for a knowledge that our eternal standing in the presence of God is a free gift of His gracious kindness rather than a reward for our flawed righteousness.

hJgoumenoi (hJgeomai) pres. part. "consider [others]" - considering, regarding [one another]. Another attendant circumstance participle expressing action accompanying the verb "being [like]-minded", v2, and so further expressing those elements which make Paul's joy complete. To make this clear Barclay begins a new sentence at alla; "If you want to make my joy complete, ....." As with many translations he treats this, and the following participles, as imperatives, yet it is more likely they are attendant on "being [like]-minded. "But [by - v2] humbly considering each other the better man", Moffatt.

uJperecontaV (uJperecw) pres. part. "better than yourselves" - controlling, restraining / surpassing, excelling. Some manuscripts have the article touV so forming a substantive participle, "the ones who are superior", although the article was likely added to handle a difficult reading, see Moffatt above. So, it is more likely that we have another in the series of attendant participles, although with a less than clear meaning; "[make my joy complete by......] being considerate to / considering each other, [by being] ???? of yourselves." If the verbal sense is to control / restrain then Paul is touching on the idea of considering the desires of others while restraining / controlling our own desires. Such will make his joy complete.

eJautwn gen. ref. pro. "than yourselves" - of yourselves. The genitive is translated by the NIV as if ablative, of comparison, although possibly adjectival, possessive, see above; "controlling one's own [desires]."

skopounteV (skopew) pres. part. "look [not only to your own interests]" - looking at, considering, focusing on. Again an attendant circumstance participle expressing action accompanying the verb "being [like]-minded", v2; "make my joy complete by being like minded, ......., [by] each (ekastoV, every person) not looking to their own interests." Concentrate", Barclay. The negative covers the whole participle clause which is usually treated as imperatival, as NIV, although often reshaped into a positive, "look to each other's interests and not merely to your own", REB. None-the-less, an attendant action is best; "each with an eye to the interests of others as well as to his own", Moffatt.

eJautwn gen. ref. pro. "your own" - of (your)selves. The genitive is possessive.

ta "interests" - the things.

alla kai "but also" - but also. The kai is a variant reading, but makes sense since it balances the negative of the opening clause; "not just ..... but also ....."

Philippians Introduction

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