Philippians 2:14-16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:14

Verse 14 14Without murmurings. These are fruits of that humility to which he had exhorted them. For every man that has learned carefully to submit himself to God, without claiming anything for himself, will also conduct himself agreeably among men. When every one makes it his care to please himself, two faults prevail: First, they calumniate one another; and secondly, they strive against one another in contentions. In the first place, accordingly, he forbids malignity and secret enmities; and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:15

Verse 15 15The sons of God, unreprovable. It ought to be rendered — unreprovable, because ye are the sons of God. For God’s adoption of us ought to be a motive to a blameless life, that we may in some degree resemble our Father. Now, although there never has been such perfection in the world as to have nothing worthy of reproof, those are, nevertheless, said to be unreprovable who aim at this with the whole bent of their mind, as has been observed elsewhere. (129) In the midst of a wicked... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:16

Verse 16 16Holding forth the word of life The reason why they ought to be luminaries is, that they carry the word of life, by which they are enlightened, that they may give light also to others. Now he alludes to lamps, in which wicks are placed that they may burn, and he makes us resemble the lamps; while he compares the word of God to the wick, from which the light comes. If you prefer another figure — we are candlesticks: the doctrine of the gospel is the candle, which, being placed in us,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:12-18

Exhortations. I. PERSONAL WORK FOR THE PHILIPPIANS . 1 . How he exhorts them he with pleasure. "So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence." The exaltation of Christ, which is the subject of the three foregoing verses, is specially fitted to be an encouragement to the duty of humility. It is not this, however, that he now specifies, in descending from the sublime Example. He rather lays hold on that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14

Do all things without murmurings and disputings . Obedience must be willing and cheerful. The word rendered "murmurings" ( γογγυσμός ) is that constantly used in the Septuagint of the murmurings of the Israelites during their wanderings. διαλογισμοί may mean, as here rendered, "dis-putings,'' or more probably, in accordance with the New Testament use of the word, questionings, doubtings. Submission to God's will must be inward as well as outward. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14-16

The importance of a contented and peaceful habit of soul. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings." I. THE CHARACTER AND INFLUENCE OF AN UNMURMURING AND PEACEFUL SPIRIT . 1 . Murmur ing is here meant against God. It may arise 2 . The disputings here meant point to those dissensions which war the peace of the Church. We ought to avoid disputings, because II. THE OBJECT AND AIM OF SUCH A SPIRIT . "That ye may be blameless and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14-16

Church activity. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world holding forth the Word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain." The Church is essentially as active society. An inactive Church is a solecism. Activity is not only the condition of its health,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14-16

The Christian life: its effect upon the world. I. How THIS EFFECT MAY BE OBSCURED . By murmurings ( i.e. active rebellions against the will of God) and disputings ( i.e. efforts of the intellect to persuade ourselves that God's voice is not speaking to us). II. HOW IT IS MANIFESTED . Where God's will is accepted, it will render our lives blameless towards him and harmless towards our fellow-men. Thus are we manifested as the sons of God, being partakers of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14-18

The salvation of the Philippians the apostle's joy. I. THEIR OBEDIENCE MUST BE THE READY OBEDIENCE OF LOVE . Christ died for them, God worketh within them. They have the great gift of reconciliation with God through the precious blood of Christ; they have the indwelling presence of God the Holy Ghost. Therefore: 1 . It is their duty to be cheerful , to render to God a loving service. A Christian who knows that the Son of God loved him and gave himself for him,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:14-18

Inspired to be blameless sons. Having seen the great responsibility of personal inspiration, as brought out in the previous verses, we have next to notice what the inspiration contemplates. It is, in fact, to produce such a sense of sonship in all hearts as will ensure unity of spirit, blamelessness of life, and consequent usefulness in the world. Paul wished the Philippian Christians to be of use to their heathen neighbors; unless they were so, he would regard himself as having run in... read more

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