Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless - In yourselves, and harmless to others. The sons of God - Showing by your holy conduct that ye are partakers of the Divine nature. Without rebuke - Persons against whom no charge of transgression can justly be laid. A crooked and perverse - Probably referring to the Jews, who were the chief opponents and the most virulent enemies which the Christian Church had. Among whom ye shine - Be like the sun and moon; bless even the perverse and disobedient by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life - An allusion, some think, to those towers which were built at the entrance of harbours, on which fires were kept during the night to direct ships into the port. Genuine Christians, by their holy lives and conversation, are the means of directing others, not only how to escape those dangers to which they are exposed on the tempestuous ocean of human life, but also of leading them into the haven of eternal safety and rest. That I have not run in vain - This... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service - The metaphor appears to be still carried on. As it was customary for the weather-beaten mariner, when he had gained his port, to offer a sacrifice, θυσια , to God, of some particular animal which he had vowed while in his state of danger, and this was considered to be a religious service, λειτουργια· the apostle, pursuing the idea, states himself to be willing to become the libation, (for so much the word σπενδομαι imports),... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:18

For the same cause also do ye joy - Should I be thus offered, as I shall rejoice in it, do ye also rejoice that I am counted worthy of this high honor. read more

John Calvin

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:17

Verse 17 17If I should be offered. (138) The Greek word is σπένδομαι, and accordingly there appears to be an allusion to those animals, by the slaughter of which agreements and treaties were confirmed among the ancients. For the Greeks specially employ the term σπονδὰς to denote the victims by which treaties are confirmed. In this way, he calls his death the confirmation of their faith, which it certainly would be. That, however, the whole passage may be more clearly understood, he says that he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:18

Verse 18 18Rejoice ye. By the alacrity which he thus discovers, he encourages the Philippians, and enkindles in them a desire to meet death with firmness, (142) inasmuch as believers suffer no harm from it. For he has formerly taught them that death would be gain to himself, (Philippians 1:21;) here, on the other hand, he is chiefly concerned that his death may not disconcert the Philippians. (143) He, accordingly, declares that it is no ground of sorrow; nay, that they have occasion of joy,... 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

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:17

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:18

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

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

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:17

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 2:18

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 2:12-18

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