Philippians 1:4

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:4

Paul’s imprisonment limited his ministry to the Philippian church, but he still prayed for his brethren in Philippi. His prayers were full of joy as he petitioned God for the saints there. Joy is a recurring motif in Philippians where the joy word group appears 16 times. The Greek word translated "prayer" (deesis) refers to requests. Several years of absence from these Christians had not led Paul to drop them from his prayer list. Every time Paul prayed for them, he did so with thanksgiving. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:1-30

The Prisoner Apostle in Rome§ 1. Address and Salutation (Philippians 1:1-2).Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:2. The form of greeting in Philippians 1:1-2 is that common to the Epistles of the third group.1. To all the saints] holy persons—consecrated to God as all Christian believers are. This and similar emphatic expressions (in Philippians 1:3-4, Philippians 1:7-8, Philippians 1:25, chapter Philippians 4:2) show that the entire Church, despite differences between its members (Philippians 2:2-3;... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:2-26

[2.Statement of St. Paul’s condition at Rome (Philippians 1:12-26).(1) THE RAPID PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL through his bonds, and through the preaching of others, whether in strife or in goodwill (Philippians 1:12-18).(2)HIS REJOICING THEREAT; his desire to depart and be with Christ, and his confidence, nevertheless, that he will abide in the flesh and see them again (Philippians 1:19-26).](12-18) In these verses St. Paul, evidently anxious that the Philippians should not “faint at his... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:3-4

(3, 4) I thank my God . . .—These verses more accurately rendered will run thus: I thank my God upon all my remembrance of you at all times, in every prayer of mine for you all, uttering that prayer with joy—i.e., with joyful confidence. The sense, however, is not materially altered. The emphatic earnestness of thanksgiving is seen in the reiteration which runs through the passage, and its absolute universality of scope is no less clearly marked. The closest parallel is again in the Epistles to... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:3-8

(3-8) In these verses St. Paul strikes that keynote of joy and confidence, which is dominant throughout the whole Epistle, and which is singularly remarkable when we remember that it was written in captivity, in enforced absence from the familiar and well-loved scenes of his apostolic labour, and with the knowledge of faction and jealousy, taking advantage of that absence. The words “joy” and “rejoice” occur no less than thirteen times in this short Epistle; they express what his own feeling... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Philippians 1:1-30

The Epistle to the Philippians The Saints of God (for All Saints' Eve) Philippians 1:1 To-morrow is the day of All Saints. For quite a thousand years the churches of the West have given the first of November to this great commemoration, illuminating the declining and darkening year with the spiritual splendour of the thought of these exalted multitudes who have outsoared our shadows into the light of God. For it is with the holy ones departed that the festival, beyond a doubt, was primarily... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:3-11

Chapter 2THE APOSTLE’S MIND ABOUT THE PHILIPPIANS.Philippians 1:3-11 (R.V.)AFTER the salutation, the first thing in the Epistle is a warm utterance of the feelings and the desires which Paul habitually cherishes in relation to his converts at Philippi. This is expressed in Philippians 1:3-11.Note the course of thought, in Philippians 1:3 he declares his thankfulness and in ver. 4 (Philippians 1:4) his prayerfulness on their behalf; and he puts these two together, without as yet saying why he... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Philippians 1:1-30

Analysis and Annotations I. CHRIST, THE CONTROLLING PRINCIPLE OF THE BELIEVER’S LIFE CHAPTER 1 1. The introduction (Philippians 1:1-2 ) 2. The fellowship in the gospel (Philippians 1:3-8 ) 3. The apostle’s prayer (Philippians 1:9-11 ) 4. Paul’s victory (Philippians 1:12-20 ) 5. Paul’s life and confidence (Philippians 1:21-26 ) 6. Exhortation to walk worthy of the gospel (Philippians 1:27-30 ) Philippians 1:1-2 The introductory words to this Epistle differ from those of the preceding... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:1-30

Consistently with the character of the epistle, in his addressing the Philippians, Paul does not do so as an apostle, but linking Timothy's name with his own, makes use of the lowlier title, "servants of Jesus Christ." It will be noted that in those epistles in which he writes as an apostle, he makes an authoritative communication of the mind of God, which rightfully requires the obedience of faith. As an apostle he is invested with God-given authority. As a servant, on the other hand,... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:1-30

JOY IN SUFFERING The epistle opens with the customary salutation or greeting (Philippians 1:1-2 ). Timothy is named with Paul, not that he is a co-writer, but a co-worker in Philippi, and hence known to the church. He is however, Paul’s companion in Rome at this time. Note the important expression “in Christ Jesus,” which was explained in Ephesians. Note the advanced development of the church “bishops and deacons” or “overseers and working-helpers.” Then comes the thanksgiving (Philippians... read more

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