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Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 1:10

10. Literally, "With a view to your proving (and so approving and embracing) the things that excel" ( :-); not merely things not bad, but the things best among those that are good; the things of more advanced excellence. Ask as to things, not merely, Is there no harm, but is there any good, and which is the best? sincere—from a Greek root. Examined in the sunlight and found pure. without offence—not stumbling; running the Christian race without falling through any stumbling-block, that is,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 1:11

11. The oldest manuscripts read the singular, "fruit." So :- (see on :-); regarding the works of righteousness, however manifold, as one harmonious whole, "the fruit of the Spirit" ( :-) James 3:18, "the fruit of righteousness" (James 3:18- :); Romans 6:22, "fruit unto holiness." which are—"which is by (Greek, 'through') Jesus Christ." Through His sending to us the Spirit from the Father. "We are wild and useless olive trees till we are grafted into Christ, who, by His living root, makes us... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:3-8

A. Thanksgiving 1:3-8The apostle proceeded to express his sincere gratitude to God for his friends in Philippi. He did this to assure them of God’s continuing working for them and his satisfaction with their partnership in the work of the gospel. In this section Paul introduced and summarized the main theme of Philippians, namely, partnership in the gospel. He stated it explicitly in Philippians 1:5 and developed it later in the body of the epistle (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 4:9). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:8

Only God really knew how strongly Paul longed for his brothers and sisters back in Philippi. Consequently the apostle called on Him as his witness to his professions of affection. Paul’s feelings were similar to those of his Lord Jesus Christ, who generated them in the apostle.". . . Paul took this solemn oath because he was aware that within the church that he founded and for which he cared so deeply there were those who were not at all convinced of his right to lead them nor certain of the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:9

By praying Paul acknowledged the importance of asking God to work (cf. James 4:2). We may not be able to explain fully why God has ordained prayer as a vehicle whereby He works in the world or how prayer works. Nevertheless Scripture is unmistakably clear that prayer does effect objective change. [Note: See John Munro, "Prayer to a Sovereign God," Interest 56:2 (February 1990):20-21, and Thomas L. Constable, "What Prayer Will and Will Not Change," in Essays in Honor of J. Dwight Pentecost, pp.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:9-11

B. Prayer 1:9-11Paul had already written that he prayed for the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-4). Now he explained what he prayed so his readers would know specifically what the apostle was asking God to do for them. In response to God’s working in them (Philippians 1:6) it was imperative that they continue to grow in the virtues identified here, specifically, intelligent and discerning love. Note the balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in this pericope. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:10

Possessing this kind of abounding love would enable the Philippians to give approval to things of the greatest value and importance. Conversely they would disapprove things of lesser significance. Most of the choices that a spiritual believer faces are not between morally good and morally evil things but between things of lesser and greater value. The things that we choose because we love them reflect how discerning our love really is.The ultimate end in view emerges in the second part of this... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:11

This verse modifies the last half of Philippians 1:10. The only way we will be able to stand before God sincere and blameless is if we allow the Holy Spirit to control us. If we do, He will fill our lives with the fruit that is the product of His righteousness (Galatians 5:22-23). This righteousness and its fruit come to us through Jesus Christ, not as a result of our own good deeds. Therefore all the glory and praise for our righteousness, our fruit, and hopefully our flawless and blameless... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Philippians 1:9

1:9 abound (h-9) It is a question how far the abounding applies to the love itself; or, supposing the love, that it should grow in these qualities. It is, I think, determined to be the latter by Ephesians 1:8 . It means 'grow in these,' yet love that would grow in them. read more

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