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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:27

Verse 27 27Only in a manner worthy of the gospel. We make use of this form of expression, when we are inclined to pass on to a new subject. Thus it is as though he had said, “But as for me, the Lord will provide, but as for you, etc., whatever may take place as to me, let it be your care, nevertheless, to go forward in the right course.” When he speaks of a pure and honorable conversation as being worthy of the gospel, he intimates, on the other hand, that those who live otherwise do injustice... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:28

Verse 28 28And in nothing terrified. The second thing which he recommends to the Philippians is fortitude of mind, (84) that they may not be thrown into confusion by the rage of their adversaries. At that time the most cruel persecutions raged almost everywhere, because Satan strove with all his might to impede the commencement of the gospel, and was the more enraged in proportion as Christ put forth powerfully the grace of his Spirit. He exhorts, therefore, the Philippians to stand forward... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 1:29

Verse 29 29.To believe. He wisely conjoins faith with the cross by an inseparable connection, that the Philippians may know that they have been called to the faith of Christ on this condition — that they endure persecutions on his account, as though he had said that their adoption can no more be separated from the cross, than Christ can be torn asunder from himself. Here Paul clearly testifies, that faith, as well as constancy in enduring persecutions, (91) is an unmerited gift of God. And... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 30 30Having the same conflict. He confirms, also, by his own example what he had said, and this adds no little authority to his doctrine. By the same means, too, he shews them, that there is no reason why they should feel troubled on account of his bonds, when they behold the issue of the conflict. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:12-30

Thoughts suggested by his captivity. I. PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL IN ROME . 1 . Generally. "Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel." It might have been expected that his imprisonment, which is principally referred to, would have fallen out to the hindrance of the gospel. But Paul would have his Philippian brethren know, for their comfort and confirmation, that, though to some extent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:27

Only let your conversation be . St. Paul exhorts the Philippians to steadfastness. Only, whatever happens, whether I come or no, πολιτεύεσθε , behave as citizens (comp. Philippians 3:20 , ἡμῶν τὸ πολιτεῦμα and Ephesians 2:19 , συμπολῖται τῶν ἁγίων . The verb also occurs in Acts 23:1 , "I have lived ( πεπολίτευμαι ) in all good conscience towards God." St. Paul was himself a Roman citizen; he was writing from Rome; his presence the re was caused by his having... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:27-28

Practical counsel for holy and consistent living. "Only let your manner of life be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." I. THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST IS THE TRUE STANDARD OF CHRISTIAN PIETY AS WELL AS " THE POWER OF GOD TO SALVATION ." It is so: 1 . By virtue of the doctrines it reveals for our comfort. 2 . By virtue of the precepts it inculcates for our guidance ; for it embodies in itself that which is at once "the law of Christ," "the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:27-30

Practical exhortation. I. CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION THE CONDITION OF CHRISTIAN JOY . Only (the word is emphatic) —only , St. Paul says, whether he lives or dies, whether he comes again or sees them in the flesh no more, whatever happens to him or to them—let them mind this one thing, holy living. This must be, he says, your one desire, your one aim, to live as Christian men should live. II. ST . PAUL ADDRESSES THE PHILIPPIANS AS MEMBERS OF A CHURCH ;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:27-30

The gifts of faith and of suffering. Paul's release is still problematical; it is needful, therefore, that he should make provision in case he should still be absent from them. He calls them consequently to citizenship ( ποιτεύεσθε ) worthy of the gospel, and to the acceptance of those gifts which that citizenship implies. I. THE PHILIPPIANS ARE TO BE FAITHFUL CITIZENS OF GOD 'S KINGDOM . ( Philippians 1:27 .) Now, what is it which is prized in God's kingdom as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 1:27-30

A life of consistency, unity, and courage. "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ," etc. The apostle here means that, whether he should come to them or not—for he was not certain on the point—they should be careful to pursue a certain course of conduct. "By supposing," says Bengel, "this or that future contingency men may persuade themselves that they will be such and such as they ought to be. But it is better always without evasion to perform present duties... read more

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