Filipenses 1:1-20 RVA

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:8

For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.The rendition here is a vast improvement over the KJV, the verse being a remarkable witness of the Christian's unity with the Lord, and, in fact, his identity with the Lord. Many scholars have been struck with the impact of this passage. Caffin stated the implications of the verse thus: "Not I, but Christ liveth in me. Paul is so united with Christ that he feels with the heart of Christ and loves with the love... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:9

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all discernment.Pink's amazing deductions from this verse are to the effect that in contrast to the amazing love of the Philippians, they had an inadequate understanding of the mind of Christ, and that Paul longed for a better balance in their characters. "Therefore he prayed (not as most of us need to pray - that our love may be in proportion to our light) but that their intelligence may be commensurate with their... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:10

So that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offense unto the day of Christ.Approve the things which are excellent ... This is very similar to "distinguish things that differ" as Paul wrote in Romans 2:18; and both here and there, "It is impossible to decide exactly what Paul means.[25] One thing is evident, Paul wanted the Philippians to grow in knowledge in order to avoid offense in living the Christian life. Russell thought that Paul's words in... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:11

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.As Pink said, "This verse, along with Philippians 1:10, sets before us a powerful incentive to live hourly with the judgment seat of Christ before us, ... that we may not be ashamed at his coming."[27]Fruits of righteousness ... As Knight observed, "This righteousness is that by Jesus Christ in contrast to that which is by the law (Philippians 3:9).[28] In order, therefore, to have... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:12

Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel.The things which happened unto me ... And what were those things? The last half of the book of Acts gives a great many of the near incredible things that happened unto Paul, revealing his life as an odyssey surpassing that of any other, save Christ alone, who ever lived on earth. In addition, 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 briefly mentions many other things not even hinted... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:13

So that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest.The praetorian guard ... The KJV's rendition of this as "the palace," has been rejected on what appears to be sufficient grounds; but the mention of "saints in Caesar's household" (Philippians 4:22) surely indicates that the word of the gospel was assuredly known "in the palace," whether or not this verse states the fact.Lightfoot, especially, did extensive work to prove that "praetorian" as... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:14

And that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.Wesley explained the renewed vigor and courage of "most of the brethren in the Lord" as being due to the fact that "They saw in Paul, as they had never seen before, the presence, power and sufficient grace of Christ."[31]The fact that such a notable character as Paul was permitted for at least a couple of years to continue day by day preaching the gospel... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:15

Some indeed preach Christ of envy and strife; and some also of good will.The New Testament does not reveal any of the details concerning those who preached Christ of "envy and strife"; and speculation leads us nowhere. Boice cited writings of Suetonius and Clement in support of the view that "Paul perished as a result of the jealousy and strife that existed among Roman Christians.[32] Whether such jealousy arose from Judaizing elements of the church opposing Paul's teaching, or from certain... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:16

The one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel; but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.The factious party in view here had the purpose of making Paul's imprisonment more distasteful and burdensome, no doubt hoping to influence his judges against him, their conduct in this being as contemptible as any that could be imagined.Set for the defense of the gospel ... Foy E. Wallace deplored the rendition... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:18

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.One must agree with Hayes who said, "This is one of the noblest utterances of one of the greatest men."[36] There is a toleration in Paul's words here which would bless the whole world if more widely imitated. read more

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:8

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:9

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:10

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:11

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:12

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:13

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:14

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:15

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:16

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 1:18

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