\id PHP - The English New Testament According to Family 35 
\h Philippians 
\toc3 Phil. 
\toc2 Philippians 
\toc1 The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians 
\mt2 The Epistle of Paul to the  
\mt1 PHILIPPIANS  
\c 1  
\s1 Salutation  
\m
\v 1 \w Paul|strong="G3972"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w*,\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Paul gives recognition to his junior partner.\f* \w slaves|strong="G1401"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft That is right, slaves.\f* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* saints \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft Paul goes back and forth between “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus” with apparently no difference in meaning.\f* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w Philippi|strong="G5375"\w*, \w together|strong="G4862"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w overseers|strong="G1985"\w*\f + \fr 1:1 \ft This term is often translated ‘bishop’; along with ‘elder’ and ‘pastor’ it refers to a single office in the church. Note that there is a plurality of both overseers and deacons.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w deacons|strong="G1249"\w*:  
\v 2 \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w from|strong="G1515"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.   
\s1 How Paul prays for them  
\p
\v 3 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w thank|strong="G2168"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w time|strong="G1909"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* remember \w you|strong="G5210"\w*;  
\v 4 \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w prayers|strong="G1162"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w pray|strong="G1162"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*,  
\v 5 \w because|strong="G1909"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w your|strong="G1909"\w* partnership \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w from|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w first|strong="G4413"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w*,  
\v 6 \w being|strong="G5547"\w* certain \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w very|strong="G3778"\w* \w thing|strong="G3778"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w He|strong="G3754"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w began|strong="G1728"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w good|strong="G3588"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w will|strong="G2250"\w* \w complete|strong="G2005"\w* \w it|strong="G3754"\w* \w until|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;\f + \fr 1:6 \ft Amen!\f*  
\v 7 \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w right|strong="G1342"\w* \w for|strong="G5228"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w think|strong="G5426"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w heart|strong="G2588"\w*, inasmuch \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* defense \w and|strong="G2532"\w* confirmation \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w partakers|strong="G4791"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Grace|strong="G5485"\w*.\f + \fr 1:7 \ft That is what the Text says, ‘the’ grace. They identified with Paul and what he was doing.\f*  
\v 8 \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w witness|strong="G3144"\w* \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w long|strong="G1971"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w affection|strong="G4698"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.   
\p
\v 9 \w This|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w pray|strong="G4336"\w*: \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* love \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w abound|strong="G4052"\w* \w yet|strong="G2089"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w real|strong="G1922"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1922"\w*\f + \fr 1:9 \ft The compound noun, επιγνωσις, is often rendered as ‘full knowledge’, but I consider that ‘real knowledge’ comes closer.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w full|strong="G3956"\w* discernment,\f + \fr 1:9 \ft We have all heard that ‘love is blind’, but \ft \+it agape\+it* love is just the opposite. Lamentably, I cannot think of a single church that could be said to have “full discernment”, and many appear to have none at all.\f*  
\v 10 \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* identify \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* really \w matter|strong="G1308"\w*;\f + \fr 1:10 \ft Yes indeed, “the things that really matter”—the point of identifying them is to concentrate our attention and energy on them.\f* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w sincere|strong="G1506"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* blameless \w until|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G2250"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*,\f + \fr 1:10 \ft In verse 6 the emphasis is on God's sovereignty, here it is on our responsibility. “The Day of Christ” is of special relevance to Christians, and the particular aspect in view here is the accounting (see Romans 14:12,14).\f*  
\v 11 \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w filled|strong="G4137"\w*\f + \fr 1:11 \ft “Having been filled”—that is what the Text says. Since the righteousness of Christ is imputed (we cannot earn it), God gives us the best possible start; as it says in 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness”. What we do with it is up to us (see 2:12 below).\f* \w with|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w fruits|strong="G2590"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w praise|strong="G1868"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.\f + \fr 1:11 \ft The glory of God is the ultimate purpose of all creation (Isaiah 43:7).\f*   
\ms1 News and Instructions  
\s1 By whatever means, Christ is preached  
\p
\v 12 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w want|strong="G1014"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w*, brothers, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* events \w against|strong="G2596"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* actually \w turned|strong="G2064"\w* \w out|strong="G2064"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* advancement \w of|strong="G2098"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*:  
\v 13 \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w result|strong="G5620"\w*, \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G1096"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* \w evident|strong="G5318"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w whole|strong="G3650"\w* imperial \w guard|strong="G4232"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w everyone|strong="G3956"\w* \w else|strong="G3062"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;\f + \fr 1:13 \ft Paul did not hide his light ‘under a bushel’.\f*  
\v 14 \w also|strong="G2532"\w*, \w most|strong="G4183"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* influenced \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w chains|strong="G1199"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* bolder, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w speak|strong="G2980"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* fearlessly.  
\v 15 \w To|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w sure|strong="G3303"\w*, \w some|strong="G5100"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w preaching|strong="G2784"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w envy|strong="G5355"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rivalry|strong="G2054"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w others|strong="G3588"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w*;  
\v 16 \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w former|strong="G3588"\w* proclaim Christ \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking \w to|strong="G1519"\w* add \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w my|strong="G3754"\w* affliction \w while|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* chains,\f + \fr 1:16 \ft Just a minute: how does insincere preaching (by others) add to his affliction? I suppose we all know ‘Christian workers’ who are motivated by selfish ambition, and any such would want to ‘make hay’ while free from Paul's ‘shadow’, as it were. Judging Paul by themselves, they would think he would be bothered by seeing them gaining prominence at his expense.\f*  
\v 17 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* latter \w out|strong="G1537"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* love, knowing \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* set here \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* defense \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* Gospel.\f + \fr 1:17 \ft Even in prison Paul did not lose sight of the job God had given him. Some 10% of the Greek manuscripts transpose verses 16 and 17 (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*  
\v 18 \w No|strong="G2532"\w* problem: \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G5158"\w*, \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w pretense|strong="G4392"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* truth,\f + \fr 1:18 \ft The Bible is clear to the effect that the means, not just the end, must be appropriate to God's character, so this statement seems a bit strange. Within the community of faith deviations can be treated quite severely, but perhaps for what we might term ‘pre-evangelism’, getting people who have never heard of Him before to start thinking about Christ, there may be some leeway. Further, Matthew 20:1-16 makes clear that God is prepared to use a variety of types of worker.\f* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G5101"\w* \w proclaimed|strong="G2605"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w*—\w yes|strong="G1063"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w*.   
\s1 To live is Christ, to die is gain  
\p
\v 19 \w You|strong="G5210"\w* \w see|strong="G1492"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* turn \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w deliverance|strong="G4991"\w* (\w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w supplication|strong="G1162"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* support \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*)\f + \fr 1:19 \ft This is presumably a reference to the Holy Spirit (see John 16:13-15).\f*  
\v 20 \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* earnest expectation \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hope|strong="G1680"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3762"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w put|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* shame \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w anything|strong="G3762"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w truly|strong="G1722"\w* \w bold|strong="G3954"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w glorified|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* person, \w whether|strong="G1535"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w life|strong="G2222"\w* \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w by|strong="G1223"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*\f + \fr 1:20 \ft Although it appears that Paul actually hoped to be freed from prison, he is prepared to die. His main concern is not to do anything that will shame his Master.\f*  
\v 21 —\w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* die \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w gain|strong="G2771"\w*.\f + \fr 1:21 \ft How can death be a gain? Only if you live for Christ.\f*  
\v 22 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w live|strong="G2198"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G5101"\w* \w mean|strong="G5101"\w* \w fruitful|strong="G2590"\w* \w labor|strong="G2041"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G5101"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w know|strong="G1722"\w* \w what|strong="G5101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* choose.  
\v 23 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* torn \w between|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w two|strong="G1417"\w*: \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w desire|strong="G1939"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* depart \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* (\w far|strong="G3123"\w* \w better|strong="G2909"\w*),\f + \fr 1:23 \ft This is one of a few passages that lead us to believe that when a true believer dies his spirit goes directly to be with Christ in Heaven, not to the good side of Hades/Sheol (the ‘bosom of Abraham’) as with the Old Testament saints.\f*  
\v 24 \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w remain|strong="G1961"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w more|strong="G1161"\w* necessary, \w because|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.\f + \fr 1:24 \ft His commitment to the Cause is more important than his personal desire.\f*  
\v 25 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w persuaded|strong="G3982"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w remain|strong="G3306"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w continue|strong="G3306"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w progress|strong="G4297"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*,  
\v 26 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w rejoicing|strong="G2745"\w* \w over|strong="G4052"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w more|strong="G3825"\w* \w abundant|strong="G4052"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w coming|strong="G3952"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w again|strong="G3825"\w*.\f + \fr 1:26 \ft Evidently Paul had a sincere hope that he would be released from prison.\f*   
\p
\v 27 \w Only|strong="G3440"\w* \w conduct|strong="G4176"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G4771"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* manner worthy \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w whether|strong="G1535"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w see|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w or|strong="G1535"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* absent, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* hear \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w stand|strong="G4739"\w* \w firm|strong="G4739"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w striving|strong="G4866"\w* \w together|strong="G4866"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w of|strong="G4012"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w soul|strong="G5590"\w*,  
\v 28 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w being|strong="G1510"\w* intimidated \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w any|strong="G3367"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* opponents: \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w them|strong="G3588"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* indicator \w of|strong="G5259"\w* ruin,\f + \fr 1:28 \ft How shall we understand this? What is the effect of our boldness in the face of opposition—do the opponents consider that we are sealing our own fate, or do they suspect that they may be on the wrong side? Perhaps both.\f* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w of|strong="G5259"\w* \w deliverance|strong="G4991"\w*,\f + \fr 1:28 \ft Our confidence in God assures us of deliverance, one way or another: by life or by death.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 29 \w For|strong="G3754"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G5547"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w granted|strong="G5483"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w on|strong="G1519"\w* \w behalf|strong="G5228"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w believe|strong="G4100"\w* \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*,\f + \fr 1:29 \ft The Text never has “believe ‘in’ Jesus”; we must believe \+nd into\+nd* Him. Being on the outside we must change location. This involves commitment and a change of worldview or value system.\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w suffer|strong="G3958"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w His|strong="G1519"\w* \w sake|strong="G5228"\w*,\f + \fr 1:29 \ft If you were taught to expect a ‘bed of roses’, you had a bad teacher.\f*  
\v 30 \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* struggle \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* hear \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.\f + \fr 1:30 \ft They had seen him suffer when he first visited Philippi, and he was presently suffering in prison.\f*   
\c 2  
\s1 About having the mind of Christ  
\m
\v 1 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G5547"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w encouragement|strong="G3874"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w comfort|strong="G3874"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* love, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* \w fellowship|strong="G2842"\w* \w from|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w*, \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w any|strong="G5100"\w* tenderness \w and|strong="G2532"\w* acts \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w compassion|strong="G3628"\w*,  
\v 2 \w make|strong="G4137"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w full|strong="G4137"\w* \w by|strong="G1520"\w* \w being|strong="G2192"\w* like-minded, \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* same love, \w being|strong="G2192"\w* \w one|strong="G1520"\w* \w in|strong="G2192"\w* \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G1520"\w* \w purpose|strong="G5426"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Do|strong="G2233"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3367"\w* \w out|strong="G1438"\w* \w of|strong="G2596"\w* \w selfish|strong="G2052"\w* \w ambition|strong="G2052"\w* \w or|strong="G3366"\w* \w conceit|strong="G2754"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2596"\w* \w humility|strong="G5012"\w* \w regard|strong="G2233"\w* \w one|strong="G3367"\w* \w another|strong="G1438"\w* \w as|strong="G2596"\w* \w being|strong="G2596"\w* \w better|strong="G5242"\w* \w than|strong="G5242"\w* \w yourselves|strong="G1438"\w*.\f + \fr 2:3 \ft Personally I have a hard time with this one. But it may have more to do with social level and prestige within the congregation than with personal qualities and abilities.\f*  
\v 4 \w Let|strong="G2532"\w* \w each|strong="G1538"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G1438"\w* \w look|strong="G4648"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w his|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* concerns, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G2532"\w* \w what|strong="G3588"\w* concerns \w others|strong="G2087"\w*.\f + \fr 2:4 \ft \+it Agape\+it* love is the opposite of selfishness.\f*   
\p
\v 5 \w In|strong="G1722"\w* \w fact|strong="G3778"\w*, \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* mindset \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w was|strong="G2424"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*,  
\v 6 \w who|strong="G3739"\w*, existing \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w form|strong="G3444"\w*, \w did|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w consider|strong="G2233"\w* \w equality|strong="G2470"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w a|strong="G1722"\w* \w thing|strong="G3739"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* grasped,\f + \fr 2:6 \ft Since Jehovah the Son was (and is) equally God, the point appears to be that He did not insist on hanging on to His prerogatives.\f*  
\v 7 \w but|strong="G2532"\w* divested \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w taking|strong="G2983"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w slave|strong="G1401"\w*'s \w form|strong="G3444"\w*, \w coming|strong="G1096"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w likeness|strong="G3667"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w men|strong="G1401"\w*.\f + \fr 2:7 \ft Note that to be a human being is to be a slave. We are born slaves, live slaves and die slaves. We are born slaves to self, sin and death (with Satan behind the scenes); Christ offers us the option of being slaves to God, good and life. You can't stop being a slave, but you can choose your owner.\f*  
\v 8 \w And|strong="G1161"\w* \w being|strong="G1096"\w* \w found|strong="G1096"\w* \w in|strong="G1096"\w* appearance \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* man, \w He|strong="G1161"\w* \w humbled|strong="G5013"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w*, \w becoming|strong="G1096"\w* \w obedient|strong="G5255"\w* \w to|strong="G1096"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* \w point|strong="G3360"\w* \w of|strong="G4716"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*\f + \fr 2:8 \ft Hebrews 5:8 says that Jehovah the Son “learned obedience by the things that He suffered”. He had never experienced anything like that before. So what happens to us if we have the same mindset?\f*—\w even|strong="G1161"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w* \w on|strong="G1161"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w*!  
\v 9 \w Indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w why|strong="G1352"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w highly|strong="G5251"\w* \w exalted|strong="G5251"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w gave|strong="G2532"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w above|strong="G5228"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w*,  
\v 10 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w name|strong="G3686"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \bd \+w Jesus|strong="G2424"\+w*\bd*\f + \fr 2:10 \ft Note that it is at the name of \+nd Jesus\+nd*, not Christ or even Jehovah, that every knee will bow. ‘Jesus’ is His human name—recall that in Revelation the slain Lamb (5:6,12; 7:14; 12:11) receives glory and praise along with the Father. You cannot kill God, so the Lamb is Jesus. Recall further that in John 5:22 Jesus affirmed that the Father had “committed all judgment” to Him, which means that it will be Jesus sitting on the “great white throne” (Revelation 20:11), not to mention a certain “winepress” (Revelation 19:15). Although at the moment I see no way of ‘closing the question’ (as we say here in Brazil), I verily suspect that the correct transliteration of ‘Jesus’ into Hebrew will prove to be יֵסוּס and not יֵשׁוּעַ.\f* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w knee|strong="G1119"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w bow|strong="G2578"\w*—\w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w heaven|strong="G2032"\w*,\f + \fr 2:10 \ft This presumably includes the angels, whether or not they have literal ‘knees’.\f* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G2709"\w*\f + \fr 2:10 \ft Those actually alive on the earth when this decree is imposed; I suppose it will be during the millennial Messianic Kingdom.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w under|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w earth|strong="G2709"\w*\f + \fr 2:10 \ft Since Hades is inside the earth (Matthew 12:40, Ephesians 4:9, 1 Samuel 28:13), this will presumably include the wicked dead, as well as the demons in the Abyss (at least). Just suppose that God wanted to confine evil to this planet; the logical place for a ‘prison’ would be beneath its crust.\f*—  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w tongue|strong="G1100"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* acknowledge\f + \fr 2:11 \ft The verbs ‘bow’ and ‘acknowledge’ are in the subjunctive mood in the Text, so many versions render ‘should bow’ rather than “will bow”. However, the mood of the verbs is governed by the conjunction ινα, that normally takes the subjunctive; in the context the author evidently does not intend to leave any doubt about the extent of the recognition.\f* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w is|strong="G2316"\w* \nd Sovereign\nd*, \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w*.   
\s1 Act like children of God  
\p
\v 12 \w So|strong="G2532"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* dear ones, \w just|strong="G2531"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w you|strong="G1722"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w always|strong="G3842"\w* \w obeyed|strong="G5219"\w* (\w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w only|strong="G3440"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w presence|strong="G3952"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G3568"\w* \w much|strong="G4183"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* absence), \w keep|strong="G3361"\w* \w working|strong="G2532"\w* \w out|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* \w salvation|strong="G4991"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w fear|strong="G5401"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w trembling|strong="G5156"\w*,  
\v 13 \w because|strong="G1063"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* Himself \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w One|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G1722"\w* \w work|strong="G1754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2309"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* produce,\f + \fr 2:13 \ft Paul places our responsibility and God's sovereignty side by side; we must consciously cooperate with Him.\f* \w for|strong="G1063"\w* \it His\it* \w good|strong="G2107"\w* \w pleasure|strong="G2107"\w*.   
\p
\v 14 \w Do|strong="G4160"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w without|strong="G5565"\w* \w grumbling|strong="G1112"\w* \w or|strong="G2532"\w* \w arguing|strong="G1261"\w*,\f + \fr 2:14 \ft When we grumble or argue we are rejecting the Holy Spirit's control, and the result is not purity.\f*  
\v 15 \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w become|strong="G1096"\w* blameless \w and|strong="G2532"\w* pure, \w children|strong="G5043"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w without|strong="G2532"\w* fault \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w midst|strong="G3319"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w a|strong="G1096"\w* \w crooked|strong="G4646"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* depraved \w generation|strong="G1074"\w*,\f + \fr 2:15 \ft Can there be any doubt that our generation is crooked and depraved? And it is not getting any better.\f* \w among|strong="G1722"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w shine|strong="G5316"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w light|strong="G5458"\w* bearers \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w world|strong="G2889"\w*,\f + \fr 2:15 \ft As we both live out and actively promote biblical values, the “Word of Life”, we will stand out like a bright torch at night. The darker it is, the farther any light can be seen.\f*  
\v 16 \w holding|strong="G1907"\w* \w fast|strong="G1907"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Word|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w*, \w so|strong="G1519"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G5547"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G2745"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w day|strong="G2250"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w did|strong="G3748"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w run|strong="G5143"\w* \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w vain|strong="G2756"\w* \w nor|strong="G3761"\w* \w labor|strong="G2872"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w nothing|strong="G3756"\w*.\f + \fr 2:16 \ft At the Accounting, one measure of our success will be the extent to which others bought into our commitment.\f*  
\v 17 Yes, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* libation \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w poured|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w service|strong="G3009"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w glad|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 18 \w For|strong="G1161"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G2532"\w* reason \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w glad|strong="G5463"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.   
\s1 About Timothy  
\p
\v 19 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w Timothy|strong="G5095"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w soon|strong="G5030"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w also|strong="G1161"\w* \w may|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G2443"\w* \w encouraged|strong="G2174"\w* \w when|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w how|strong="G4012"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* doing.  
\v 20 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w I|strong="G1063"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w one|strong="G3762"\w* else like-minded, \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w will|strong="G3748"\w* \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w genuinely|strong="G1104"\w* \w concerned|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G4012"\w* \w your|strong="G2192"\w* \w welfare|strong="G3588"\w*\f + \fr 2:20 \ft This statement puzzles me; wouldn't Epaphroditus qualify? Perhaps Paul had in mind a messenger who would return with news, since Epaphroditus would stay there.\f*  
\v 21 (\w for|strong="G1063"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w seek|strong="G2212"\w* \w their|strong="G1438"\w* \w own|strong="G1438"\w* interests, \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G3956"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*).\f + \fr 2:21 \ft Unfortunately, things have not changed much in 2,000 years.\f*  
\v 22 \w But|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w proof|strong="G1382"\w* \w of|strong="G3962"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w a|strong="G5613"\w* \w son|strong="G5043"\w* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w his|strong="G1519"\w* \w father|strong="G3962"\w* \w he|strong="G1161"\w* slaved\f + \fr 2:22 \ft That is what the Text says.\f* \w with|strong="G4862"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*.  
\v 23 \w Therefore|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w hope|strong="G1679"\w* \w to|strong="G1679"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w at|strong="G4012"\w* \w once|strong="G1824"\w*, \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w soon|strong="G5613"\w* \w as|strong="G5613"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* see \w how|strong="G5613"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* go \w with|strong="G4012"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 24 \w Still|strong="G2064"\w*, \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w confident|strong="G3982"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* myself \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2064"\w* \w soon|strong="G5030"\w*.\f + \fr 2:24 \ft Recall that Paul was writing from prison.\f*   
\s1 About Epaphroditus  
\p
\v 25 \w However|strong="G1161"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w considered|strong="G2233"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w necessary|strong="G5532"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w send|strong="G3992"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Epaphroditus|strong="G1891"\w*, \w my|strong="G1473"\w* brother, \w fellow|strong="G4904"\w* \w worker|strong="G4904"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4904"\w* \w soldier|strong="G4961"\w*; \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* messenger \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w minister|strong="G3011"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*;  
\v 26 \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w longing|strong="G1971"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* distressed \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w had|strong="G2532"\w* heard \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w was|strong="G1510"\w* \w sick|strong="G3956"\w*.  
\v 27 \w Well|strong="G2532"\w*, \w he|strong="G2532"\w* really \w was|strong="G3588"\w* sick, nearly \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w had|strong="G2192"\w* \w mercy|strong="G1653"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w also|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w might|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* \w sorrow|strong="G3077"\w* \w upon|strong="G1909"\w* \w sorrow|strong="G3077"\w*.  
\v 28 \w So|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w the|strong="G3767"\w* \w more|strong="G3825"\w* \w eagerly|strong="G4709"\w*, \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w upon|strong="G1510"\w* \w seeing|strong="G3708"\w* \w him|strong="G3708"\w* \w you|strong="G3708"\w* might \w have|strong="G1510"\w* \w joy|strong="G5463"\w*, \w and|strong="G3767"\w* \w I|strong="G2504"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* less anxious.  
\v 29 \w Receive|strong="G4327"\w* \w him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w great|strong="G3956"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w hold|strong="G2192"\w* \w such|strong="G5108"\w* \w men|strong="G3956"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w honor|strong="G1784"\w*,  
\v 30 \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w work|strong="G2041"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w he|strong="G3754"\w* \w came|strong="G3588"\w* \w close|strong="G1448"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*, \w not|strong="G1223"\w* \w regarding|strong="G3851"\w* \w his|strong="G1223"\w* \w life|strong="G5590"\w*,\f + \fr 2:30 \ft Right. That is the kind the Church and the world need to see.\f* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* complete \w what|strong="G3588"\w* \w was|strong="G3588"\w* \w lacking|strong="G5303"\w* \w in|strong="G1223"\w* \w your|strong="G1223"\w* \w service|strong="G3009"\w* \w toward|strong="G4314"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.   
\c 3  
\ms1 Paul's example  
\m
\v 1 \w Finally|strong="G3063"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* brothers, \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign. \w For|strong="G1161"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w write|strong="G1125"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* same \w things|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G1722"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* troublesome \w and|strong="G1161"\w* \w for|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w it|strong="G1161"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w safe|strong="G1722"\w* thing.  
\v 2 Watch out \w for|strong="G2556"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* ‘\w dogs|strong="G2965"\w*’, watch out \w for|strong="G2556"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* \w bad|strong="G2556"\w* \w workers|strong="G2040"\w*, watch out \w for|strong="G2556"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* mutilation!\f + \fr 3:2 \ft The repetition of the “watch out for” presumably indicates three distinct objects. Paul evidently considered that the three types of people constituted a threat, but how can we identify and distinguish them? “The mutilation” is explained, by contrast, in the next verse—it refers to those who insisted on physical circumcision, but without a change of heart. This was a heresy within the broader Christian community that had originated in Jerusalem. As for the “bad workers”, the adjective used is not ‘malignant’, that refers to aggressive evil. A bad worker produces work that is inferior, careless, or even sabotage, and in consequence can be damaging and dangerous. I suppose Paul is referring to people within the Christian community who are not really committed to Christ and His Kingdom. 
\fp As for the ‘dogs’, I am obliged to confess that I do not know who Paul was referring to, though the use of the definite article indicates a specific group that the Philippians would recognize. In Deuteronomy 23:18 ‘dog’ apparently refers to a male prostitute, a catamite, and is declared to be an abomination. In OT times dogs were scavengers and therefore unclean, and were generally looked down upon. In Jesus' day Jews referred to Gentiles as ‘dogs’, but since many Gentiles are in the Church (and the church in Philippi doubtless had a large Gentile contingent) that is certainly not the intended meaning here. The ‘dogs’ in Matthew 7:6 react in an aggressively hostile manner against what is holy; I take it that they are people who are overtly serving evil, and being malignant they are aggressive. I would say that Paul certainly had a copy of Matthew's Gospel, and may well be following the Lord's use. This text may be referring to that sort of person, and in that event they would be outside the congregation.\f*  
\v 3 \w For|strong="G1063"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w circumcision|strong="G4061"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* ones \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w worship|strong="G3000"\w* \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*'s \w Spirit|strong="G4151"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G2744"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w put|strong="G3982"\w* \w no|strong="G3756"\w* \w confidence|strong="G3982"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*  
\v 4 (\w though|strong="G1487"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w myself|strong="G1473"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2192"\w* basis \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w such|strong="G5100"\w* \w confidence|strong="G4006"\w*).  
\s1 \w About|strong="G1722"\w* Paul  
\p \w If|strong="G1487"\w* \w anyone|strong="G5100"\w* \w else|strong="G1487"\w* \w thinks|strong="G1380"\w* \w he|strong="G2532"\w* \w has|strong="G2192"\w* basis \w for|strong="G1722"\w* \w confidence|strong="G4006"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w flesh|strong="G4561"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w more|strong="G3123"\w*:  
\v 5 \w circumcised|strong="G4061"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w eighth|strong="G3637"\w* \w day|strong="G3637"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w nation|strong="G1085"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Israel|strong="G2474"\w*, \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w tribe|strong="G5443"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* Benjamin, \w a|strong="G1537"\w* \w Hebrew|strong="G1445"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Hebrews|strong="G1445"\w*; \w with|strong="G1537"\w* respect \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1537"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w*, \w a|strong="G1537"\w* \w Pharisee|strong="G5330"\w*;  
\v 6 \w with|strong="G1722"\w* respect \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w zeal|strong="G2205"\w*, \w persecuting|strong="G1377"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Church|strong="G1577"\w*; \w with|strong="G1722"\w* respect \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w law|strong="G3551"\w*, blameless.\f + \fr 3:6 \ft Since Paul did not choose to be born to Hebrew parents, Benjaminites, nor to be circumcised the eighth day, these were advantages of birth. The rest was his choice. He is claiming that if Judaism could save, he was saved.\f*   
\p
\v 7 \w But|strong="G3588"\w* \w such|strong="G3778"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w as|strong="G2233"\w* \w were|strong="G1510"\w* \w gain|strong="G2771"\w* \w to|strong="G3778"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w these|strong="G3778"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w considered|strong="G2233"\w* \w loss|strong="G2209"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G1223"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*.  
\v 8 Yes \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w*, \w in|strong="G2532"\w* fact \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* \w consider|strong="G2233"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2443"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w loss|strong="G2209"\w* \w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* excelling \w thing|strong="G3956"\w*, \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w knowledge|strong="G1108"\w* \w of|strong="G1223"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w my|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*\f + \fr 3:8 \ft The most important thing in this life is to know Jesus Christ as Lord. (One is reminded of the parables of the treasure and the pearl.)\f*—\w for|strong="G1223"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w sake|strong="G1223"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* already lost \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 3:8 \ft Since Paul was born a Roman citizen, his father was wealthy enough to buy that privilege. Had Paul (Saul) remained in Tarsus, he would probably have had an established social position.\f* (\w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w consider|strong="G2233"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w as|strong="G2532"\w* trash), \w so|strong="G2443"\w* \w that|strong="G2443"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w gain|strong="G2770"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*  
\v 9 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w found|strong="G2147"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w*, \w not|strong="G3361"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w as|strong="G1722"\w* \w my|strong="G1699"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Law|strong="G3551"\w* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w which|strong="G3588"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w through|strong="G1223"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w righteousness|strong="G1343"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w based|strong="G1537"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w faith|strong="G4102"\w*;  
\v 10 \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w may|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1097"\w* \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w power|strong="G1411"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* resurrection, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w sharing|strong="G2842"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w sufferings|strong="G3804"\w*,\f + \fr 3:10 \ft The power of His resurrection is something I would really like to have, but if the price is to share in His sufferings…\f* becoming like \w Him|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G2532"\w* \w death|strong="G2288"\w*,\f + \fr 3:10 \ft We cannot resurrect if we have not died.\f*  
\v 11 \w and|strong="G3498"\w* \w so|strong="G1519"\w*, \w somehow|strong="G1513"\w*,\f + \fr 3:11 \ft “And so, somehow”—this really does not sound like ‘once saved, always saved’. The writings of the Apostle Paul contain a variety of clear declarations to the effect that God is Sovereign; they equally contain a variety of clear declarations to the effect that we are responsible. In spite of having given up everything for Christ, in spite of being an Apostle, Paul is not resting on his laurels, is not taking anything for granted. He clearly recognizes his own responsibility to “press on”.\f* \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G1487"\w* \w may|strong="G1487"\w* arrive \w into|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w resurrection|strong="G1815"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w among|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w dead|strong="G3498"\w*  
\v 12 —\w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w obtained|strong="G2983"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w or|strong="G2228"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w already|strong="G2235"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* \w perfected|strong="G5048"\w*; \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w press|strong="G1377"\w* \w on|strong="G1909"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w actually|strong="G2532"\w* claim \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* claimed \w me|strong="G1909"\w*.   
\p
\v 13 Brothers, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w do|strong="G1950"\w* \w not|strong="G3768"\w* \w consider|strong="G3049"\w* \w that|strong="G1161"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* already claimed \w it|strong="G1161"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w this|strong="G1161"\w*: \w forgetting|strong="G1950"\w* \w the|strong="G1161"\w* things \w behind|strong="G3694"\w* \w and|strong="G1161"\w* straining toward \w those|strong="G1161"\w* \w ahead|strong="G1715"\w*,\f + \fr 3:13 \ft When Paul (he was still Saul) met Jesus on the road to Damascus he underwent a complete change of direction.\f*  
\v 14 \w I|strong="G1161"\w* \w press|strong="G1377"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w toward|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w goal|strong="G4649"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w prize|strong="G1017"\w*, \w the|strong="G1722"\w* upward \w call|strong="G2821"\w* \w from|strong="G2596"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*\f + \fr 3:14 \ft “The upward call from God”, that is the real prize; and the only reason the Father calls anyone is because of Jesus Christ.\f* \w because|strong="G1722"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.   
\s1 Our citizenship is in Heaven  
\p
\v 15 \w So|strong="G3767"\w* \w then|strong="G3767"\w*, \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w us|strong="G5426"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w mature|strong="G5046"\w* \w should|strong="G5100"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w this|strong="G3778"\w* mentality, \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w if|strong="G1487"\w* \w on|strong="G5426"\w* \w some|strong="G5100"\w* point \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w think|strong="G5426"\w* differently, \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* reveal \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w as|strong="G3745"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w*.\f + \fr 3:15 \ft Paul is assuming that they will be listening to the Holy Spirit.\f*  
\v 16 \w Only|strong="G4133"\w*, \w in|strong="G1519"\w* \w what|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G3588"\w* already \w attained|strong="G5348"\w*, let \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w walk|strong="G4748"\w* \w by|strong="G1519"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* rule, let \w us|strong="G1519"\w* \w be|strong="G1519"\w* \w of|strong="G3588"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w same|strong="G3739"\w* mind.\f + \fr 3:16 \ft Less than 2% of the Greek manuscripts, of objectively inferior quality, omit “let us be of the same mind” (as in NIV, NASB, LB, TEV, etc.).\f*   
\p
\v 17 Brothers, \w join|strong="G2532"\w* \w together|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* imitating \w me|strong="G1473"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w having|strong="G2192"\w* \w us|strong="G2249"\w*\f + \fr 3:17 \ft By changing from ‘me’ to ‘us’ I suppose Paul is including Timothy.\f* \w as|strong="G2531"\w* \w a|strong="G2192"\w* \w pattern|strong="G5179"\w* \w take|strong="G1096"\w* note \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w walk|strong="G4043"\w* \w in|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w same|strong="G3779"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*.\f + \fr 3:17 \ft I take this as a personal challenge—to be a pattern that others can use to distinguish between friends and enemies of the cross. Since the cross of Christ represents death to self, most people are not interested.\f*  
\v 18 \w Because|strong="G1063"\w* \w many|strong="G4183"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w walking|strong="G4043"\w* \w as|strong="G1161"\w* \w enemies|strong="G2190"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w cross|strong="G4716"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*—\w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w whom|strong="G3739"\w* \w I|strong="G3739"\w* \w told|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w often|strong="G4178"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w now|strong="G1161"\w* \w tell|strong="G3004"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G2532"\w* tears—  
\v 19 \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w end|strong="G5056"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* ruin, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w god|strong="G2316"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w stomach|strong="G2836"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w their|strong="G2532"\w* shame; \w their|strong="G2532"\w* \w mind|strong="G5426"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w only|strong="G2532"\w* \w on|strong="G1722"\w* \w earthly|strong="G1919"\w* \w things|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 3:19 \ft Apparently relativistic, humanistic materialists have been around for quite a while.\f*  
\v 20 \w But|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2424"\w* \w citizenship|strong="G4175"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Heaven|strong="G3772"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w from|strong="G1537"\w* \w there|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w we|strong="G2249"\w* eagerly await \it our\it* Deliverer,\f + \fr 3:20 \ft He will deliver us from this world scene, with emphasis upon the glorification of our bodies.\f* Sovereign \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*;  
\v 21 \w who|strong="G3739"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w transform|strong="G3345"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w our|strong="G2532"\w* \w humiliation|strong="G5014"\w*\f + \fr 3:21 \ft Although, as the Psalmist says, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), it is also the case that our physical bodies limit us, and not infrequently that limitation reaches the point of being humiliating. Personally, I am ready and waiting for my glorified body, but in the meantime, I am very happy to be able to contribute to Christ's Kingdom down here.\f* \w so|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w will|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w conformed|strong="G4832"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w body|strong="G4983"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w His|strong="G1438"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w*, \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w working|strong="G1753"\w* \w by|strong="G2596"\w* \w which|strong="G3739"\w* \w He|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w indeed|strong="G2532"\w* \w able|strong="G1410"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w subject|strong="G5293"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w Himself|strong="G1438"\w*.   
\c 4  
\m
\v 1 \w So|strong="G3779"\w* \w then|strong="G2532"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* brothers, beloved \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w longed|strong="G2532"\w* \w for|strong="G1722"\w*, \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w joy|strong="G5479"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w crown|strong="G4735"\w*, \w do|strong="G2532"\w* \w stand|strong="G4739"\w* \w fast|strong="G4739"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w this|strong="G3779"\w* \w way|strong="G3779"\w*,\f + \fr 4:1 \ft “This way” presumably refers to imitating Paul.\f* dear ones.   
\ms1 Concluding considerations  
\s1 To individuals  
\p
\v 2 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w urge|strong="G3870"\w* \w Euodia|strong="G2136"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w urge|strong="G3870"\w* \w Syntyche|strong="G4941"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w come|strong="G2532"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* agreement \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w*.  
\v 3 \w Yes|strong="G3483"\w*, \w I|strong="G1473"\w* urge \w you|strong="G4771"\w* \w too|strong="G2532"\w*, genuine \w yokefellow|strong="G4805"\w*,\f + \fr 4:3 \ft We have here a common word for ‘yokefellow’, and although the context seems to ask for a proper name we don't know of any examples elsewhere of such use. Referring back to 2:25, the description of Epaphroditus makes him a good candidate. He is carrying this letter, and being from Philippi he would be familiar with the facts in the case.\f* \w help|strong="G4815"\w* \w these|strong="G3739"\w* \w women|strong="G3062"\w* \w who|strong="G3739"\w* labored \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w Clement|strong="G2815"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w rest|strong="G3062"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w fellow|strong="G4904"\w* \w workers|strong="G4904"\w*, \w whose|strong="G3739"\w* \w names|strong="G3686"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Book|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* \w Life|strong="G2222"\w*.\f + \fr 4:3 \ft The “Book of Life” is \+nd the\+nd* place to have your name.\f*   
\s1 Filling the mind with good things  
\p
\v 4 \w Rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* Sovereign \w always|strong="G3842"\w*; \w again|strong="G3825"\w* \w I|strong="G3004"\w* \w say|strong="G3004"\w*, \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w*!  
\v 5 \w Let|strong="G1097"\w* \w your|strong="G2962"\w* forbearing \w spirit|strong="G3588"\w* \w be|strong="G3956"\w* evident \w to|strong="G3956"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w*; \w the|strong="G3956"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w near|strong="G1451"\w*.  
\v 6 \w Do|strong="G2532"\w* \w not|strong="G3367"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w anxious|strong="G3309"\w* \w about|strong="G1722"\w* \w anything|strong="G3367"\w*,\f + \fr 4:6 \ft Do not be a worrywart.\f* \w but|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w*, \w by|strong="G1722"\w* \w prayer|strong="G4335"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w petition|strong="G1162"\w* \w along|strong="G2532"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w thanksgiving|strong="G2169"\w*,\f + \fr 4:6 \ft We need to be careful not to forget the thanksgiving when we pray. Remember past blessings.\f* \w let|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w requests|strong="G1162"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w made|strong="G1107"\w* \w known|strong="G1107"\w* \w to|strong="G4314"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*;  
\v 7 \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*, \w that|strong="G3588"\w* \w surpasses|strong="G5242"\w* \w all|strong="G3956"\w* \w understanding|strong="G3563"\w*, \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w guard|strong="G5432"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w hearts|strong="G2588"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w your|strong="G2532"\w* \w minds|strong="G3540"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 4:7 \ft This is the greatest protection on the market.\f*   
\p
\v 8 \w Finally|strong="G3063"\w*, brothers, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w true|strong="G3588"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w honorable|strong="G4586"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w just|strong="G1342"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* pure, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* \w lovely|strong="G4375"\w*, \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w are|strong="G1510"\w* commendable—\w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* \w of|strong="G2532"\w* excellent character \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w whatever|strong="G3745"\w* \w is|strong="G1510"\w* praiseworthy—ponder \nd \+w such|strong="G3778"\+w*\nd* \w things|strong="G3778"\w*.\f + \fr 4:8 \ft Is this list the sort of thing you will find on television or the Internet? We need to remember Psalm 101:3, “I will set nothing wicked before my eyes”.\f*  
\v 9 \w Put|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w practice|strong="G4238"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w things|strong="G3778"\w* \w that|strong="G3739"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w learned|strong="G3129"\w*, \w received|strong="G3880"\w*, heard \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w saw|strong="G3708"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*,\f + \fr 4:9 \ft Paul is forthright in offering himself as an example, which is a challenge to us to live in such a way that we can do the same. He even guarantees the blessing of “the God of peace”.\f* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w peace|strong="G1515"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.   
\s1 Thanks for material support  
\p
\v 10 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w rejoice|strong="G5463"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Lord|strong="G2962"\w* \w greatly|strong="G3171"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* renewed \w your|strong="G2962"\w* \w concern|strong="G5426"\w* \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w once|strong="G4218"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*; \w of|strong="G2532"\w* course \w you|strong="G3739"\w* \w were|strong="G3588"\w* \w concerned|strong="G5426"\w*, \w just|strong="G2532"\w* lacked \w the|strong="G1722"\w* opportunity.  
\v 11 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w am|strong="G1510"\w* \w not|strong="G3756"\w* \w saying|strong="G3004"\w* \w this|strong="G3739"\w* \w because|strong="G3754"\w* \w of|strong="G1722"\w* \w lack|strong="G3756"\w*, \w since|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w learned|strong="G3129"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w be|strong="G1510"\w* content \w whatever|strong="G3739"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w circumstances|strong="G1722"\w*.  
\v 12 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* restricted, \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w what|strong="G2532"\w* \w it|strong="G2532"\w* \w is|strong="G3956"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w abundance|strong="G4052"\w*; everywhere \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w way|strong="G1722"\w* \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w been|strong="G2532"\w* initiated \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w fed|strong="G5526"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w being|strong="G2532"\w* \w hungry|strong="G3983"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* plenty \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w into|strong="G1722"\w* \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w need|strong="G5302"\w*.  
\v 13 \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w can|strong="G2480"\w* handle \w anything|strong="G3956"\w*\f + \fr 4:13 \ft In the context Paul is not claiming to be all-powerful (‘I can do all things’), but God's grace is sufficient for meeting whatever comes his way.\f* \w through|strong="G1722"\w* Christ \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w strengthens|strong="G1743"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w*.  
\v 14 \w Nevertheless|strong="G4133"\w* \w you|strong="G4160"\w* \w have|strong="G1473"\w* \w done|strong="G4160"\w* \w well|strong="G2573"\w* \w in|strong="G4160"\w* sharing \w with|strong="G4160"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G4160"\w* \w my|strong="G1473"\w* trial.   
\p
\v 15 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w Philippians|strong="G5374"\w* \w know|strong="G1492"\w* \w very|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* beginning \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w Gospel|strong="G2098"\w*,\f + \fr 4:15 \ft I suppose he means the beginning for them.\f* \w when|strong="G3753"\w* \w I|strong="G1473"\w* \w left|strong="G1831"\w* \w Macedonia|strong="G3109"\w*, \w no|strong="G3762"\w* \w congregation|strong="G1577"\w* \w shared|strong="G2841"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w the|strong="G1722"\w* \w matter|strong="G3056"\w* \w of|strong="G3056"\w* \w giving|strong="G1394"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w receiving|strong="G3028"\w* \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w only|strong="G3441"\w*.  
\v 16 Yes, \w even|strong="G2532"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Thessalonica|strong="G2332"\w*, \w both|strong="G2532"\w* once \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w again|strong="G2532"\w*, \w you|strong="G3754"\w* \w sent|strong="G3992"\w* aid \w for|strong="G3754"\w* \w my|strong="G1722"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w*.  
\v 17 \w Not|strong="G3756"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w want|strong="G1934"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w gift|strong="G1390"\w*, \w but|strong="G3588"\w* \w I|strong="G3754"\w* \w want|strong="G1934"\w* \w the|strong="G1519"\w* \w fruit|strong="G2590"\w* \w that|strong="G3754"\w* \w is|strong="G3588"\w* \w being|strong="G4771"\w* added \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w your|strong="G3588"\w* \w account|strong="G3056"\w*.\f + \fr 4:17 \ft When we die we cannot take any money or material goods with us, but we can send it on ahead, investing in Christ's Kingdom.\f*  
\v 18 \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w everything|strong="G3956"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w have|strong="G2532"\w* plenty; \w I|strong="G2532"\w* \w am|strong="G2532"\w* \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w supplied|strong="G4137"\w*, \w having|strong="G2532"\w* \w received|strong="G1209"\w* \w from|strong="G3844"\w* \w Epaphroditus|strong="G1891"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w things|strong="G3956"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w sent|strong="G2316"\w*, \w a|strong="G2532"\w* \w fragrant|strong="G2175"\w* \w aroma|strong="G3744"\w*, \w an|strong="G2532"\w* \w acceptable|strong="G2101"\w* \w sacrifice|strong="G2378"\w*, \w well|strong="G2532"\w* \w pleasing|strong="G2101"\w* \w to|strong="G2532"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w*.  
\v 19 \w My|strong="G1722"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w will|strong="G2316"\w* \w supply|strong="G4137"\w* \w every|strong="G3956"\w* \w need|strong="G5532"\w* \w of|strong="G2316"\w* \w yours|strong="G4771"\w* \w according|strong="G2596"\w* \w to|strong="G2596"\w* \w His|strong="G3956"\w* \w riches|strong="G4149"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*.\f + \fr 4:19 \ft 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 explains how God's economy works.\f*   
\p
\v 20 \w Now|strong="G1161"\w* \w to|strong="G1519"\w* \w our|strong="G2316"\w* \w God|strong="G2316"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w Father|strong="G3962"\w* \w be|strong="G2532"\w* \w the|strong="G2532"\w* \w glory|strong="G1391"\w* \w for|strong="G1519"\w* \w ever|strong="G1519"\w* \w and|strong="G2532"\w* \w ever|strong="G1519"\w*. Amen.   
\s1 Sign-off  
\p
\v 21 Greet \w every|strong="G3956"\w* saint \w in|strong="G1722"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w* \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w*. \w The|strong="G1722"\w* brothers \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G1722"\w* \w me|strong="G1473"\w* greet \w you|strong="G5210"\w*.  
\v 22 \w All|strong="G3956"\w* \w the|strong="G3956"\w* saints greet \w you|strong="G5210"\w*, \w but|strong="G1161"\w* \w especially|strong="G3122"\w* \w those|strong="G3588"\w* \w who|strong="G3588"\w* \w are|strong="G3588"\w* \w of|strong="G1537"\w* \w Caesar|strong="G2541"\w*'s \w household|strong="G3614"\w*.   
\p
\v 23 \w The|strong="G3588"\w* \w grace|strong="G5485"\w* \w of|strong="G4151"\w* \w the|strong="G3588"\w* Sovereign, \w Jesus|strong="G2424"\w* \w Christ|strong="G5547"\w*, \w be|strong="G3588"\w* \w with|strong="G3326"\w* \w you|strong="G5210"\w* \w all|strong="G3588"\w*.\f + \fr 4:23 \ft Instead of “you all”, some 9% of the Greek manuscripts have ‘your spirit’ (as in NIV, NASB, LB, etc.).\f* Amen.