Philippians (written)

Sunday, 11 December 2016

…and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Philippians 1:14

The words of this verse (which follow after the KJV) are incorrectly translated. It would be a redundancy to say “brethren in the Lord.” If one is a brother, he is in the Lord. The words “brethren” and “in the Lord” are never connected in the Bible in this way. Instead, the words “in the Lord” should be connected to the word “confident.” This follows along with the same connection as is found in Galatians 5:10, 2 Philippians 2:24, and 2 Thessalonians 3:4. Therefore, this verse should be translated as is found in the Berean Study Bible –

“And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.”

As you can see, the translation makes sense, and it avoids what would otherwise be a theological error. Further, the words “in the Lord” are in the emphatic position in the Greek. Therefore, the idea is that “most of the brethren” have a renewed confidence IN THE LORD because of Paul’s chains. From this confidence, they are now “more bold to speak the word without fear.”

This is a normal attitude which is often seen among people. If there is a call to arms in a nation, people may be reticent to get up and respond. But if Renny Ready-to-Go jumps to his feet and says, “I stand with freedom!” then suddenly others will be emboldened to rise and join the call as well. Likewise, if there is a need to accomplish a special task in the bad side of town, the church may make the call for volunteers. But until Phil Faithful stands up and says, “I’ll go down there! The Lord will prevail!” the people may be timid and reticent to respond. However, in his bold stand, others will quickly join in to help.

This is what is being described by Paul here. The Lord used his chains to spur on the brothers. They were emboldened in Him through the use of Paul’s circumstances and his faithful proclamation despite them.

Life application: When a call is made for something to be accomplished, don’t be afraid to be the first to stand and accept the challenge. Your willingness to rise to the challenge may be just what is needed to spur others on to meeting the need.

Heavenly Father, there are many needs to be filled in our churches, but normally only a small percentage of the people actually participate in meeting those needs. The sidelines are safe and comfortable, but staying there doesn’t help out anyone or anything. As followers of Christ Jesus, help us to be bold and willing to meet the needs which arise. Help us to be faithful stewards of the time and resources You have given to us. Amen.

Saturday, 10 December 2016

…so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; Philippians 1:13

The reading of this verse is disputed, but the overall sense is still available. Several translations will help us to see this –

• As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. NIV

• For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. NLT

• So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; KJV
• so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to the other places — all, YLT

As you can see, the KJV says “bonds in Christ.” The YLT says “bonds have become manifest in Christ.” The latter is correct. The spacing in the Greek is too far apart to tie “bonds” in with “Christ.” It undermines the intent of what Paul is saying. The NIV takes those same words and paraphrases them for the sake of clarity. As far as “the whole palace guard,” the words are translated by the KJV as “palace” and “praetorium” by the YLT. “Palace” is not correct. “Praetorium” is a literal rendering of the Greek, but it doesn’t explain what is the case for us to understand. The term “palace guard” does.

Vincent’s Word Studies gives a long and detailed explanation of the meaning, but for brevity’s sake, the Pulpit Commentary gives a shorter, but less detailed explanation –

“…literally, in the whole praetorium, The word elsewhere means a governor’s house: Pilate’s house in the Gospels, Herod’s palace in Acts 23:35. But at Rome the name so used would give unnecessary offense, and there is no proof that it was ever used for the palatium there. St. Paul must have heard it constantly as the name of the Praetorian regiment; he was kept chained to a soldier of that corps (Acts 28:16); and as his guard was continually relieved, his name and sufferings for Christ would become gradually known throughout the force.”

The substance of this verse can be summed up with the thought that Paul was handed over to the palace guard along with many other prisoners, as was (and still is today) a common thing. When he arrived, he was just another offender along with all the others. But afterwards, the palace guard began to realize that he was different, and his imprisonment was not for an offense against Rome, but it was because of His witness for Christ. Eventually, as the guards rotated their assigned duties of taking charge of Paul, they all came to know and understand his position.

From there, the word had spread “to all the rest.” The talk of this particular prisoner went beyond the guards, and the gospel message spread because of Paul’s imprisonment. His chains had thus “been made manifest” in Christ, or as the NKJV reads, the fact “has become evident.” Good news had spread from dire circumstances.

Life application: Reading a single version of the Bible is fine, but to understand what is actually the true rendering of any given passage takes hard work, studying Hebrew and Greek scholar’s writings, and knowing the Bible more than just superficially. The more one reads, the more various accounts will tie together to form a picture of what is being transmitted in any given passage.

Lord God, many have gone before us proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, and having suffered for that proclamation. And yet, in many instances, it has been their trials, imprisonments, and even deaths which have made the message grow and flourish. Should we face such evil times in our generation, help us to be strong and steadfast in our willingness to proclaim this beautiful message. Why should we be silent about the most wonderful thing that has ever happened? May we tell of our precious Lord and what He has done for us – bravely and boldly! Amen.

Friday, 9 December 2016

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, Philippians 1:12

A conjunction is introduced here which can be translated as “but,” “and,” “now,” or even “moreover.” Paul is tying this verse in with what he said in verse 7. There he noted his chains and also his “defense and confirmation of the gospel.” It was a note that he was bound and imprisoned because of his proclamation. It would seem that this would hinder his efforts. However, the exact opposite was true.

He says, “But I want you to know, brethren…” He will impart news to them which will bolster their own faith and show that the divine hand of God is with them in their efforts. The word, “brethren” is given to show that they are one united force. Regardless of their circumstances, their efforts were directed towards the same good end. From this note of unity, he then tells them “that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”

As noted, his bonds have brought about exactly the outcome that one would expect. Instead of the transmission of the gospel being hampered, it was being furthered. This is seen in Paul’s selection of terminology. The word translated as “furtherance” here is prokopé. It is an unusual word which is used only by Paul. He uses it here, again in verse 1:25, and then in 1 Timothy 4:15. It comes from two words – pró, meaning “in front of,” and kóptō, which indicates “cut” or “chop down.” The sense is one of people who are designated to go before an army, cutting down trees in order to continue their march unabated. It can also pertain to pioneers who clear away trees as they move forward in order to settle the land.

Paul’s chains had actually gone forth in this manner, chopping down any resistance to the gospel. What this shows is that those who saw him and heard his words were convinced that the chains were on a man who was otherwise freer than those who had no chains. His physical person may have been bound, but there was a freedom in him that all around him desired to possess. This is the same type of thought that was expressed by Paul when he stood before King Agrippa in Acts 26 –

Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”
²⁵ But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. ²⁶ For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
²⁸ Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
²⁹ And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.”
³⁰ When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; ³¹ and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
³² Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Acts 26:24-32

Life application: If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. No earthly bonds can hinder the spirit of a person who has been freed by Christ Jesus. The chains a believer may bear on his physical body can be used to present a freedom that no one around him could actually imagine.

Lord God, no matter what our station in life, if we have Christ, we have a freedom which cannot hold back our spirits. Help us to use our circumstances, whatever they are, to share with others the hope that we possess. Surely the message of Jesus is one that goes before us, clearing out the obstacles which would otherwise stand in the way. And so, Lord, give us the boldness to simply speak it out. The message will have its intended effect if we will simply open our mouths and speak. Give us this heart and desire. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Thursday, 8 December 2016

…being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11

The context needs to be given in order to follow what Paul now says –

“…that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

He asks us to “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” He then explains that thought. The words translated here as “being filled” are better translated as “having been filled.” It is a participle in the perfect tense. In other words, it is done; we have been filled. And the filling was with “the fruits of righteousness.” Again, there is disagreement as to whether the word should be “fruit” or “fruits.” The Old Testament speaks of the fruit in the singular in verses such as this one from Proverbs –

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who wins souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

It is also singular in Amos 6:12. In the New Testament, the “fruit of righteousness” is mentioned in James 3:18 and in this verse from Hebrews 12 –

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11

Thus, it is more than probable that the correct rendering of this verse is also singular. Regardless of this, the filling with the fruit of righteousness is not ongoing until the day of Christ. Instead, we have been filled with the fruit of righteousness (meaning it was imputed to us upon belief in Christ), and that will sustain us until the day of Christ. It is already available to us and it is up to us to tap that source and act upon it.

And this filling with the fruit of righteousness is “to the praise of God.” He so filled us with the righteousness of Christ so that He might be glorified in us and through us. In the Bible, fruit is the outcome of something. Christ’s work confirmed His righteousness and thus it is symbolized by fruit – the end result of what He accomplished. In our receiving Him, we are granted that outcome as if we had ourselves accomplished it. This is what is called “imputation.” God imputed Christ’s righteousness to us, having filled us with this fruit. Now we are asked to demonstrate that by being “sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”

Life application: Proper theology comes at a cost of time and effort. We don’t just get it by an external infusion of the Holy Spirit. That is a cheap and easy way of looking at doctrine, but it is wrong. It says, “I will rely on the Holy Spirit to form me while I do all the other things in life that I want to do.” Sorry… it just doesn’t work that way. The Bible tells us to study to show ourselves approved. Get to work.

Glorious God, Your word puts it on us to learn proper doctrine, and that involves hard work and study. How sad it is that so many Christians feel that all they need is an external infusion of the Holy Spirit in order for them to know what You expect of them. When You admonish us to study in order to show ourselves approved, it is because the onus is on us. Help each of us to be responsible, faithful servants of Yours. Be with us as we seek out Your word and then rightly apply it to our lives. Doctrine may be hard work, but the benefits are heavenly. Instill in us a hunger for right doctrine. Amen.

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

…that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,  Philippians 1:10

For a clearer picture of what is being conveyed, this should be taken together with the preceding verse –

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ…”

The abounding of love “in knowledge and all discernment” is so that the believer “may approve the things that are excellent.” It is with a view to testing and trying through the knowledge and discernment we possess, that we will then approve and hold fast to that which is excellent. The word for “approve” is one which gives the idea of testing metals for their purity. This is how we are to look for that which is excellent – testing that which is good, and then testing that which is even better. We are to compare all things in order to hold fast to the very highest purity of doctrine and conduct. Jamieson-Faucett-Brown says, “Ask as to things, not merely, ‘Is there no harm, but is there any good, and which is the best?’”

In so doing, we will “be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” The word translated as “sincere” here is a rare one, found only here and in 2 Peter 3:1. It is eilikrinés, and it is evident from the two words that it comes from what it means.  The first part comes from heilé, the sun’s ray, and the second half comes from krinó, to judge. And so, it means “that which is judged in sunshine,” and thus, “that which is clear and fully viewable.” There are no clouds to obscure the sun’s rays, there are no trees in the way to darken the view. Rather, there is only brightness which allows us first to rightly discern, and then to fully shine forth without hiding anything. Translating this word as “sincere” is appropriate because “sincere” comes from the root meaning of “without wax.” It is reflective of honey which is pure and perfectly clear.

This is what we are to be. There should be no hint of unsound doctrine in our lives, and there should be only the most noble of conduct in how we act. In this, we will then also be “without offense.” When something is hidden and later exposed, offense will result. When doctrine is tainted and impure, offense will result. These things should not be at any time in our lives, even “till the day of Christ.” From the moment we come to Christ, until the day He comes for us, we are to continuously search out and test all things, approving only that which is excellent, and then applying it to our life and doctrine.

Life application: One cannot fulfill the exhortation in this verse if they do not seek out the directions for it to come about from the pages of Scripture. Do we think that we can walk perfectly apart from what God expects of us? Read your Bible!

Lord God, Your word exhorts us to seek out what is good, to test it, and to only apply to our life, our conduct, and our doctrine that which is the most excellent of all. Our lives should be so beautifully in line with Your will, that we can be judged by others in the full light of the sun. And when they inspect us, we should be a pure as the purest of honey which has no wax at all. Instead, when we are looked at, the purity that we possess should be as the sweetest of all of the bees’ labors – pleasing and delightful to those around us, and especially to You. Help us to be this way. To Your glory we pray. Amen.