E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philippians 1:9
pray . App-134 . that. Greek. hina. Generally denoting a purpose, but here only the subject of the prayer. love. App-136 . knowledge . App-132 . judgment. App-177 . read more
pray . App-134 . that. Greek. hina. Generally denoting a purpose, but here only the subject of the prayer. love. App-136 . knowledge . App-132 . judgment. App-177 . read more
That ye may, &c. = To ( App-104 .) your proving, or trying. are excellent = differ. We are to test the things, and having found them to differ, most not join them together, but rightly divide them (2 Timothy 2:15 ). sincere. Greek. eilikrines. Only here and 2 Peter 3:1 . Compare 1 Corinthians 5:8 . without offence. Greek. aproskopos. See Acts 24:16 . till. App-104 . day of Christ . The some expression in Philippians 2:16 . Compare Philippians 1:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:8 ; 1Co 5:5 ., 2... read more
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
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
Philippians 1:9. In knowledge, and in all judgment;— The former of these is explained of speculative, the latter of practical knowledge; but the difference between the ideas suggested by the original would be much better preserved, by rendering the last word αισθησει, perception, or discernment. He wishes that they might not only know the principles which recommend candour and benevolence, but feel their influence on their hearts; which daily experience and observation shew, in some great... read more
Philippians 1:10. That ye may approve, &c.— So as to prove things which differ:—"To prove by experience, and know by trial, how incomparably excellent the Christian character is beyond any other; (see 1 Thessalonians 5:21.) that you may be found not only sincere and cordial, but altogether inoffensive through the whole of your Christian course, even until the great day of Christ." The word rendered without offence, is of doubtful signification. Sometimes it implies, "The not giving offence... read more
9. The subject of his prayer for them (Philippians 1:4). your love—to Christ, producing love not only to Paul, Christ's minister, as it did, but also to one another, which it did not altogether as much as it ought (Philippians 2:2; Philippians 4:2). knowledge—of doctrinal and practical truth. judgment—rather, "perception"; "perceptive sense." Spiritual perceptiveness: spiritual sight, spiritual hearing, spiritual feeling, spiritual taste. Christianity is a vigorous plant, not the hotbed growth... read more
10. Literally, "With a view to your proving (and so approving and embracing) the things that excel" ( :-); not merely things not bad, but the things best among those that are good; the things of more advanced excellence. Ask as to things, not merely, Is there no harm, but is there any good, and which is the best? sincere—from a Greek root. Examined in the sunlight and found pure. without offence—not stumbling; running the Christian race without falling through any stumbling-block, that is,... read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philippians 1:1-11
1:1-26 PAUL’S EXPERIENCES DURING IMPRISONMENTA prayer for the Philippians (1:1-11)In greeting the church, Paul mentions in particular the church leaders, as these had probably been responsible for arranging the collection of gifts sent to him (1:1-2). He is thankful not only for the present gift, but for the many gifts they have sent him, from his first visit to their city to his current imprisonment. Through their prayers and gifts they have been true partners with him in spreading the gospel... read more