Philippians 1:9-10

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:9

By praying Paul acknowledged the importance of asking God to work (cf. James 4:2). We may not be able to explain fully why God has ordained prayer as a vehicle whereby He works in the world or how prayer works. Nevertheless Scripture is unmistakably clear that prayer does effect objective change. [Note: See John Munro, "Prayer to a Sovereign God," Interest 56:2 (February 1990):20-21, and Thomas L. Constable, "What Prayer Will and Will Not Change," in Essays in Honor of J. Dwight Pentecost, pp.... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:9-11

B. Prayer 1:9-11Paul had already written that he prayed for the Philippians (Philippians 1:3-4). Now he explained what he prayed so his readers would know specifically what the apostle was asking God to do for them. In response to God’s working in them (Philippians 1:6) it was imperative that they continue to grow in the virtues identified here, specifically, intelligent and discerning love. Note the balance of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in this pericope. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 1:10

Possessing this kind of abounding love would enable the Philippians to give approval to things of the greatest value and importance. Conversely they would disapprove things of lesser significance. Most of the choices that a spiritual believer faces are not between morally good and morally evil things but between things of lesser and greater value. The things that we choose because we love them reflect how discerning our love really is.The ultimate end in view emerges in the second part of this... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - Philippians 1:9

1:9 abound (h-9) It is a question how far the abounding applies to the love itself; or, supposing the love, that it should grow in these qualities. It is, I think, determined to be the latter by Ephesians 1:8 . It means 'grow in these,' yet love that would grow in them. read more

John Dummelow

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

The Prisoner Apostle in Rome§ 1. Address and Salutation (Philippians 1:1-2).Philippians 1:1, Philippians 1:2. The form of greeting in Philippians 1:1-2 is that common to the Epistles of the third group.1. To all the saints] holy persons—consecrated to God as all Christian believers are. This and similar emphatic expressions (in Philippians 1:3-4, Philippians 1:7-8, Philippians 1:25, chapter Philippians 4:2) show that the entire Church, despite differences between its members (Philippians 2:2-3;... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:2-26

[2.Statement of St. Paul’s condition at Rome (Philippians 1:12-26).(1) THE RAPID PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL through his bonds, and through the preaching of others, whether in strife or in goodwill (Philippians 1:12-18).(2)HIS REJOICING THEREAT; his desire to depart and be with Christ, and his confidence, nevertheless, that he will abide in the flesh and see them again (Philippians 1:19-26).](12-18) In these verses St. Paul, evidently anxious that the Philippians should not “faint at his... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:9

(9) That your love may abound more and more in knowledge.—The original verb here signifies to “overflow,” a sense which our word “abound” properly has, but has in general usage partially lost; and St. Paul’s meaning clearly is that love shall not only primarily fill the heart, but “overflow” in secondary influence on the spiritual understanding. (1) The “knowledge” here spoken of is the knowledge gradually rising to perfection, so constantly alluded to in these Epistles. (See Ephesians 1:17,... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:9-11

(9, 10) If we study carefully the opening thanksgivings and prayers of St. Paul’s Epistles, we may note that he always thanks God for what is strong in the Church to which he writes, and prays God for the supply of that in which it is weak. Here he thanks God for the characteristic enthusiasm and large-heartedness of the Philippians; he prays for their advance in knowledge, perception, judgment—the more intellectual and thoughtful side of the Christian character—in which they, and perhaps the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Philippians 1:10

(10) That ye may be sincere and without offence.—This St. Paul contemplates as the result of thoughtful and discriminating judgment. The word “sincere” (used only here and in 2 Peter 1:3), and the corresponding substantive, “sincerity” (1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:17), although there is some uncertainty as to their derivation, undoubtedly signify purity tested and found clear of all base admixtures. The word “without offence” is used in Acts 24:16 (“a conscience void... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Philippians 1:1-30

The Epistle to the Philippians The Saints of God (for All Saints' Eve) Philippians 1:1 To-morrow is the day of All Saints. For quite a thousand years the churches of the West have given the first of November to this great commemoration, illuminating the declining and darkening year with the spiritual splendour of the thought of these exalted multitudes who have outsoared our shadows into the light of God. For it is with the holy ones departed that the festival, beyond a doubt, was primarily... read more

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