The Strand Study Bible

Written From Rome During Paul’s First Roman Imprisonment

1982

PHILIPPIANS 1:27 - 2 :12

27 Only let your 1 conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict 2 which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. Philippians 2 Paul’s challenge - To be CHRIST -minded Date Written - c. AD 63 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be 3 likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 4 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; 5 but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 5 Look not every man on his own things, 6 but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let 7 this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 8 WHO , being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: The self-limitation of CHRIST 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a 9 SERVANT , and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, 10 HE humbled himself, and became 11 obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted 12 HIM , and given him a name which is above every name: The promise of a Kingdom where 10 That at the name of Jesus 13 every knee 14 should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; P 11 13 And that 15 every tongue should confess that 16 JESUS CHRIST is LORD , to the glory of God the Father. P Let others see (work out) the salvation that is in you 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. CHRIST will rule (Fulfilled - Rev 20:4,6)

1. or, “behavior” 2. Acts 16:12,19-24 & I Thess 2:2 3. Rom 12:16 & II Cor 13:11 & Phil 4:2 4. Gal 5:26 5. Rom 12:10 6. I Cor 10:24 & 13:5 & Rom 15:1-3 7. Mt 11:29 & I Cor 2:16 & I Pet 4:1 8. Jn 5:17,18 & 10:30-33 9. Isa 42:1 & 52:13 & Zech 3:8 10. Psa 22 11. Isa 50:5 & Rom 5:19 & Heb 5:8 12. Psa 110:1-5 & Isa 52:13 & Acts 2:33 & Eph 1:20- 21 & Heb 2:9 13. Fulfilled- Rev 20:4,6 (Christ’s Kingdom) 14. Isa 45:22-23 15. Rom 14:11 16. I Cor 12:3 & Jn 20:28

1:27a This word ( conversation ) is the Greek word SοOLτHXHσθH ( politeuesthe ) and means “ citizenship; the condition or life of a citizen .” Politeuesthe signifies, metaphorically, “ conduct characteristic of heavenly citizenship ” (Phil 3:20). Paul goes on to reminds us here in Philippians 1:27 that our conduct (behavior) ought to “reflect” ( becometh ) Christ. Ever hear the statement, “His attitude is so unbecoming ” or “Her clothes do not become her.” According to the Bible, Christian behavior in Scripture is likened to garments (Titus 2:10). There are some things we are told to “put off” (Colo 3:8-10) and some things we are told to “put on” (Colo 3:12-14). Question: Do your spiritual garments “become” you? Our manner of life either helps or hinders the Gospel. Is the truth of God’s Word attractive to others because of your behavior as a believer or is it abhorrent (repulsive)? 1:27b The church at Philippi owed its very existence to Paul (Acts 16:10-40). Thus, they would have been indebted to him greatly and therefore in danger of leaning on him instead of the One who saved them. If they depended upon him and not Christ, then their Christian experience was borrowed instead of possessed. Paul wanted the Philippian Christians to stand for Christ whether he was present or not ( or else be absent ). Question: Do you stand on your own as a believer, or do you need another believer to help you make it? 1:29 According to John 6:44 & 12:32, it is God who draws us to Himself. Even the repentance we offer is a “gift” from God (Acts 5:29-31 & 11:17-18 and II Tim 2:24-25). 2:1 If we, as believers, are to become like-minded (vs 2), then we going to have to focus our attention on the four “ifs:” 1. If there be therefore any consolation in Christ This word ( consolation ) is the Greek word SDUDNOKσL9 ( paraklesis ) and means “ to call (kaleo) near (para); to call to one’s side .” It is the same word translated “advocate” (lawyer; intercessor) in I John 2:1. What Paul is saying here is, as believers, if we are going to work together for the glory of God, then we are going to have to support each other, like Jesus supports us (Jn 17:18- 21), instead of suing each other (I Cor 6:1-8). Why? Because we all have the same Lawyer (Jesus – Zech 3:1-5). 2. If any comfort of love This word ( comfort ) is the Greek word SDUDPXθLοQ ( paramuthion ) and means “ to speak (muthos) near (para), i.e., near speaking; to speak tenderly to another .” What Paul is saying here is, as believers, if we are going to work together for the glory of God, then we are going to have to love each other, like Jesus loves us (Eph 5:25), instead of hating each other (Rom 12:9-10). Why? Because we all have the same Lover (Jesus – Jn 13:34-35).