larger sense of sympathetic codperation, yet it is no doubt colored by the other idea, in view of the Philippians’ pecuniary contributions to Paul. See ch. iv. 10, 15, 16.
In the Gospel (els Td evayyérov). Lit., wnto the Gospel : Rev., in furtherance of.
6. Being confident (zeroes). With a slightly causative force: since I am conjident.
Hath begun—will perform (evap&dpevos—ériterécer). The two words occur together, 2 Cor. viii. 6; Gal. iii. 3. Both were used of religious ceremonials. So Euripides: “But come! Bring up the sacrificial meal-basket ” (eEdpyou kava); that is, begin the offering by taking the barley-meal from the basket (“Iphigenia in Aulis,” 485). Some-find the sacrificial meta- phor here, and compare ch. ii. 17, see note. Perform, better as Rev., perfect. Perform, in its older and literal sense of carrying through (per) or conswmmating would express the idea ; but popular usage has identified it with do.
7. Even as (xa3es). The reason for being confident (ver. 6). Defence (dzrodoyia). See on 1 Pet. iii. 15.
Confirmation (SeS8aice). Only here and Heb. vi. 16. The kindred verb BeBaidw to confirm, occurs frequently, as Rom. xv. 8; 1 Cor. i. 8, ete.
Partakers of my grace (cuyxowwvots pod Ths xaptTos). Better, as Rev., partakers with me of grace. Lit., the grace, either the divine endowment which enabled them both to suffer bonds, and to defend and establish the Gospel, or the loving favor of God, which confers suffering and activity alike as a boon. The two may be combined. Compare ver. 29.
8. In the bowels of Jesus Christ (év oddyyvous Xpiotod Incov). Rev., better, in the tender mercies. Describing his longing, not as his individual emotion, but as Christ’s longing, as if the very heart of Christ dwelt in him. “In Paul not Paul lives, but Jesus Christ” (Bengel). With tender mercies compare reins, Apoc. ii. 28, note.
Vox, IlI.—27
418 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. I.
9, Judgment (aicSjces). Only here in the New Testa- ment. Rev., better, discernment: sensitive moral perception. Used of the senses, as Xenophon: “ perception of things sweet or pungent” (“ Memorabilia,” i. 4, 5). Of hearing: “It is pos- sible to go so far away as not to afford a hearing » (« Anabasis,” iv., 6, 18). The senses are called aicIjoes. See Plato, “Theaetetus,” 156. Plato uses it of wzsions of the gods (“ Phaedo,” 111). Compare aioIntnpia senses, Heb. v. 14. Discernment selects, classifies, and applies what is furnished by knowledge.
10. Approve (Soxudfew). Sanction on test. See on 1 Pet. iba
Things which are excellent (ra Siadépovra). Unnecessary difficulty has been made in the explanation of this phrase. Love displays itself in knowledge and discernment. In propor- tion as it abounds it sharpens the moral perceptions for the discernment of what is best. The passage is on the line of 1 Cor. xii. 31, “Covet earnestly the best gifts,” and the “more excellent way ” to attain these gifts is love (ch. xiii). See on Rom. ii. 18, where the same phrase occurs, but with a different meaning. Some explain things which are morally different.
Sincere (eiAvpuvels). See on pure, 2 Pet. ii. 1.
Without offence (admpockoro). See on Acts xxiv. 16. It may be explained, not stwmbling, or not causing others to stumble, as 1 Cor. x. 82. Both senses may be included. If either is to be preferred it is the former, since the whole pas- sage contemplates their inward state rather than their relations to men.
Till the day, etc. (eis). Rev., wnto. Better, against ; with a view to.
11. Fruit of righteousness (xapmov dixatocivns). The phrase occurs Jas. iii. 18. Compare Prov. xi. 30.
Glory and praise of God. For glory of God, see on Rom. iii. 28. That God’s glory may be both manifested and recog- nized. Compare Eph. i. 6.
Ca: Tj THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS. 419
12. Rather (ua@rov). For the furtherance of the Gospel rather than, as might have been expected, for its hindrance.