The Pulpit Commentary — Philippians — Section 23

Vera. 19, 20.-T,lie bearing of his various trials upon his salvatum. "And I know that this will turn out to my salvation." I. CONSIDER TIIE APOSTLE'S CONCERN FOB ms OWN SALVATION. He does not refer here to his release from captivity, but to the salvation of his soul 1. Salvation has several significations in Scripture. It sometimes means conversion, sometimes sanctifi- cation, sometimes glorification,-that is, some one or other o[ three different parts of it; or it signifies all three together. In the first sense it is a past act and complete; in the second, it is a present experience and progressive; in the third, a blessed expectation. 'l'he apostle docs not use the word here in the first, but in the second and third senses. 2. We are not to suppose that he had any doubt concerning his salvation, but merely that he sought that spiritual growth and that enlargement of spiritual labours that would determine the degree of his blessedness hereafter. II. HIS SALVATION WAS TO BE PROMOTED BY SANCTIFIED TRIALS. He refers here evidently to the perplexities and troubles by which ungentle and unloving brethren had tried " to raise up affliction to his bonds." 1. .Aiftiction has no naturally sanctifying tendency. It embitters, it hardens, it deadens the sonl. 2. It is aiftiction sanctified by a loving Father that deepens and purifies spiritual experience. (Heb. xii. 7-11.) There are two means suggested towards this end. (1) Intercessory prayer. "This shall turn out to my salvation through your prayer;" for even a great apostle was dependent upon the intercession of the humble disciples of Philippi. (2) The supply of the Spirit. '! And the abundant supply of the Spirit of Christ." This supply, as the answer to their prayers, would minister to him joy, peace, holiness, strength, patience, and zeal. It is the Spirit proceeding from Christ, sent by Christ, who, taking the things of Christ, shows them unto us, and so establishes our safety. Ill. THIS SALVATION IS IDENTIFIED WITH lIIS SUCCESSFUL PROMOTION OF THE GOSPEL. "According to my earnest desire and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but as always, so now also with all boldness, Christ shall be magnified in my body whether by life or by death." 1. The supply of the Spirit justified his desire and hope that he would boldly proclaim Christ. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Hom. i. 16; 2 Tim. i. 1~). 2. It would ensure the glorification of Ghrist in his body, by his labours if ho lived, by his edifying patience and peace if he died. IV. His CONVICTION OF THIS FACT. "I know that this will turn out to my salvation." He knew it: 1. From his knowledge of the discipline of the covenant. 2. From his knowledge of God's promises. 3. From his own past experiences qf God's dealings witli himself.-T. C. Ver. 21.-The grand alternatives. "To me to live is Christ, to die is gain." This elucidates as well ns confirms his previous statement. I. His NATURAL LIFE FINDS I'l'S SUPREME OBJECT IN CHRIST. The apoetle does n')t PIIILIPPl.l :-SS. C  IS THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS. [ CH. I, 1-30.