Chapter
1
The
apostle offers up thanksgivings and prayers, for the good work of grace in
the Philippians
|
1–7
|
He
expresses affection, and prays for them
|
8–11
|
Fortifies
them against being cast down at his sufferings
|
12–20
|
He
stood prepared for glorifying Christ by life, or death
|
21–26
|
Exhortations
to zeal, and constancy in professing the gospel
|
27–30
|
Verses 1–7
The highest honour of the most eminent ministers is, to be
servants of Christ. And those who are not really saints on earth, never will be
saints in heaven. Out of Christ, the best saints are sinners, and unable to
stand before God. There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a
sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our
Father, the fountain and origin of all blessings. At Philippi the apostle was
evil entreated, and saw little fruit of his labour; yet he remembers Philippi
with joy. We must thank our God for the graces and comforts, gifts and
usefulness of others, as we receive the benefit, and God receives the glory.
The work of grace will never be perfected till the day of Jesus Christ, the day
of his appearance. But we may always be confident God will perform his good
work, in every soul wherein he has really begun it by regeneration; though we
must not trust in outward appearances, nor in any thing but a new creation to
holiness. People are dear to their ministers, when they receive benefit by
their ministry. Fellow-sufferers in the cause of God should be dear one to
another.
Verses 8–11
Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ loves and
pities? Those who abound in any grace, need to abound more. Try things which
differ; that we may approve the things which are excellent. The truths and laws
of Christ are excellent; and they recommend themselves as such to any attentive
mind. Sincerity is that in which we should have our conversation in the world,
and it is the glory of all our graces. Christians should not be apt to take
offence, and should be very careful not to offend God or the brethren. The
things which most honour God will most benefit us. Let us not leave it doubtful
whether any good fruit is found in us or not. A small measure of Christian
love, knowledge, and fruitfulness should not satisfy any.
Verses 12–20
The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the
offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his
sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise
been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false
friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached
Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that
oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our
troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to
our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of
seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured
of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt,
and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable
to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by
living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering
for him.
Verses 21–26
Death is a great loss to a carnal, worldly man, for he loses
all his earthly comforts and all his hopes; but to a true believer it is gain,
for it is the end of all his weakness and misery. It delivers him from all the
evils of life, and brings him to possess the chief good. The apostle’s
difficulty was not between living in this world and living in heaven; between
these two there is no comparison; but between serving Christ in this world and
enjoying him in another. Not between two evil things, but between two good
things; living to Christ and being with him. See the power of faith and of
Divine grace; it can make us willing to die. In this world we are compassed
with sin; but when with Christ, we shall escape sin and temptation, sorrow and
death, for ever. But those who have most reason to desire to depart, should be
willing to remain in the world as long as God has any work for them to do. And
the more unexpected mercies are before they come, the more of God will be seen
in them.
Verses 27–30
Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as
becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon
gospel promises. The original word “conversation” denotes the conduct of
citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city.
There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is
much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell;
but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may
be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of
judgment about many things. Faith is God’s gift on the behalf of Christ; the
ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and
loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet
salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and
worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and
patience are his gifts.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Visit www.e-sword.net
or www.ccel.org
