Paul, in conjunction with Timothy, addresses himself to the saints at Philippi, and gives them his apostolical benediction, Phi 1:1, Phi 1:2. Thanks God for their conversion and union, and expresses his persuasion tha…
1Pablo y Timoteo, siervos de Jesucristo, a todos los santos en Cristo Jesús que están en Filipos, con los obispos y diáconos:
2Gracia y paz a vosotros, de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo.
3Doy gracias a mi Dios siempre que me acuerdo de vosotros,
4siempre en todas mis oraciones rogando con gozo por todos vosotros,
5por vuestra comunión en el evangelio, desde el primer día hasta ahora;
6estando persuadido de esto, que el que comenzó en vosotros la buena obra, la perfeccionará hasta el día de Jesucristo;
7como me es justo sentir esto de todos vosotros, por cuanto os tengo en el corazón; y en mis prisiones, y en la defensa y confirmación del evangelio, todos vosotros sois participantes conmigo de la gracia.
8Porque Dios me es testigo de cómo os amo a todos vosotros con el entrañable amor de Jesucristo.
9Y esto pido en oración, que vuestro amor abunde aún más y más en ciencia y en todo conocimiento,
10para que aprobéis lo mejor, a fin de que seáis sinceros e irreprensibles para el día de Cristo,
11llenos de frutos de justicia que son por medio de Jesucristo, para gloria y alabanza de Dios.
12Quiero que sepáis, hermanos, que las cosas que me han sucedido, han redundado más bien para el progreso del evangelio,
13de tal manera que mis prisiones se han hecho patentes en Cristo en todo el pretorio, y a todos los demás.
14Y la mayoría de los hermanos, cobrando ánimo en el Señor con mis prisiones, se atreven mucho más a hablar la palabra sin temor.
15Algunos, a la verdad, predican a Cristo por envidia y contienda; pero otros de buena voluntad.
16Los unos anuncian a Cristo por contención, no sinceramente, pensando añadir aflicción a mis prisiones;
17pero los otros por amor, sabiendo que estoy puesto para la defensa del evangelio.
18¿Qué, pues? Que no obstante, de todas maneras, o por pretexto o por verdad, Cristo es anunciado; y en esto me gozo, y me gozaré aún.
19Porque sé que por vuestra oración y la suministración del Espíritu de Jesucristo, esto resultará en mi liberación,
20conforme a mi anhelo y esperanza de que en nada seré avergonzado; antes bien con toda confianza, como siempre, ahora también será magnificado Cristo en mi cuerpo, o por vida o por muerte.
21Porque para mí el vivir es Cristo, y el morir es ganancia.
22Mas si el vivir en la carne resulta para mí en beneficio de la obra, no sé entonces qué escoger.
23Porque de ambas cosas estoy puesto en estrecho, teniendo deseo de partir y estar con Cristo, lo cual es muchísimo mejor;
24pero quedar en la carne es más necesario por causa de vosotros.
25Y confiado en esto, sé que quedaré, que aún permaneceré con todos vosotros, para vuestro provecho y gozo de la fe,
26para que abunde vuestra gloria de mí en Cristo Jesús por mi presencia otra vez entre vosotros.
27Solamente que os comportéis como es digno del evangelio de Cristo, para que o sea que vaya a veros, o que esté ausente, oiga de vosotros que estáis firmes en un mismo espíritu, combatiendo unánimes por la fe del evangelio,
28y en nada intimidados por los que se oponen, que para ellos ciertamente es indicio de perdición, mas para vosotros de salvación; y esto de Dios.
29Porque a vosotros os es concedido a causa de Cristo, no solo que creáis en él, sino también que padezcáis por él,
30teniendo el mismo conflicto que habéis visto en mí, y ahora oís que hay en mí.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 1
I. Paul and Timotheus - That Timothy was at this time with the apostle in Rome we learn from Phi 2:1…
Paul and Timotheus - That Timothy was at this time with the apostle in Rome we learn from Phi 2:19, and also that he was very high in the apostle's estimation. He had also accompanied the apostle on his two voyages to Philippi, see Acts 16 and 20., and was therefore deservedly dear to the Church in that city. It was on these accounts that St. Paul joined his name to his own, not because he was in any part the author of this epistle, but he might have been the apostle's amanuensis, though the subscription to the epistle gives this office to Epaphroditus. Neither in this epistle, nor in those to the Thessalonians and to Philemon does St. Paul call himself an apostle; the reason of which appears to be, that in none of these places was his apostolical authority called in question.
Bishops and deacons - Επισκοποις· The overseers of the Church of God, and those who ministered to the poor, and preached occasionally. There has been a great deal of paper wasted on the inquiry, "Who is meant by bishops here, as no place could have more than one bishop?" To which it has been answered: "Philippi was a metropolitan see, and might have several bishops." This is the extravagance of trifling. I believe no such officer is meant as we now term bishop.
II
Versículo 2
II. Grace be unto you - See on Rom 1:7 (note).
Grace be unto you - See on Rom 1:7 (note).
III
Versículo 3
III. Upon every remembrance - As often as you recur to my mind, so often do I thank God for the great …
Upon every remembrance - As often as you recur to my mind, so often do I thank God for the great work wrought among you. Some think that the words should be translated, for all your kind remembrance; referring to their kind attention to the apostle, in supplying his wants, etc.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. Always in every prayer - I pray often for you, and have great pleasure in doing it, seeing what G…
Always in every prayer - I pray often for you, and have great pleasure in doing it, seeing what God has already wrought among you.
V
Versículo 5
V. For your fellowship in the Gospel - if we consider κοινωνια as implying spiritual fellowship or c…
For your fellowship in the Gospel - if we consider κοινωνια as implying spiritual fellowship or communion, then it signifies, not only their attention to the Gospel, their readiness to continue it, and perseverance in it, but also their unity and affection among themselves. Some understand the word as expressing their liberality to the apostle, and to the Gospel in general; for the term may not only be applied to communion among themselves, but to communications to others. This sense, though followed by Chrysostom and Theophylact, does not appear to be the best; though we know it to be a fact that they were liberal in supplying the apostle's necessities, and, no doubt, in ministering to the support of others.
VI
Versículo 6
VI. Being confident - There shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; and to make you wi…
Being confident - There shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; and to make you wise, holy and happy; and bring you at last to his kingdom and glory.
VII
Versículo 7
VII. It is meet for me to think this - Εστι δικαιον· It is just that I should think so, because I have…
It is meet for me to think this - Εστι δικαιον· It is just that I should think so, because I have you in my heart - you live in my warmest love and most affectionate remembrance.
Inasmuch as both in my bonds - Because you have set your hearts upon me in my bonds, sending Epaphroditus to minister to me in my necessities, Phi 2:25, and contributing of your own substance to me, Phi 4:14, sending once and again to me while I was in bonds for the defense of the faith, Phi 4:15, Phi 4:16; those things which being a sweet savor, a sacrifice well pleasing and acceptable to God, Phi 4:18, confirm my hope concerning you; especially when I find you yet standing firm under the like afflictions, having the same conflict which ye saw in me, when I was among you, Act 16:12, etc., and now hear to be in me, Phi 1:30. Whitby.
VIII
Versículo 8
VIII. For God is my record - I call God to witness that I have the strongest affection for you, and tha…
For God is my record - I call God to witness that I have the strongest affection for you, and that I love you with that same kind of tender concern with which Christ loved the world when he gave himself for it; for I am even ready to be offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, Phi 2:17.
IX
Versículo 9
IX. This I pray - This is the substance of all my prayers for you, that your love to God, to one anot…
This I pray - This is the substance of all my prayers for you, that your love to God, to one another, and to all mankind, may abound yet more and more, ετι μαλλον και μαλλον περισσευη, that it may be like a river, perpetually fed with rain and fresh streams so that it continues to swell and increase till it fills all its banks, and floods the adjacent plains.
In knowledge - Of God's nature, perfections, your own duty and interest, his work upon your souls, and his great designs in the Gospel.
And in all judgment - Και πασῃ αισθησει· In all spiritual or moral feeling; that you may at once have the clearest perception and the fullest enjoyment of those things which concern your salvation; that ye may not only know but feel that you are of God, by the Spirit which he has given you; and that your feeling may become more exercised in Divine things, so that it may he increasingly sensible and refined.
X
Versículo 10
X. That ye may approve things that are excellent - Εις το δοκιμαζειν ὑμας τα διαφεροντα· To the end…
That ye may approve things that are excellent - Εις το δοκιμαζειν ὑμας τα διαφεροντα· To the end that ye may put to proof the things that differ, or the things that are in are more profitable. By the pure and abundant love which they received from God they would be able to try whatever differed from the teaching they had received, and from the experience they had in spiritual things.
That ye may be sincere - Ἱνα ητε ειλικρινεις. The word ειλικρινεια, which we translate sincerity, is compounded of ειλη, the splendor of the sun, and κρινω, I judge; a thing which may be examined in the clearest and strongest light, without the possibility of detecting a single flaw or imperfection. "A metaphor," says Mr. Leigh, "taken from the usual practice of chapmen, in the view and choice of their wares, that bring them forth into the light and hold up the cloth against the sun, to see if they can espy any default in them. Pure as the sun." Be so purified and refined in your souls, by the indwelling Spirit, that even the light of God shining into your hearts, shall not be able to discover a fault that the love of God has not purged away.
Our word sincerity is from the Latin sinceritas, which is compounded of sine, without, and cera, wax, and is a metaphor taken from clarified honey; for the mel sincerum, pure or clarified honey, is that which is sine cera, without wax, no part of the comb being left in it. Sincerity, taken in its full meaning, is a word of the most extensive import; and, when applied in reference to the state of the soul, is as strong as the word perfection itself. The soul that is sincere is the soul that is without sin.
Without offense - Απροσκοποι· Neither offending God nor your neighbor; neither being stumbled yourselves, nor the cause of stumbling to others.
Till the day of Christ - Till he comes to judge the world, or, till the day in which you are called into the eternal world. According to this prayer, a man, under the power and influence of the grace of God, may so love as never to offend his Maker, to the latest period of his life. Those who deny this, must believe that the Spirit of God either cannot or will not do it; or, that the blood of Christ cannot cleanse from all unrighteousness. And this would be not only antiscriptural, but also blasphemous.
XI
Versículo 11
XI. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness - By righteousness we may understand, here, the who…
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness - By righteousness we may understand, here, the whole work of the Spirit of God, in the soul of a believer; and by the fruits of righteousness, all holy tempers, holy words, and right actions. And with these they are to be filled, πεπληρωμενοι, filled up, filled full; the whole soul and life occupied with them, ever doing something by which glory is brought to God, or good done to man.
By Jesus Christ - That is, according to his doctrine, through the power of his grace, and by the agency of his Spirit.
Unto the glory and praise of God - God being honored when the work of his grace thus appears to men in the fruits of righteousness; and God is praised by all the faithful when his work thus appears. Every genuine follower of God has his glory in view by all that he does, says, or intends. He loves to glorify God, and he glorifies him by showing forth in his conversion the glorious working of the glorious power of the Lord.
XII
Versículo 12
XII. That the things which happened unto me - St. Paul was at this time a prisoner at Rome, and it app…
That the things which happened unto me - St. Paul was at this time a prisoner at Rome, and it appears probable that he had already been called to make a defense for himself, and to vindicate the doctrines of the Gospel; and this he had been enabled to do in such a manner that the honor of the Gospel had been greatly promoted by it. As the Philippians loved him greatly, he felt it right to give them this information relative to his state, and how God had turned his bonds to the advantage of that cause on account of which he was bound.
XIII
Versículo 13
XIII. My bonds - are manifest in all the palace - In consequence of the public defense which he was obl…
My bonds - are manifest in all the palace - In consequence of the public defense which he was obliged to make, his doctrines must be fully known in the court, and throughout the whole city, as on his trial he would necessarily explain the whole. The praetorium, πραιτωριον, which we here translate palace, signifies the court where causes were heard and judged by the praetor or civil magistrate; it sometimes signifies the general's tent, and at others, the emperor's palace. It is supposed that it is used in this latter sense here. There were, no doubt, persons belonging to the emperor's household who would bring the news of so remarkable a case to the palace; for we find that there were Christians even in Caesar's household; Phi 4:22.
XIV
Versículo 14
XIV. Waxing confident - Finding the effect produced by the public defense which the apostle made, they…
Waxing confident - Finding the effect produced by the public defense which the apostle made, they were greatly encouraged, and the more boldly and openly proclaimed the doctrine of Christ crucified.
The word - The doctrine of Christ; several excellent MSS. and versions add, some Θεου, others Κυριου, the word of God, or the word of the Lord. This is a respectable reading, and is probably genuine.
XV
Versículo 15
XV. Some - preach Christ even of envy and strife - These must have been the Judaizing teachers, who i…
Some - preach Christ even of envy and strife - These must have been the Judaizing teachers, who insisted on the necessity of connecting the Mosaic rites with the Christian institutions; and, probably, denounced Paul to the Jews dwelling at Rome as not only an enemy to the law and the prophets, but also as a very imperfect Christian, because he declared strongly against the doctrine of circumcision, etc.; and no doubt endeavored to prejudice him with the heathen Romans.
The word preach is not to be taken here as implying that the different persons mentioned were what we call preachers of the Gospel: all that we can understand from St. Paul's use of the word is, that they proclaimed Christ as the promised Messiah, espoused the Christian cause, and contended, whether in public or private, that this Jesus was the Christ; but nothing of this kind appears to have been intended in reference to the conversion of sinners.
Some also of good will - Some, through mere benevolence to the apostle, both espoused his doctrine and vindicated his cause.
16
Versículo 16
16. Preach Christ of contention - The Judaizing teachers, they also preach Christ; they acknowledge t…
Preach Christ of contention - The Judaizing teachers, they also preach Christ; they acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ or promised Messiah, and preach him as such.
Not sincerely - Ουχ ἁγνως· Not chastely, garbling the Gospel; not speaking the whole truth, but just what served their purpose; and at the same time they denounced the apostle as an enemy to the Divine institutions, because he spoke against circumcision.
17
Versículo 17
17. The other of love - Through a sincere desire, not only to make known the way of salvation to the …
The other of love - Through a sincere desire, not only to make known the way of salvation to the people, but also to vindicate and help the apostle, because they considered him as appointed by God to preach and defend the Gospel. The 16th and 17th verses are transposed by ABDEFG, and several others; the Syriac, Arabic of Erpen, Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, Itala, and several of the fathers. On this evidence Griesbach transposed them in his edition.
18
Versículo 18
18. What then? - It is a matter of little importance to me how Christ is preached, provided he be pre…
What then? - It is a matter of little importance to me how Christ is preached, provided he be preached. I rejoice that any thing is known of him; and am truly glad that the Gospel is even made partially known, for this will lead to farther inquiries, and in the end be of service to the truth.
19
Versículo 19
19. This shall turn to my salvation - That is: It will be the means of my temporal safety; of my deli…
This shall turn to my salvation - That is: It will be the means of my temporal safety; of my deliverance; for so the word σωτηρια is here to be understood. The Jews had denounced the apostle as an enemy to Caesar; but he knew that, when the nature of the Gospel should be fully known, the Romans would see that he could be no enemy to Caesar who proclaimed a prince whose kingdom was not of this world; and who had taught, in the most unequivocal manner, that all Christians were to give tribute to whom tribute was due, and while they feared God to honor also the king, though that king was Nero.
Through your prayer - Knowing them to be genuine followers of Christ, he was satisfied that their prayers would be very available in his behalf; and under God he places much dependence upon them.
The supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ - The word επιχορηγια, which we translate supply, signifies also furnishing whatever is necessary. The Spirit of God he expected to help all his infirmities, and to furnish him with all the wisdom, prudence, strength of reason, and argument, which might be necessary for him in the different trials he had to pass through with his persecutors, and the civil powers, at whose judgment-seat he stood.
20
Versículo 20
20. Earnest expectation - He had the most confident expectation that God would stand by him, so that …
Earnest expectation - He had the most confident expectation that God would stand by him, so that he should be enabled, with the utmost liberty of speech, εν πασῃ παρῥησια, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God; and, should he have the liberty of doing so, he was utterly regardless what the issue might be relative to himself. Whether life or death, was to him perfectly equal, and perfectly indifferent, providing Christ were magnified - his person, nature, doctrine, etc., shown to be, what they really are, most noble, most excellent, most necessary, and most glorious.
21
Versículo 21
21. For to me to live is Christ - Whether I live or die, Christ is gain to me. While I live I am Chri…
For to me to live is Christ - Whether I live or die, Christ is gain to me. While I live I am Christ's property and servant, and Christ is my portion; if I die - if I be called to witness the truth at the expense of my life, this will be gain; I shall be saved from the remaining troubles and difficulties in life, and be put immediately in possession of my heavenly inheritance. As, therefore, it respects myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whether I be taken off by a violent death, or whether I be permitted to continue here longer; in either case I can lose nothing.
22
Versículo 22
22. But if I live in the flesh - Should I be spared longer, I shall labor for Christ as I have done; …
But if I live in the flesh - Should I be spared longer, I shall labor for Christ as I have done; and this is the fruit of my labor, that Christ shall be magnified by my longer life, Phi 1:20.
Yet what I shall choose I wot not - Had I the two conditions left to my own choice, whether to die now and go to glory, or whether to live longer in persecutions and affliction, (glorifying Christ by spreading the Gospel), I could not tell which to prefer.
23
Versículo 23
23. For I am in a strait betwixt two - Viz. the dying now, and being immediately with God; or living …
For I am in a strait betwixt two - Viz. the dying now, and being immediately with God; or living longer to preach and spread the Gospel, and thus glorify Christ among men.
Having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ - Την επιθυμιαν εχων εις το αναλυσαι. It appears to be a metaphor taken from the commander of a vessel, in a foreign port, who feels a strong desire αναλυσαι, to set sail, and get to his own country and family; but this desire is counterbalanced by a conviction that the general interests of the voyage may be best answered by his longer stay in the port where his vessel now rides; for he is not in dock, he is not aground, but rides at anchor in the port, and may any hour weigh and be gone. Such was the condition of the apostle: he was not at home, but although he was abroad it was on his employer's business; he wishes to return, and is cleared out and ready to set sail, but he has not received his last orders from his owner, and whatever desire he may feel to be at home he will faithfully wait till his final orders arrive.
Which is far better - Πολλῳ - μαλλον κρεισσον· Multo magis melior, Vulgate; much more better. The reader will at once see that the words are very emphatic.
24
Versículo 24
24. To abide in the flesh - It would certainly be gain to myself to die, but it will be a gain to you…
To abide in the flesh - It would certainly be gain to myself to die, but it will be a gain to you if I live. If I die I shall go immediately to glory; if I live I shall continue to minister to you, and strengthen you in the faith.
25
Versículo 25
25. Having this confidence, I know that I shall abide - Convinced that it is necessary that I should …
Having this confidence, I know that I shall abide - Convinced that it is necessary that I should live longer, for the spreading and defense of the Gospel, I am persuaded that I shall now be liberated. This was in fact the case, for, after having been two years in bonds at Rome, he was released.
For your furtherance - In the way of righteousness.
And joy of faith - And happiness in that way. The farther a man proceeds in the way of truth, the stronger his faith will be; and the stronger his faith, the greater his joy or happiness.
26
Versículo 26
26. That your rejoicing may be more abundant - Men rejoice more in recovering a thing that was lost, …
That your rejoicing may be more abundant - Men rejoice more in recovering a thing that was lost, than they do in a continual possession of what is of much greater value.
27
Versículo 27
27. Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel - The apostle considers the Church at Philippi…
Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel - The apostle considers the Church at Philippi as a free or imperial city, which possesses great honors, dignities, and privileges; and he exhorts them to act, αξιως, worthy of or suitably to those honors and privileges. This is the idea that is expressed by the word πολιτευεσθε, act according to the nature of your political situation, the citizenship and privileges which you possess in consequence of your being free inhabitants of Christ's imperial city, the Church. The apostle resumes the same metaphor, Phi 3:20 : ἡμων - το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις ὑπαρχει· For our citizenship is in heaven; but in this last verse he puts heaven in the place of the Church, and this is all right; for he, who is not a member of the Church of Christ on earth, can have no right to the kingdom of heaven, and he who does not walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ cannot be counted worthy to enter through the gates into the city of the eternal King.
Whether I come and see you - Leaving the matter still in doubt as to them, whether he should again visit them.
In one spirit - Being all of one mind under the influence of the Holy Ghost.
Striving together - Συναθλουντες· Wrestling together, not in contention with each other, but in union against the enemies of the Gospel faith - the doctrine of Christ crucified, and freedom from all Mosaic rites and ceremonies, as well as from sin and perdition, through his passion and sacrifice.
28
Versículo 28
28. In nothing terrified by your adversaries - So it appears that the Church at Philippi was then und…
In nothing terrified by your adversaries - So it appears that the Church at Philippi was then under persecution.
Which is to them - Ἡτις αυτοις εστιν. Some very judicious critics consider ἡτις as referring to πιστις, the faith of the Gospel, which they, the heathen, considered to be a token of perdition to all them who embraced it; but, as the apostle says, it was to them the Philippians, on the contrary, the most evident token of salvation; for, having embraced the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, they were incontestably in the way to eternal blessedness.
29
Versículo 29
29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ - Ὑμιν εχαρισθη· To you it is graciously given; it …
Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ - Ὑμιν εχαρισθη· To you it is graciously given; it is no small privilege that God has so far honored you as to permit you to suffer on Christ's account. It is only his most faithful servants that he thus honors. Be not therefore terrified by your enemies; they can do nothing to you which God will not turn to your eternal advantage. We learn from this that it is as great a privilege to suffer for Christ as to believe on him; and the former in certain cases (as far as the latter in all cases) becomes the means of salvation to them who are thus exercised.
30
Versículo 30
30. Having the same conflict - When Paul preached the Gospel at Philippi he was grievously persecuted…
Having the same conflict - When Paul preached the Gospel at Philippi he was grievously persecuted, as we learn from Acts 16:19-40, being stripped, scourged, thrown into prison, even into the dungeon, and his feet made fast in the stocks. This was the conflict they had seen in him; and now they heard that he had been sent prisoner to Rome as an evil doer, and that he was at present in bonds, and shortly to be tried for his life before the Roman emperor to whom he had been obliged to appeal.
1. It was no small encouragement to these persons,
(1.) That whatever sufferings they met with they were supported under them.
(2.) That they suffered in the same cause in which their illustrious apostle was suffering.
(3.) That they suffered, not because they had done any evil, or could be accused of any, but because they believed in the Son of God, who died for them and for all mankind.
(4.) That all these sufferings were sanctified to their eternal good.
2. And God is able to make the same grace abound towards us in like circumstances; it is for this purpose that such consolatory portions are left on record. He who is persecuted or afflicted for Christ's sake, is most eminently honored by his Creator.
Nuevo Testamento
Philippians — Capítulo 1
Paul, in conjunction with Timothy, addresses himself to the saints at Philippi, and gives them his apostolical benediction, Phi 1:1, Phi 1:2. Thanks God for their conversion and union, and expresses his persuasion tha…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Pablo y Timoteo, siervos de Jesucristo, a todos los santos en Cristo Jesús que están en Filipos, con los obispos y diáconos:
2Gracia y paz a vosotros, de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo.
3Doy gracias a mi Dios siempre que me acuerdo de vosotros,
4siempre en todas mis oraciones rogando con gozo por todos vosotros,
5por vuestra comunión en el evangelio, desde el primer día hasta ahora;
6estando persuadido de esto, que el que comenzó en vosotros la buena obra, la perfeccionará hasta el día de Jesucristo;
7como me es justo sentir esto de todos vosotros, por cuanto os tengo en el corazón; y en mis prisiones, y en la defensa y confirmación del evangelio, todos vosotros sois participantes conmigo de la gracia.
8Porque Dios me es testigo de cómo os amo a todos vosotros con el entrañable amor de Jesucristo.
9Y esto pido en oración, que vuestro amor abunde aún más y más en ciencia y en todo conocimiento,
10para que aprobéis lo mejor, a fin de que seáis sinceros e irreprensibles para el día de Cristo,
11llenos de frutos de justicia que son por medio de Jesucristo, para gloria y alabanza de Dios.
12Quiero que sepáis, hermanos, que las cosas que me han sucedido, han redundado más bien para el progreso del evangelio,
13de tal manera que mis prisiones se han hecho patentes en Cristo en todo el pretorio, y a todos los demás.
14Y la mayoría de los hermanos, cobrando ánimo en el Señor con mis prisiones, se atreven mucho más a hablar la palabra sin temor.
15Algunos, a la verdad, predican a Cristo por envidia y contienda; pero otros de buena voluntad.
16Los unos anuncian a Cristo por contención, no sinceramente, pensando añadir aflicción a mis prisiones;
17pero los otros por amor, sabiendo que estoy puesto para la defensa del evangelio.
18¿Qué, pues? Que no obstante, de todas maneras, o por pretexto o por verdad, Cristo es anunciado; y en esto me gozo, y me gozaré aún.
19Porque sé que por vuestra oración y la suministración del Espíritu de Jesucristo, esto resultará en mi liberación,
20conforme a mi anhelo y esperanza de que en nada seré avergonzado; antes bien con toda confianza, como siempre, ahora también será magnificado Cristo en mi cuerpo, o por vida o por muerte.
21Porque para mí el vivir es Cristo, y el morir es ganancia.
22Mas si el vivir en la carne resulta para mí en beneficio de la obra, no sé entonces qué escoger.
23Porque de ambas cosas estoy puesto en estrecho, teniendo deseo de partir y estar con Cristo, lo cual es muchísimo mejor;
24pero quedar en la carne es más necesario por causa de vosotros.
25Y confiado en esto, sé que quedaré, que aún permaneceré con todos vosotros, para vuestro provecho y gozo de la fe,
26para que abunde vuestra gloria de mí en Cristo Jesús por mi presencia otra vez entre vosotros.
27Solamente que os comportéis como es digno del evangelio de Cristo, para que o sea que vaya a veros, o que esté ausente, oiga de vosotros que estáis firmes en un mismo espíritu, combatiendo unánimes por la fe del evangelio,
28y en nada intimidados por los que se oponen, que para ellos ciertamente es indicio de perdición, mas para vosotros de salvación; y esto de Dios.
29Porque a vosotros os es concedido a causa de Cristo, no solo que creáis en él, sino también que padezcáis por él,
30teniendo el mismo conflicto que habéis visto en mí, y ahora oís que hay en mí.
ADAM CLARKE BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 1
I. Paul and Timotheus - That Timothy was at this time with the apostle in Rome we learn from Phi 2:1…
Versículo 2
II. Grace be unto you - See on Rom 1:7 (note).
Versículo 3
III. Upon every remembrance - As often as you recur to my mind, so often do I thank God for the great …
Versículo 4
IV. Always in every prayer - I pray often for you, and have great pleasure in doing it, seeing what G…
Versículo 5
V. For your fellowship in the Gospel - if we consider κοινωνια as implying spiritual fellowship or c…
Versículo 6
VI. Being confident - There shall be nothing lacking on God's part to support you; and to make you wi…
Versículo 7
VII. It is meet for me to think this - Εστι δικαιον· It is just that I should think so, because I have…
Versículo 8
VIII. For God is my record - I call God to witness that I have the strongest affection for you, and tha…
Versículo 9
IX. This I pray - This is the substance of all my prayers for you, that your love to God, to one anot…
Versículo 10
X. That ye may approve things that are excellent - Εις το δοκιμαζειν ὑμας τα διαφεροντα· To the end…
Versículo 11
XI. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness - By righteousness we may understand, here, the who…
Versículo 12
XII. That the things which happened unto me - St. Paul was at this time a prisoner at Rome, and it app…
Versículo 13
XIII. My bonds - are manifest in all the palace - In consequence of the public defense which he was obl…
Versículo 14
XIV. Waxing confident - Finding the effect produced by the public defense which the apostle made, they…
Versículo 15
XV. Some - preach Christ even of envy and strife - These must have been the Judaizing teachers, who i…
Versículo 16
16. Preach Christ of contention - The Judaizing teachers, they also preach Christ; they acknowledge t…
Versículo 17
17. The other of love - Through a sincere desire, not only to make known the way of salvation to the …
Versículo 18
18. What then? - It is a matter of little importance to me how Christ is preached, provided he be pre…
Versículo 19
19. This shall turn to my salvation - That is: It will be the means of my temporal safety; of my deli…
Versículo 20
20. Earnest expectation - He had the most confident expectation that God would stand by him, so that …
Versículo 21
21. For to me to live is Christ - Whether I live or die, Christ is gain to me. While I live I am Chri…
Versículo 22
22. But if I live in the flesh - Should I be spared longer, I shall labor for Christ as I have done; …
Versículo 23
23. For I am in a strait betwixt two - Viz. the dying now, and being immediately with God; or living …
Versículo 24
24. To abide in the flesh - It would certainly be gain to myself to die, but it will be a gain to you…
Versículo 25
25. Having this confidence, I know that I shall abide - Convinced that it is necessary that I should …
Versículo 26
26. That your rejoicing may be more abundant - Men rejoice more in recovering a thing that was lost, …
Versículo 27
27. Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel - The apostle considers the Church at Philippi…
Versículo 28
28. In nothing terrified by your adversaries - So it appears that the Church at Philippi was then und…
Versículo 29
29. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ - Ὑμιν εχαρισθη· To you it is graciously given; it …
Versículo 30
30. Having the same conflict - When Paul preached the Gospel at Philippi he was grievously persecuted…