NOTES ON PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 1:9-11 see Colossians 1:9-12

 

Philippians 1:10 "approve what is excellent" explains "discerned" in verse 9.

 

Philippians 1:19 not the usual word for “help”

 

Philippians 1:23 “I am bounded by these two realities (my life and my death) which I keep in mind at 

the same time."

 

Philippians 1:29 "It has been granted", i.e. suffering is a gift.

 

Philippians 2:1-5 Those who give to others must first have received from God. (Ernest Jones)

 

Philippians 2:6 "Highly exalted" includes the resurrection and "a full emphasis upon the victory of 

Christ and His installation in the seat of power and might." Same usage as in 1 Peter 3:18ff.

"Made himself independent of God" is the meaning supported by a rabbinical parallel referring to a son 

who rejects parental authority. (Ralph Martin) Also see John 5:18.

 

Philippians 2:9-11 This passage is felt by some to be parallel to Revelation 5:1-14.

Enthronement ceremony consists of elevation (9a), proclamation of the name (9b), and homage by 

gesture and confession (10-11). The same three elements are found in Hebrews 1:5-14 and Matthew 

28:18-20, according to Jeremias. There is a parallel to v. 10 in Revelation 5:13.

 

Philippians 2:15 “crooked...generation” is a quote from Deuteronomy. 32:5, which hearkens back to 

the complaints of the people in the wilderness.

 

Philippians 3:1-2 v. 1. same = either the previous letter or the subject of rejoicing.

"Dogs" was often used by Jews to refer to Gentiles. Here it describes the Judaizers.

 

Philippians 3:16 lit. “keep in step with”

 

Philippians 3:20-21 

v. 20. commonwealth = citizenship. This was a good image for the Philippians 

who were Roman colonists in an alien land.

v. 21. lowly = of low condition, not sinful or vile (KJV). For this change, see II Corinthians 5:1-5 and

I Corinthians 15:35-50.

 

Philippians 4 Gary Collins: principles on dealing with stress are given here. Be helpful to others, be 

thankful, be gentle and loving, don't be anxious, dwell on the positive, change your behavior (v. 9).

Philippians 4:1 The word for crown is not diadem but a word meaning a victor's wreath.

 

Philippians 4:2-3 

v. 2. Each one is addressed separately and equally.

v. 3. "yokefellow"   Questions concern whether this is perhaps a proper name or refers to Paul's wife.

 

Philippians 4:10-23 This passage contains Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: physical needs, the need 

for safety, acceptance (love and belonging), purpose (significance), and maturity (self-actualization).