Philippians
Greetings
[From:] 11Paul and Timothy,
servants (slaves, bondmen – Gk. doulos) of Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). To: all the saints in Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) who live in Philippi [in Macedonia, present-day northern Greece],
together with the church leaders ("those who watch over" – Gk. episkopous)
and church servants (deacons, those who serve in practical ministries in the church). [This is the only letter in which Paul does not use a title. He knows the church in Philippi well, and they have a deep friendship. Timothy, who is Paul's closest co-worker and who is at his side in Rom, sends his greetings. He is not a co-author because Paul writes "I" in . Perhaps he served as a secretary. Timothy was also present when Paul first came to Philippi and was a familiar face to them, see Acts 16:1-2; 16:12-40. It has now been about ten years since the church was founded, and it has grown and is well structured with leaders and church servants. Here, the Greek word episkopous (plural of episkopos) is used to describe the function of the church leaders to "watch over." The word is used synonymously with elder (Gk. presbyteros), see , .] 2Grace (undeserved favor) to [be with] you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ).Thanksgiving and prayer for the congregation
[Some of the first believers in Philippi were the wealthy woman Lydia and her family, a slave girl who had been freed from an evil spirit, and the jailer and his family, see , , . It is likely that these (and others in the church whom Paul got to know during his visits) are the ones he is thinking of when he writes this greeting.] 3I thank my God every time I think of you [I am grateful for every personal memory], 4when in all my prayers [in every single appeal] for you all I always pray (appeal; present my prayer) with joy, 5because of your common commitment (active participation, financial contributions; your partnership) to the gospel (the good news; the glad tidings), from [the very] first day [when Lydia opened her home to the gospel, see ] until now [when you sent this gift]. 6And I am confident of this, that he who has begun (started, initiated) a good work (work) in (within; among, with) you, [also] will (will) complete (finish) it until the day of the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus [when he returns]. [] 7It is only right that I feel this way about you, since you are in my heart. [Can also be translated "because I am in your hearts." The ambiguous wording may be deliberate, as it reinforces that the concern and commitment to the gospel were mutual.] You share in both my imprisonment and my defense (argumentation) and confirmation (strengthening, proving) of the gospel. 8God is my witness how I long for you with the deep, heartfelt love of the Anointed One (Christ) Jesus. [Paul's heart is so filled with the love of Jesus that he feels as if he carries Jesus' heart for his believing brothers and sisters in Philippi.] 9And this is what I ask: that your [selfless and generous] love may overflow more and more [would pour forth like a river, but at the same time be limited by riverbanks]
in true knowledge (real insight) [which comes from personal experience]
and all discernment (judgment in every situation) [],
10so that you may [always] be able to determine (examine, test) what is best [genuine; what will last the whole way through]
and be pure [judged as genuine in the light]
and blameless [i.e., not causing offense or causing anyone to stumble]
– until the day of the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ),
11when you have been filled with the fruit of righteousness []
that comes through Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), to the glory and praise of God. [The goal is that God will be glorified, manifested, that He will receive honor, be praised, and be known.] [Paul's choice of words paints a picture of how love should overflow, but not completely uncontrolled. Just as a river has banks, love must be guided by knowledge and discernment, otherwise it will not reach its goal. In , this image is reinforced in "what is best," which here is in the plural and, in addition to the meaning "what things carry and bring through," is also used in the sense of "what drives and flows back and forth."Later in this letter, Paul addresses false motives and also warns against false teachers, see ; . That is why he pleads with them to let their love grow and mature. They must not be naive and uncritically accept everything that is said.]The message cannot be locked away!
12Brothers and sisters in faith, after careful consideration, I want you to know (share my experience) that what has happened to me has actually led to the success of the gospel (the good news).The gospel is spreading
13
Coins from Macedonia from the reigns of Claudius and Nero (41-68 AD). The goddess of victory, Nike, on one side and the inscription "Kohor Prae Phil" on the other.
There are several connections between the praetorium and Philippi. Many retired soldiers lived in Philippi. Copper coins from this period have also been found in Philippi with the inscription Kohor prae Phil. In English, "The Praetorian Cohort in Philippi," where a cohort was a battalion consisting of 600 soldiers. This suggests that many of the retired soldiers in Philippi came from the imperial bodyguard. The news that Paul was known by the entire imperial guard in Rom must have delighted the veterans in Philippi. They probably thought of their younger colleagues who were still serving there, who had now heard the gospel.]Jesus is being preached!
15Certainly, there are those who preach the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) only out of envy [for the attention I have received] and to try to cause division, but others do so with the right intention. 16They do so out of love [which is selfless and generous], because they know that I am appointed to defend (argue for) the gospel. 17The former [who are jealous and want to cause division] preach the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) out of selfish motives (rivalry; selfish ambitions), not out of pure motives, just to make things more difficult for me in my imprisonment.Paul's attitude
18So what (what is my opinion on this)? The result is that in both cases, whether it is for the wrong reasons or in truth, the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) is preached, and I am glad for that. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice in this from now on as well, 19because I know that this will lead to my deliverance (preservation, healing, and restoration), thanks to your prayers and all the generous help from the Spirit of Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) (who provides for all my needs). [The word deliverance, Gk. soteria, is used not only for the eternal salvation that God gives, but also for physical healing and well-being, see ; . In this case, it refers to Paul's certainty that he will be released. This entire passage also has a parallel in . Paul will also one day stand before God and be declared righteous.] 20It is my heartfelt desire (intense expectation) [as when one stretches one's head to see what one can sense, see ] and my hope (certain expectation) that I will not be put to shame in any way – but that in all boldness the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), now as always, be glorified in my body, whether I live or die. [Death was a real threat because Paul was imprisoned, see .] 21For me, the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) is life itself [his life is in me – he is the only reason I live], and death [literally: "to have died," i.e., life after death] is a gain for me. 22But if I continue to live in the body (the flesh), it means continued fruitful (productive) work [in my service to the gospel]. If I could choose, I don't know which I would prefer. 23I am torn between the two. My desire is to break camp (take down the tent to move on) and be with the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), which is far better, 24but to remain in my body (the flesh) is necessary for your sake. 25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain alive and be with you all, for your progress (development, deepening) and joy in the faith, 26so that when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to be proud (glad) in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus, because of what he does through me.Stand together and be united
[Verses 27-30 are one sentence in Greek. Philippi was a Roman colony. Despite the long distance to Rom, Roman laws applied in the city and the city was exempt from major taxes. Paul's choice of words and imagery in , "live as citizens," was well understood by the recipients of the letter.] 27Whether I come and visit you, or whether I remain absent, live your lives as [heavenly] citizens in a manner worthy of the gospel of the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), so that I may hear this about you: That you stand firm in the same spirit
and the same mind (thought)
and side by side strive (compete together as in a team sport – Gk. synathleo)
for the faith of the gospel [spreading the good news],
28without even for a moment being afraid of your opponents (frightened – like a horse that bolts),
such boldness will be a clear sign to them of their own destruction,
and [a sure sign] of your deliverance (salvation) and that this is from God. 29For you have been given the privilege (joy and honor) not only to believe in (be faithful to) the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), but also to suffer for his sake, 30because you have the same struggle (contest) to fight that you saw in me [that I had], and that you now hear that I [still] have.Jesus – the greatest example!
[Paul now uses the phrase "if there is" four times, not in a questioning tone, but in the sense of encouraging reflection and what all he lists is meant to generate.] 21If there is any encouragement (exhortation, guidance, comfort)
in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ),
if there is any comfort (encouragement)
in love [kind, edifying words in the love that is unselfish and generous],
if there is any fellowship (participation) [common goal]
in the Spirit,
if there is any tenderness [soft hearts]
and compassion [plural; expressions of mercy that lead to practical loving actions] –
2then make my joy complete by having the same mindset (attitude, way of thinking, understanding) and the same [selfless and generous] love – to be one in soul and mind [united in agreement as brothers and sisters in the Lord]. [Now follow the steps to achieve true unity:] 3Let nothing be done out of [motivated by] self-assertion (rivalry, factionalism, conflict) []
and vain (empty) glory,
but instead be humble and put others above yourselves.
4Do not look out [only] for your own [individual good],
but also for the needs of others. 5Let the same [humble] mindset (heart attitude; attitude, insight, perspective) be in you
[this way of thinking] that was also in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus. [The beginning of reads literally: "nothing out of self-assertion, nor out of vain glory." The absence of verbs reinforces the statement, which includes actions, but above all emphasizes the underlying motives and not allowing oneself to be driven by selfish ambitions, but on the contrary to have "the same mindset," see verses 2 and 5.] [Verses 6-11 contain some unusual Greek words and have a poetic form similar to a song. This is probably an early Christian hymn or poem quoted by Paul, similar examples can be found in and .] 6He who was (existed; preexisted) in the form of God [clothed with the essence of God – had the fullness of God, see ; ],
but did not consider it a trophy (a prize of victory; a treasure to grab and hold on to) to be equal with God,
7but [instead] emptied himself [renounced all his privileges]
when he took on (willingly accepted/received) the form of a servant (a slave, a serf),
when he became like men. [Here is the chiastic center of verses 7-8.]
And since he outwardly became like (was found to be) a human being,
8he humbled himself and became obedient unto death – even death on a cross.
9Therefore, God has also exalted him [to the highest position]
and given him the name above every name,
10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven, on earth, and under the earth,
11so that every tongue should confess (openly acknowledge, say the same thing as God)
that Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) is Lord [],
to the glory of God the Father. Be light in a dark world
12Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always [attentively] listened [heeded my advice], not only in my presence but [even] more so now in my absence: work [fully] on your own salvation (rescue, deliverance; your own preservation) [let yourselves be perfected]
with fear [godliness] and trembling [carefulness in how you live].
[Live in holiness (), be vigilant (), and be aware that the heart is deceitful ().]
13For God is the one who [constantly] works in you both [in terms of] willing and doing according to his good pleasure (joy; good will). [God provides his children with power so that they always want to work energetically and effectively for his purposes.] 14Do everything without murmuring quietly and spreading discontent (engaging in questioning discussions with an undertone of doubt about God) [], 15so that you may be spotless and pure, God's innocent children in the midst of a false and corrupt generation, shining like stars in the world. 16when you hold fast to the word of life [the gospel – the good news]. Then you will be my glory (I can be proud) on the day of the Anointed One [the day of Judg.]. I have not run in vain [like a runner in a sprint who has not won] or labored in vain. 17Yes, even if my blood is shed while your faith is offered as a sacrifice, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18In the same way, you are glad and rejoice with me.Two good examples of co-workers
Timothy is like a son to me
19I now hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be encouraged when I learn how you are doing. [Timothy was with Paul in Rom, see . At times, there were also several other people there, see ; .] 20I have no one like him (who is so "like-minded," who is so similar to me), no one who will care for you so sincerely (genuinely interested in your best interests). 21They all seek their own interests, not what benefits Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). [Probably referring to Demas, who abandoned Paul for worldly interests and went to Thessalonica, see .] 22But you know how genuine Timothy is. Like a son at his father's side, he has worked with me for the gospel (the good news). 23So I hope to send him as soon as I see how things are going for me, 24although I am confident in the Lord that I will come myself soon. Welcome Epaphroditus back as a hero
25However, I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier (literally "fellow soldier") whom you sent to help me with my needs. [Epaphroditus was Paul's co-worker in Philippi. His name means "beautiful," and the word comes from the Greek goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. His parents were probably pagan Greeks who thought it was a fitting name. Since no temple to Aphrodite has been found in Philippi, it is likely that he was not born in the city but moved there later. Paul calls Epaphroditus a fellow soldier even though Paul himself was not a soldier in the Roman army. There may be a double meaning in this statement, suggesting that Epaphroditus may have been a retired soldier.] 26Epaphroditus has been longing for (missing) you all and has been worried, because you heard that he was sick. 27Yes, he was indeed ill, close to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28Therefore, I am all the more eager to send him [back to Philippi], so that you may have the joy of seeing him again and I myself may be relieved. [Epaphras had brought a gift to Paul in Rom from the church in Philippi. He probably had traveling companions, partly to protect the money and partly so that there would be witnesses that everything had gone according to plan. During the long journey or upon arrival in Rom, Epaphroditus had become seriously ill and was unable to help Paul as intended. In addition, Paul had heard that two women, Evodia and Syntyche, in the church in Philippi were not getting along, see Phil. 4:2. If Epaphroditus had died, it would have been grief upon grief for Paul, but God healed Epaphroditus. Paul sent Epaphroditus home and sent this letter with him. The distance between Rom and Philippi is 1,250 kilometers. The journey took two months to walk along the Roman highways Via Appia and Via Egnatia. Considering that messengers reached both Philippi and Rom with news of Paul's imprisonment and Epaphroditus' health, see , this letter was probably written at the end of Paul's two-year imprisonment in Rom.] 29Now welcome him in the Lord with all joy. Show appreciation for people like him, 30for he came close to death in his work for the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). He risked his life to give me the help that you could not give. [To prevent the Philippians from seeing Epaphroditus as a weakling who failed in part of his mission to stay with Paul and help him, Paul says that he is a hero. The expression "put his life on the line" alludes to Epaphroditus' name, which comes from the goddess Aphrodite. Before a player threw the dice, he often invoked Aphrodite. Epaphroditus did not invoke a pagan god, but the living God – Jesus the Anointed One!]True and false righteousness
Warning against false teachers
31Finally (by the way, regarding what follows), my brothers and sisters in the faith, rejoice [always] in the Lord [continue to rejoice in His grace – lean on Him at all times]! [; ] [For a Christian, joy does not depend on all external circumstances being problem-free. The joy in the Lord that Paul speaks of comes from within and is based on Jesus' completed work. The fact that Paul wrote these lines from prison is proof of this! The Philippians knew this very well – it was in this city that Paul and Silas sang hymns after being beaten and imprisoned, see .] It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is [also] safe (Gk. asphales) for you. [The choice of the word "again" suggests that Paul had written at least one previous letter to the church in Philippi. Joy in the Lord provides security – they stand firm and do not waver and fall, but are vigilant against false teachers, see .] 2Beware of wild dogs!
Beware of evil workers! []
Beware of those who are cut off! [A sarcastic expression.] [Paul now warns against a well-known group of Judeizers who believed that the way for Gentiles to enter the faith was through Judaism. They are already mentioned in and may not yet have been in Philippi. The dog was an unclean animal for Jews. Even among Rom. and Greeks, the expression was used pejoratively for someone who was unclean and unholy, see however . Paul now uses a sarcastic tone and turns the expression around, calling these Judaizing teachers wild dogs. For these false teachers, circumcision had become a ceremony without any understanding of its underlying meaning of conversion of the heart. They insisted that even Gentile men had to be circumcised to be counted as believers, a teaching that Paul strongly opposes.] 3We are the circumcised, we who serve God through his Spirit and have our glory in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus, and do not rely on the flesh (our own deeds and merits). 4Surely I too could have relied on outward appearances. For if anyone thinks he can rely on outward appearances, I can do so even more: [1] 5Circumcised on the eighth day [according to ; in comparison with proselytes who were circumcised in adulthood],
[2] of the people of Israel [born a jew – not a proselyte, see verses 1-3],
[3] of the tribe of Benjamin [whose mother was Rachel – not a concubine; Saul was named after Israel's first king Saul – also a Benjaminite],
[4] a Hebrew born of Hebrews [Paul's parents were Hebrews; he was raised with the Hebrew language and culture],
[5] in terms of [following] the teaching [Gk. nomos – Torah] a Pharisee,
[6] 6in terms of zeal – a persecutor of the church [the Christians],
[7] in terms of righteousness through teaching (the law – Gk. nomos) [the Pharisees' interpretation of the commandments in the Books of Moses]
– a blameless man. 7But all these things that were gains to me [the seven qualifications in verses 5-6],
I have counted [I now consider] as loss for the sake of the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). 8Yes, instead, I truly consider everything to be loss 8compared to the surpassing (inconceivable)
knowledge [personal relationship] of the Anointed One, Jesus, my Lord. Because of him, I lost everything and consider these things as rubbish (trash), so that I may gain the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) 9and be found in him, not with my own righteousness, that which comes from (of) the law (Gk. nomos) [by legally following all the commandments of the Books of Moses],
but [with] the [righteousness] that comes through the faith of the Anointed One (faithfulness; trust in the Messiah/Christ), the righteousness from (of) God because of faith (which is based on faithfulness/trust/confidence) –
10[with the goal] of knowing (personally experiencing) him and the power of his resurrection
and sharing in his sufferings (literally: 'and fellowship with his afflictions'),
by becoming [more and more] like him in his death [constantly taking shape and forming him in a death like his],
11if I could thus attain [in the hope of reaching] the resurrection from the dead.Focus on the goal
12Not that I have already attained it [spiritual knowledge, since there is nothing more to learn], or have already become perfect, but I strive to win (seize) it, just as the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus has won me (made me his own). 13Brothers and sisters in faith, when I look back (on my life and sum up everything I have done), I do not consider that I have already won it (understood everything, done everything right), but one thing I do: I forget what lies behind [both successes and setbacks] and reach forward to what lies ahead. 14I pursue (push myself) toward the goal, to win the prize [from heaven], [which is] God's higher calling (invitation) through Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ). 15Let all of us who are spiritually mature [and striving for perfection] have such a mindset [be focused on the goal and the prize, see ]. If you think differently in any way [pondering how to live wholeheartedly for Jesus], God will reveal (make clear) that to you too! 16In any case, let us hold fast to what we have already achieved [the distance we have already run toward the goal], and march (walk in line) forward! 17Brothers and sisters in faith, take me as an example (join together in imitating me) and look to those who live according to the example you have in us. 18Many walk... [the sentence is ungrammatical, here it is abruptly interrupted and Paul becomes emotional and fills in] as I have often told you, and now again must say with tears – [they walk, live their lives] as enemies of the cross of the Anointed One (Christ). 19They will end up in destruction. They have their belly as their god and glory in their shame, those who think only of earthly things. 20But our citizenship is (has always been, and is now firmly established) in heaven. [The word for citizenship, Gk. politeuma, had special resonance for the recipients of the letter in Philippi, who lived in a Roman colony, see . Philippi was like a "little Rom"; here you could eat Roman food, Roman rules applied, etc. It was here that Paul used his Roman citizenship for the first time, see . A Christian has his homeland in heaven but lives here on earth as in a "heavenly colony," see ; .] From there [with the knowledge that our citizenship is in heaven], we eagerly await (focus entirely on, wait patiently for) the Lord Jesus the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ), the Savior (the one who liberates, preserves, restores, and heals), 21who will transform our pitiful body (human nature, outer form that has been degraded by sin and death, it will undergo a permanent change) to resemble his glorious body with the power that has authority to put everything under him. 41Therefore [since you have heavenly citizenship and hope in a Savior], stand firm in the Lord, beloved friends! You are my brothers and sisters in faith and dear beloved friends whom I long to see with all my heart; you are my joy and my crown (victory wreath).Exhortations
Be united
2I urge (exhort, encourage) Evodia [whose name means "safe journey"] and I urge (exhort, encourage) Syntyche [whose name means "pleasant acquaintance"] to be of the same mind (be of one accord; to agree) in the Lord.
[These two women, along with Lydia, were probably part of the group of women who were present when Paul first came to Philippi, see . The Greek word for exhort (parakaleo – to appeal to someone, to call close) is used twice in this verse, once after each name, making Paul's appeal individual. The conflict was not about doctrine or faith (they were both written in the book of life, see ). If they could not resolve the conflict themselves, Paul now urges a third party, probably one of the leaders of the church, to mediate. See also .]
3Yes, even you, genuine companion (genuinely "bound together" – Gk. gnesie syzyge) [my true, real, and rightful partner], I ask [a favor]: Help ("take hold together" – Gk. syllambano) these women [sisters in the Lord]
who have struggled with me (who have wrestled with me) [like athletes] in the service of the gospel,
and also with Clement (Clemens) [meaning: "mild, gracious"]
and the rest of my co-workers
whose names are in the book of life (in a "book of life" – Gk. biblio zoes) [].
[The Greek word syzygus (meaning someone who shares the burden under a yoke) could be the name of a man in the congregation, or possibly Epaphroditus, but it is more likely that Paul is addressing a specific person who is listening to the letter being read aloud. Perhaps Timothy, Silas, or some other leader, see ; . Clement, who is mentioned here first among the co-workers ("they worked together" – Gk. synergos) was a common name. Sometimes the person Paul mentions here has been assumed to be the third bishop of Rom who wrote the First Epistle of Clement to the church in Corinth around 95 AD.]Joy in God's peace
4Rejoice always in the Lord [continue to rejoice in grace at all times; lean on him constantly].
Again I say (I will say): Rejoice!
[; ; ] [The Greek words for rejoicing and being glad (chairo), joy (chara), and rejoicing together (synchairo) share a root with the word for grace (charis). The root char has the meaning of being well-disposed and leaning toward. In this letter, Paul speaks of joy in some form a total of 16 times (, , ; , , , , ; ; , , ). He begins with the joy produced in and through the care of intercession and ends with how God joyfully receives the end result (i.e., the gift that has become the fruit of Paul's obedience and care) as a sweet aroma and a righteous sacrifice. Paul both begins and ends the letter by proclaiming the Lord's grace to his fellow believers see ; .] 5Let all people know (personally experience) your selflessness (consideration, forbearance, forgiving attitude). The Lord is near. [The expression has a double meaning. The Lord is near to the believer and helps, but is also near and will return soon.] 6Do not worry ["do not fall apart" – do not stress] about anything [; ], but let your desires in everything [in every detail you mention and ask for] be known to God, through [devoted and confidential] prayer and supplication (humble and earnest prayer) with thanksgiving [for God's good grace]. 7Then the peace of God, which surpasses [which is always more valuable than, which reigns and remains above] all understanding, will guard (preserve, protect) your hearts and your minds (thoughts) in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers and sisters in faith:
whatever is true (real, genuine, honest),
whatever is honorable (honorable, respectable, noble),
whatever is just (morally right; righteous),
whatever is pure [not defiled by sin],
whatever is lovely ("for friendship" – Gk. prophiles) [which works and leads to care and affectionate love],
whatever is commendable (worthy of praise) [that is constructive and edifying; good reports] –
if there is any virtue (goodness that is practiced) and
if there is any praise (something that deserves praise) –
think about (ponder) such things [focus on all this so that it shapes your thoughts and your actions].
9And whatever you [all this that you once]
learned,
and received (took to heart),
and heard,
and saw in (from) me –
practice these things [regularly], and the God of peace will be with you! [Paul describes the four steps in reverse chronological order and reminds them how they can always live in fellowship and peace with God. The church in Philippi had seen how Paul and Silas had been released from prison, see . They had heard Paul's message and accepted the gospel. They had also learned to live by faith and thus gained a living relationship with Jesus.]God provides
Contentment
10But I rejoiced greatly (megalos) in the Lord that you finally renewed your concern for me [that you finally let your care for me blossom]. Surely you thought of me before, but then you had no [opportune] occasion (you lacked the opportunity) [to show it]. [Epaphroditus has recently delivered a gift from the church in Philippi to Paul (who was imprisoned, see ). Since Paul was most likely in Rom, one of the reasons for the delay may be that only now did someone have the opportunity to travel so far west. Paul had previously been imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima for two years, traveled across the Mediterranean, and been shipwrecked on Malta, see .] 11I am not saying this to [imply that] I am lacking anything (suffering deprivation; literally: not that I speak because of deprivation/need/poverty). For I have learned [and am accustomed] to be content (satisfied, harmonious) regardless of [external] circumstances. 12I know (have seen/understood) how to live simply (Gk. tapeinoo) [in humiliating low standards].
I know (have seen/understood) what it is like to live in abundance (literally: to overflow) – through everything, and through all (in everything and in all) circumstances, I have learned (been initiated into) the secret –
to be full
or hungry (to hunger),
to have abundance (to overflow)
or to suffer deprivation (Gk. hustereo). [Verses 11-12 are framed by contrasts that deal with being content regardless of circumstances. The order of the contrasts is first simple/abundance (towards the center) and then reversed to satisfied/hungry and abundance/lack. Paul borrows a verb and an expression from the initiation rites of pagan mysteries of the time, namely Gk. mueo, which comes from the word for mystery and secret teaching/doctrine (Gk. mysterion). Through his experiences, he has been trained, educated, and initiated into this "mystery" of being able to find himself in different circumstances and at the same time be grounded in contentment, trust, and gratitude to the Lord who provides.] 13I can do all things (I can overcome; I can manage) [I have the necessary power – immediate and compelling strength – to face and defeat] in him [the Anointed One] who gives me strength (through him who strengthens me – Gk. endynamounti me). [Jesus both increases Paul's strength and empowers him, giving him authority and power so that he can cope with all circumstances, see . The Greek word for to be able (ischuo) means to defeat and fight with immediate and compelling strength, see .]The blessings of giving
14But you did the right thing (something beautiful) when you participated (assisted, shared) in my difficulties (my pressured situation). 15You yourselves know, Philippians, that when the gospel (the good news) was new and I had left Macedonia, no other church except yours entered into fellowship (partnership) with me and opened an account so that an account could be kept of what was given and received. 16For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent [gifts] for my needs, not just once but twice. 17Not that I seek the gift itself, but what I seek is that you may reap a rich reward from the gift you give. 18I have received everything and more than enough. I have more than enough now that I have received your gift through Epaphroditus – a sweet aroma, a pleasing sacrifice that God accepts with joy. 19So my God will supply [fully fulfill] all your [spiritual and physical] needs according to his glorious riches [in an abundant and overwhelming way] in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.Greetings
21Greet all the saints in the Anointed One (Messiah, Christ) Jesus. The believers (brothers and sisters) here with me greet you. 22All the saints [the believers in Rom. Rome, some of whom are mentioned by name in ], especially those who belong to the emperor's household [probably referring to Christian soldiers and servants who served the emperor], greet you.
[Because of Philippi's close connection to Rom, as a colony and financial center, there were many ties between these cities, see also .] 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
