Philippians 1b: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi

Got it! This site "creationpie.com" uses cookies. You consent to this by clicking on "Got it!" or by continuing to use this website. Note: This appears on each machine/browser from which this site is accessed.

This content completes Philippians 1 which is at Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi.

Paul started his letter to the Philippians using some words that have double meanings. On closer inspection, there are those at the church at Philippi who need to change their ways.

Paul is tactful in pointing this out.

The verses can be misinterpreted in modern English to be saying things that Paul did not really intend to say.

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [kjv]

The "shall turn" is a word used in the GNT (Greek New Testament) only by Luke (one word) and in Job (entire phrase) in the LXX (Septuagint). What might "shall turn to my salvation" mean?

The Chicago song "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" was written and sung by Robert Lamm.

The group's original name was "Chicago Transit Authority" but that organization did not like them using their name.

Chicago song: Does anyone really know what time it is? Next line?

Does anyone really care?

Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [kjv]

The exact same four Greek words for "shall turn to my salvation" in Philippians are "shall turn to me for salvation" in Job in the LXX. The follow-on words are more interesting.

Job 13:16 And this shall turn to me for salvation; for fraud shall have no entrance before him. [bs3]

Paul is going through trials and Job went through trials - both for eventual good. Paul appears to be calling the church leadership at Philippi "frauds".

Philippians 1:19

All

KJV: For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Greek: οιδα γαρ οτι τουτο μοι αποβησεται εις σωτηριαν δια της υμων δεησεως και επιχορηγιας του πνευματος ιησου χριστου

Job 13:16

All

KJV: He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

Hebrew: גם הוא לי לישועה כי לא לפניו חנף יבוא׃

Greek: και τουτο μοι αποβησεται εις σωτηριαν ου γαρ εναντιον αυτου δολος εισελευσεται

Brenton: And this shall turn to me for salvation; for fraud shall have no entrance before him.

Do the preceding verses from Job fit the situation in Philippians?

Job 13:13 Be silent, that I may speak, and cease from my anger, [bs3]

13:14 while I may take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand. [bs3]

13:15 Though the Mighty One should lay hand upon me, forasmuch as he has begun, verily I will speak, and plead before him. [bs3]

13:16 And this shall turn to me for salvation; for fraud shall have no entrance before him. [bs3]

Job 13:13

All

KJV: Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.

Hebrew: החרישו ממני ואדברה אני ויעבר עלי מה׃

Greek: κωφευσατε ινα λαλησω και αναπαυσωμαι θυμου

Job 13:14

All

KJV: Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand?

Hebrew: על מה אשא בשרי בשני ונפשי אשים בכפי׃

Greek: αναλαβων τας σαρκας μου τοις οδουσιν ψυχην δε μου θησω εν χειρι

Job 13:15

All

KJV: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Hebrew: הן יקטלני לא איחל אך דרכי אל פניו אוכיח׃

Greek: εαν με χειρωσηται ο δυναστης επει και ηρκται η μην λαλησω και ελεγξω εναντιον αυτου

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. [kjv]

The Greek for "earnest expectation" is, literally, "from the heart". The Greek for "hope" is a "well-founded belief".

Paul is telling it like it is.

Ancient Greek:

"παρρησία" ≈ "frankness, openness" from:

"πᾶς" ≈ "every, all" as the "pan" in "pan-American".
"ῥῆσις" ≈ "utterance, speech" and related to "rhetoric".

By contrast, the false teachers "dare" to tell it like they want it to be (to their own advantage).

Verse 20: "παρρησία" ≈ "frankness, openness" as "bold" in KJV (King James Version).
Verse 14: "τολμάω" ≈ "dare" as "bold" in KJV.

Philippians 1:14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. [kjv]

Since Paul is "out of the way", some "dare" to speak the word "recklessly" and "without fear" (from God or Paul).

The modern Greek word "παρρησία" (par-ree-SEE-a) ≈ "boldness, outspokenness".
The modern Greek word "τολμάω" (tol-MA-o) ≈ "dare".

Philippians 1:20

All

KJV: According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

Greek: κατα την αποκαραδοκιαν και ελπιδα μου οτι εν ουδενι αισχυνθησομαι αλλ εν παση παρρησια ως παντοτε και νυν μεγαλυνθησεται χριστος εν τω σωματι μου ειτε δια ζωης ειτε δια θανατου

*G603 *2 ἀποκαραδοκία (ap-ok-ar-ad-ok-ee'-ah) : from a comparative of G575 and a compound of kara (the head) and G1380 (in the sense of watching); intense anticipation:--earnest expectation.

Usage

All

αποκαραδοκια

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

αποκαραδοκιαν

Philippians 1:20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that ...

Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [kjv]

1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [kjv]

1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [kjv]

Paul will do the work of Christ until it is time for him to depart.

Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? [kjv]

The word for "stature" means "age". Here, "cubit" is a measure of "time".

More: Luke 19: A short discussion on stature

Philippians 1:21

All

KJV: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Greek: εμοι γαρ το ζην χριστος και το αποθανειν κερδος

Latin: mihi enim vivere Christus est et mori lucrum

The modern Greek word "καρπός" (kar-POS) ≈ "fruit".

Philippians 1:22

All

KJV: But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

Greek: ει δε το ζην εν σαρκι τουτο μοι καρπος εργου και τι αιρησομαι ου γνωριζω

Philippians 1:23

All

KJV: For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Greek: συνεχομαι γαρ δε εκ των δυο την επιθυμιαν εχων εις το αναλυσαι και συν χριστω ειναι πολλω γαρ μαλλον κρεισσον

Philippians 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [kjv]

Why is it more "needful" for them? Remember the pun in verse 6.

"having begun in" as "en-ar-ska-me-non"
"in flesh remain" as "en-sar-ki-me-neen"

1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [kjv]

Galatians 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? [kjv]

Philippians 1:24

All

KJV: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Greek: το δε επιμενειν εν τη σαρκι αναγκαιοτερον δι υμας

Latin: permanere autem in carne magis necessarium est propter vos

Luther: Aber es ist nötiger, im Fleisch bleiben um euretwillen.

Philippians 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; [kjv]

KJV: "for your furtherance and joy of faith".
Better as: "for your furtherance and favor/grace of faith".

The ancient Greek word "προκοπή" ≈ "progress in a journey, improvement" and comes from "κόπτω" ≈ "cut" as in "cut forward".

Paul used this word back in verse 12.

1:12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; [kjv]

Philippians 1:25

All

KJV: And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Greek: και τουτο πεποιθως οιδα οτι μενω και συμπαραμενω παραμενω πασιν υμιν εις την υμων προκοπην και χαραν της πιστεως

Latin: et hoc confidens scio quia manebo et permanebo omnibus vobis ad profectum vestrum et gaudium fidei

Philippians 1:26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. [kjv]

ινα το καυχημα υμων περισσευη εν χριστω ιησου εν εμοι δια της εμης παρουσιας παλιν προς υμας [gnt]

1:20 … but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ … [kjv]

κατα την αποκαραδοκιαν και ελπιδα μου οτι εν ουδενι αισχυνθησομαι αλλ εν παση παρρησια ως παντοτε και νυν μεγαλυνθησεται χριστος εν τω σωματι μου ειτε δια ζωης ειτε δια θανατου [gnt]

The Greek for "rejoicing" is "boasting". In context, there appears to be a play on words between the Greek words for "frankness" (verse 20) and "coming" (verse 26) of "Jesus" and/or of "Paul".

"παρουσία" ≈ "arrival, occasion, coming".
"παρρησία" ≈ "frankness, openness".

The modern Greek word "παρουσία" (pa-ru-SEE-a) ≈ "presence".

Philippians 1:26

All

KJV: That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Greek: ινα το καυχημα υμων περισσευη εν χριστω ιησου εν εμοι δια της εμης παρουσιας παλιν προς υμας

Latin: ut gratulatio vestra abundet in Christo Iesu in me per meum adventum iterum ad vos

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [kjv]

The "conversation" is every interaction you have as a citizen of your community.Their Roman citizenship was highly valued.

The "mind" is that of "soul" from which we get "psychology".

The Greek for "striving together" has the word from which we get "athletics" as if in competition or "agony" (verse 30).

The "one" as a "team effort" is repeated many times.

Philippians 1:27

All

KJV: Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Greek: μονον αξιως του ευαγγελιου του χριστου πολιτευεσθε ινα ειτε ελθων και ιδων υμας ειτε απων ακουσω ακουω τα περι υμων οτι στηκετε εν ενι πνευματι μια ψυχη συναθλουντες τη πιστει του ευαγγελιου

*G4175 *1 πολίτευμα (pol-it'-yoo-mah) : from G4176 πολιτεύομαι; a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively):--conversation.

Usage

All

πολιτευμα

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; ...

*G4176 *2 πολιτεύομαι (pol-it-yoo'-om-ahee) : middle voice of a derivative of G4177; to behave as a citizen (figuratively):--let conversation be, live.

Usage

All

πεπολιτευμαι

Acts 23:1 ... Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience ...

πολιτευεσθε

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that ...

Words: πεπολιτευμαι πολιτευεσθε πολιτευμα

The modern Greek word "πολίτης" (po-LEE-tees) ≈ "citizen".
The modern Greek word "πρωτεύουσα" (pro-TEV-u-sa) ≈ "capital".
The modern Greek word "πολιτεύεσθαι" (po-lee-TEV-eh-stheh) ≈ "politics".
The modern Greek word "άθλος" (A-thlos) ≈ "feat".
The modern Greek word "αθλητής" (a-thlee-TEES) ≈ "athlete".

The prodigal son was a "citizen" of that country (to which he went).

Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. [kjv]

Luke 15:15

All

KJV: And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

Greek: και πορευθεις εκολληθη ενι των πολιτων της χωρας εκεινης και επεμψεν αυτον εις τους αγρους αυτου βοσκειν χοιρους

Latin: et abiit et adhesit uni civium regionis illius et misit illum in villam suam ut pasceret porcos

*G4177 *4 πολίτης (pol-ee'-tace) : from G4172; a townsman:--citizen.

Usage

All

πολιτων

Luke 15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and ...

πολιται

Luke 19:14 But his citizens hated him, and ...

πολιτης

Acts 21:39 ... which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean ...

πολιτην

Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his ...

Words: πολιται πολιτην πολιτης πολιτων

Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. [kjv]

Before and after this verse Paul uses athletic competition analogies.

Peter tells us about an "adversary".

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [kjv]

Philippians 1:28

All

KJV: And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

Greek: και μη πτυρομενοι εν μηδενι υπο των αντικειμενων ητις αυτοις μεν εστιν αυτοις ενδειξις απωλειας υμιν υμων δε σωτηριας και τουτο απο θεου

Paul uses a Greek word for "terrified" that appears only here in the GNT and is based on "πτῡ́ω" ≈ "spit out, spit up". The word is onomatopoeic in that it sounds like what it describes.

Here is another possible allusion to Job by Paul.

Job 7:18 Will you visit him till the morning, and judge him till the time of rest? [bs3]

7:19 How long do you not let me alone, nor let me go, until I shall swallow down my spittle? [bs3]

The "visit" is the same Greek word as "bishop". How well do these verses fit?

Job 7:18

All

KJV: And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment?

Hebrew: ותפקדנו לבקרים לרגעים תבחננו׃

Greek: η επισκοπην αυτου ποιηση εως το πρωι και εις αναπαυσιν αυτον κρινεις

Brenton: Will you visit him till the morning, and judge him till the time of rest?

Job 7:19

All

KJV: How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle?

Hebrew: כמה לא תשעה ממני לא תרפני עד בלעי רקי׃

Greek: εως τινος ουκ εας με ουδε προιη με εως αν καταπιω τον πτυελον μου εν οδυνη

Brenton: How long do you not let me alone, nor let me go, until I shall swallow down my spittle?

Paul uses these similar sounding words in Philippians.

Similar sounding words in Philippians
*	Greek	English	Where
1	ἐπίσκοποις	bishops	1:1
1	ἀπροσκοποί	without offenses	1:10
0	ἀπρόκοποι	without work	inferred
2	προκοπην	furtherance	1:12, 1:25
1	ἐπίσκοποις	visit	Job 7:18 from 1:28
2	σκοπειτε	look, target	2:4, 3:17
1	εκοπιασα	labored	2:16
1	σκοπον	target	3:14

More: Philippians 2:3-5 strife and vain glory

Build your house on the granite rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.

Church of believers built on the rock of Christ .
Church of believers built on the sand of man .

The higher one goes up the human sand hierarchy or sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the rock and to start to "influence" or "manipulate" others as "leaders" for one's own purposes.

To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.

Some birds will make "stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "bread". That is, give "bad" "gifts" or "houses" to their "children".

More: Some shallow and yet deep ideas about organizational structure

More: Matthew 16: Calling a masterful gathering of outgoing church believers

More: 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again

*G4426 *1 πτύρω (ptoo'-ro) : from a presumed derivative of G4429 (and thus akin to G4422); to frighten:--terrify.

Usage

All

πτυρομενοι

Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which ...

*G480 *8 ἀντίκειμαι (an-tik'-i-mahee) : from G473 and G2749; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to:--adversary, be contrary, oppose.

Usage

All

αντικειμενοι *3

Luke 13:17 ... these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all ...
Luke 21:15 ... which all your adversaries shall not be able ...
1 Corinthians 16:9 ... me, and there are many adversaries.

αντικειται *2

Galatians 5:17 ... the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye ...
1 Timothy 1:10 ... and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

αντικειμενων

Philippians 1:28 ... nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them ...

αντικειμενος

2 Thessalonians 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ...

αντικειμενω

1 Timothy 5:14 ... give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; [kjv]

Some might preach that everything should be "good" for you and you need not "suffer" - a "health and wealth" gospel.

It is not all "joy" (English meaning). Remember verse 15.

1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: [kjv]

The "good will" is that of "wishful thinking".

Temptations of Jesus by Satan.

wealth - stones to bread
health - not be hurt
power - rule kingdoms

Note that Satan does not tempt Jesus with knowledge or wisdom. Why might that be?

Details are left as a future topic.

Philippians 1:29

All

KJV: For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Greek: οτι υμιν εχαρισθη το υπερ χριστου ου μονον το εις αυτον πιστευειν αλλα και το υπερ αυτου πασχειν

1 Peter 5:8

All

KJV: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Greek: νηψατε γρηγορησατε οτι ο αντιδικος υμων διαβολος ως λεων ωρυομενος περιπατει ζητων τινα καταπιη καταπιειν

Philippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. [kjv]

τον αυτον αγωνα εχοντες οιον ειδετε εν εμοι και νυν ακουετε εν εμοι [gnt]

The (passive) "conflict" (as if within himself) is a Greek (active) word "fight" or "race" or "struggle" as used for athletic contests. The ancient Greek word "ἀγωνία" ≈ "competition, struggle" and is the source of the English word "agony".

In the past, one could "see" Paul persecuting the church. Now, one can "hear" Paul preaching the truth. This distinction is reemphasized later in Philippians. The Greek word for "hearing" assumes understanding of what is heard.

More: An opposite angle on the agony of punishment

The high-minded man must care more for the truth than for what people think. Aristotle (Greek scientist and philosopher)

More: Aristotle

This completes Philippians 1.

Paul did this in person with them and continues to do it being away from them. Given this introduction, Paul will continue to the reasons why the letter was written in chapter 2.