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Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640


1. Song: I've got the joy
The hymn "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart" was written in 1926 by American George W. Cooke (1884-1951).

He was associated with the Gospel Crusaders and Methodist Church for many years.
The verses are almost the same except for changing one main word and sometimes a few other words.

Information sign More: Song: I've got the joy

2. Verse 1
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart;
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy,
Down in my heart,
Down in my heart to stay.

3. Review of joy
The English word "joy" comes, through French, from the Latin word "gaudia""joy" and is the source of the word "gaudy".

The ancient Greek word "χαρά""favor, grace" was the word used to translate the Hebrew word for "favor" or "grace".

English
word
English
meaning
Greek
meaning
joy merry, happy favor, grace
rejoice be merry, be happy greetings
hail
Note: The overlap in meanings between languages can be confusing.
This word is often translated as "joy" but can easily be mistaken as the English word meaning "merry" as in "great happiness" having been influenced by the English word "bliss".

Information sign More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

4. Verse 1
Joy to the world, the Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

5. Seeing is believing
Necker Cube What is this?
Seeing may be believing but people see (or hear), what they want to see (or hear).
We see things not as they are, but as we are. H. M. Tomlinson.

How does one know if a message is from God or from an adversary?

Natural language, such as English or Greek, is inherently ambiguous. Words can have more than one meaning. Words can sound like other words and used as a form of nonverbal communication.

Information sign More: A biased view about being unbiased
Information sign More: Confirmation bias

6. Time and fruit
Words can be ambiguous when context is omitted (or distorted). In this case, the former "flies" is a verb while the latter "flies" is a noun.

This is a linguistic example of syntactic ambiguity sometimes called a "garden path sentence".

Meaning: "I don't smell good" vs. "I don't smell well".

Information sign More: Word and parsing ambiguity

7. Verse 2
Open my ears that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear,
and while the wave notes fall on my ear,
ev’rything false will disappear.

Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

8. Paragraph of recommendation
Here is a paragraph of recommendation.

To whom it may concern: You wrote to ask me for my opinion of John, who has applied for a position in your department. Source: Paulos, J. (1995). A mathematician reads the newspaper. New York: Basic Books., p. 43.

That is, while (many) computer languages are designed to be unambiguous, natural language is inherently ambiguous.

Information sign More: John Allen Paulos

9. Philippians 1a: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi
Paul's opening verse in Philippians is revealing.

Verse routePhilippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: [kjv]

Chess pieces Chess pieces Is there more?
Logo: Gopher mascot of golang Logo: Gopher mascot of golang Is there more?
Might the mention of the (plural) "bishops" and "deacons" in the opening line, not found in other opening lines, indicate some type of power struggle within the Philippian church that has distracted them from their true goal?

When Paul writes something, it is most probably important.

10. Servants
Verse routePhilippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: [kjv]

Servants and slavesPaul uses "servant" is he is a "servant" of both "Jesus" and the "world".

Paul is not a "slave" to "Jesus".

The ancient and modern Greek word has a meaning of "worker". Paul is doing the "work" of Jesus. We are all "workers" at some level. Do you "own" or "rent" your house and/or land? One must be careful not to conflate the "servant" meaning of Paul's time with the "slave" meaning of the American Civil War era.

There are many similarities but also many differences. Some pastors will try to make political and social statements, not really supported by the Bible, by ignoring the differences. Stirring up such "strife" is one of the warnings given to the Philippians in a few verses. These verses are often skipped or otherwise changed to not bring undue attention to the political and/or social statements.

11. Introduction
As with most letters, Paul includes a somewhat boilerplate introduction and conclusion.

It is best to not make too many deep theological points about these parts. Rather, concentrate on the middle part. That is, the reason the letter was written.

12. Saints
The "saints" are the "holy" or "sanctified" ones.

The Catholic church made this word into an official recognition as "Saint".

Information sign More: Wholesome and healthy sanctified saints

13. Philippians 1:1
 All 
KJV: Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
Greek: παυλος και τιμοθεος δουλοι ιησου χριστου ιησου πασιν τοις αγιοις εν χριστω ιησου τοις ουσιν εν φιλιπποις συν επισκοποις και διακονοις
Latin: Paulus et Timotheus servi Iesu Christi omnibus sanctis in Christo Iesu qui sunt Philippis cum episcopis et diaconis
Luther: Paulus und Timotheus, Knechte Jesu Christi: Allen Heiligen in Christo Jesu zu Philippi samt den Bischöfen und Dienern.

14. Bishops and deacons
Why are (plural) "bishops" and "deacons" are mentioned?

Chess pieces Chess pieces
The Greek word for "bishop" means, literally, someone who "oversees" or "visits".

Information sign More: 1 Timothy 3:1 Desire to reach out to be a bishop

Symbol for diaconate Logo: Gopher mascot of golang
The Greek word for "deacon" comes from the Greek words for "through the dust".

Information sign More: Deacon as an administration gopher

15. Bishops and deacons
Paul does not mention any "bishop" nor "deacon" in any other opening line to the seven churches to which we have letters from Paul.

Information sign More: Paul's opening lines to the churches and pastors

16. Greek

17. Grace and peace to you
Verse routePhilippians 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [kjv]

One must be careful not to confuse the English word "joy", as in bliss, with the GNT (Greek New Testament) favor, grace, greeting, etc.

Information sign More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor
Information sign More: Matthew 5: A eulogy of some blessed words on being blissfully happy

18. Holy Spirit
Paul mentions God the "Father", Jesus tho "Son", but not the "Holy Spirit".

Information sign More: Trinitarianism and Modalism
Paul will mention the "Spirit" of Jesus in a later verse.

19. Peacemakers
Verse routeMatthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. [kjv]

Peace sign

20. Latin

21. Philippians 1:2
 All 
KJV: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Greek: χαρις υμιν και ειρηνη απο θεου πατρος ημων και κυριου ιησου χριστου
Latin: gratia vobis et pax a Deo Patre nostro et Domino Iesu Christo

22. Matthew 5:9
   Matthew 5:9 
 All 
KJV: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Greek: μακαριοι οι ειρηνοποιοι οτι αυτοι υιοι θεου κληθησονται
Latin: beati pacifici quoniam filii Dei vocabuntur
Tyndale: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shalbe called the chyldren of God.

23. Thank you for giving thanks and for Thanksgiving
For all that you doOne way to say that something is a "good favor" is to say "thank you". This Greek word comes through Latin as "Eucharist". The Greek word for "favor" is often translated as "grace" or "joy". Jesus and Paul often say "thank you".
Verse routeMatthew 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; [kjv]
Verse routeκαι λαβων ποτηριον και ευχαριστησας εδωκεν αυτοις λεγων πιετε εξ αυτου παντες [gnt]

Verse routePhilippians 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [kjv]
Verse routeευχαριστω τω θεω μου επι παση τη μνεια υμων [gnt]

Information sign More: Thank you for giving thanks and for Thanksgiving

24. Philippians 1:3
 All 
KJV: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Greek: ευχαριστω τω θεω μου επι παση τη μνεια υμων
Latin: gratias ago Deo meo in omni memoria vestri
Luther: Ich danke meinem Gott, so oft ich euer gedenke

25. Thank you

26. Prayer and joy
Verse routePhilippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [kjv]

Ancient Greek: What does "always" mean? Is "each" request with "happiness" or "joy", or as a "favor" or "grace", or both (play on words)?

Paul appears to be making these requests as a "favor" to the Philippians. How is that? Read on.

Information sign More: A joyous thank you for the grace of a gaudy favor

27. Greek
The modern Greek word "χάρη" (HA-ree) ≈ "favor, grace"

28. Always
Verse routePhilippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [kjv]

What does "always" mean? Some choices:

Paul does this just in prayers that are for you. Paul does this in every prayer:

29. Philippians 1:4
 All 
KJV: Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Greek: παντοτε εν παση δεησει μου υπερ παντων υμων μετα χαρας την δεησιν ποιουμενος
Latin: semper in cunctis orationibus meis pro omnibus vobis cum gaudio deprecationem faciens
Luther: (welches ich allezeit tue in allem meinem Gebet für euch alle, und tue das Gebet mit Freuden),

30. Fellowship in the Gospel
Verse routePhilippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [kjv]

First day until now
It started on the "first day".

What is not said can be very important.

Will the "until now" continue into the future?

Verse routeMatthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. [kjv]

Some translations will call the "fellowship" or "community" a "partnership" which misrepresents the Greek word.

31. Fellowship in the Gospel
The Greek for "fellowship" or "community" should not be taken as "partnership". Any "partnership" would involve many more assumptions and details not knowable and not applicable in general.

The goal of "fellowship" is made much more precise as a goal from what John writes in 1 John 1.

Information sign More: 1 John 1 Top down purpose of life
The Greek for "gospel" is, literally, "good news".

Information sign More: Calque: The good news

32. Philippians 1:5
 All 
KJV: For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Greek: επι τη κοινωνια υμων εις το ευαγγελιον απο της πρωτης ημερας αχρι του νυν

33. Matthew 13:22
 All 
KJV: He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Greek: ο δε εις τας ακανθας σπαρεις ουτος εστιν ο τον λογον ακουων και η μεριμνα του αιωνος τουτου και η απατη του πλουτου συμπνιγει τον λογον και ακαρπος γινεται

34. Good works
Verse routePhilippians 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]

Ask seek knockThe good work was begun. Will it continue? Are they "seeking"?
Verse routeMatthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. [kjv]

Information sign More: Matthew 6: Seek to eat , drink and be married to Jesus

35. Philippians 1:6
 All 
KJV: 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:
Greek: πεποιθως αυτο τουτο οτι ο εναρξαμενος εν υμιν εργον αγαθον επιτελεσει αχρις αχρι ημερας ιησου χριστου

36. Beginning
Verse routePhilippians 1:6 …, that he which hath begun a good work in you … [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "εναρξάμενοι""having begun". This word as used appears made-up by Paul and to have an additional meaning. Have they begun in the spirit or are they attempting to "self-rule" as in "remain in the flesh" as they see fit?

This appears to be a pun on "remaining in the flesh".

Where else does Paul use this word?


37. Modern Greek
The modern Greek word "έναρξη" (EH-nar-ksee) ≈ "begin, start". On DVD movies, this is the command to start the movie. In computer programming, this Greek word is used for "initialization" or "beginning" of the running of some code.
Windows 7 Start button in GreekThe Windows "Start" menu (Windows 7) in Greek uses the modern Greek word "έναρξη" (EH-nar-ksee) ≈ "begin, start"

38. Beginning
A synonym for the modern Greek word "έναρξη" (EH-nar-ksee) ≈ "begin, start" is "αρχή" (ar-KHEE) ≈ "beginning". The ancient Greek word "ἀρχή""beginning" but can also mean "authority" or "dominion" as is the basis for the Greek word for "ruler".
Verse routeGenesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην [lxx]
Verse routeJohn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [kjv]
Verse routeεν αρχη ην ο λογος και ο λογος ην προς τον θεον και θεος ην ο λογος [gnt]

The "beginning" aspect is the basis for the English word "archaic" as being "old".

What exactly is the "beginning" in both Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1? Are they the same?

39. Genesis 1:1
   Genesis 1:1 
 All 
KJV: In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Hebrew: בראשית ברא אלהים את השמים ואת הארץ׃
Greek: εν αρχη εποιησεν ο θεος τον ουρανον και την γην

40. Strongs - having begun

41. Galatians
Verse routePhilippians 1:6 … that he which hath begun a good work in you … [kjv]

Paul uses this same unique word for "hath begun" in Galatians where "foolish" is "ἀνόητος""foolish, stupid, idiot" and means, literally "not thinking".

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

Might a similar meaning be inferred in Philippians?

42. Galatians 3:3
 All 
KJV: Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Greek: ουτως ανοητοι εστε εναρξαμενοι πνευματι νυν σαρκι επιτελεισθε

43. Having begun a pun in the flesh
Verse routePhilippians 1:6 …, that he which hath begun a good work in you … [kjv]
Verse routeπεποιθως αυτο τουτο οτι ο εναρξαμενος εν υμιν εργον αγαθον επιτελεσει αχρι ημερας ιησου χριστου [gnt]

Considering the context, here is a possible pun, considering both Philippians 1:6 and Galatians 3:3. The pun words "in flesh remain" in verse 6 are used directly in verse 24.

Verse route1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [kjv]
Verse routeτο δε επιμενειν τη σαρκι αναγκαιοτερον δι υμας [gnt]


44. 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

45. Apologetics
Why might it be "more needful" for Paul to "remain in the flesh"?

Verse routePhilippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. [kjv]

The KJV (King James Version) "meet" means "right" as in "righteous". The more figurative "bonds" is not the physical "chains". The word "defense" is the word "ἀπολογία""speech made in defense" and is the source of the English words "apology" and "apologetics". The word for "gospel" is, literally, "good news".

46. Socrates
Plato: The apology of Socrates Apologia
Before Socrates was forced to drink poison after being condemned to death by the city "democracy", he made a verbal defense of himself known as the "Apology of Socrates" as written by Plato.
Paul is in a similar situation. He is in prison, in chains and facing what might be an eventual execution. Many think than the written documents to support his "apology" are the books of Luke and Acts, both researched, compiled and written by Luke. 0

47. Philippians 1:7
 All 
KJV: Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
Greek: καθως εστιν δικαιον εμοι τουτο φρονειν υπερ παντων υμων δια το εχειν με εν τη καρδια υμας εν τε τοις δεσμοις μου και εν τη απολογια και βεβαιωσει του ευαγγελιου συγκοινωνους μου της χαριτος παντας υμας οντας
Latin: sicut est mihi iustum hoc sentire pro omnibus vobis eo quod habeam in corde vos et in vinculis meis et in defensione et confirmatione evangelii socios gaudii mei omnes vos esse

48. Apologetics
Verse route1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: [kjv]

The "answer" is the Greek "apology" as in a "verbal defense".
The "reason" is the Greek "logic" process of your reasoning.

Logic Eristic logic
Be careful not to clobber people with logic. Most cannot tell valid logic from "eristic" (invalid and augmentative) logic.

The Greek for "hope" is that of an "expectation".

49. 1 Peter 3:15
   1 Peter 3:15 
 All 
KJV: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Greek: κυριον δε τον θεον χριστον αγιασατε εν ταις καρδιαις υμων ετοιμοι δε αει προς απολογιαν παντι τω αιτουντι υμας λογον περι της εν υμιν ελπιδος αλλα μετα πραυτητος και φοβου

50. Projection
Aristotle, in his On Sophistical Refutations, details (at least) 12 ways to use bad or "sophistic" logic. Eristic reasoning is one of them.

One technique of "eristic" (faulty and contentious) logic is to accuse the other side of what you are doing. This tends to confuse those who cannot determine what is valid logic and what is not valid logic.

Projection Projection 2
A name for this in psychology is "projection" as one projects one's own ideas, faults, etc., onto others.

Information sign More: A biased view about being unbiased

51. Word usage - eristic
Word usage per chapter Words: ερεθιζετε εριδες εριδι εριδος εριθεια εριθειαι=2 εριθειαν=2 εριθειας=2 εριν=2 ερις=4 ερισει ηρεθισεν


52. Bowels of Jesus Christ
Verse routePhilippians 1:8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. [kjv]
Verse routeμαρτυς γαρ μου ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου [gnt]
Verse routetestisvisceribus … [v]

Jesus church
Logic status bar Reality status bar
prudent wise
gut feeling head knowledge
active passive
The Greek for passive "record" is that of being an active "witness".

The Greek word for "bowels" has to do with an active "gut feeling"or being "prudent" with "street smarts" rather than passive "wisdom" that is "head knowledge".

53. Philippians 1:8

 All 
KJV: For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Greek: μαρτυς γαρ μου εστιν ο θεος ως επιποθω παντας υμας εν σπλαγχνοις ιησου χριστου ιησου
Latin: testis enim mihi est Deus quomodo cupiam omnes vos in visceribus Christi Iesu

54. Knowledge and judgment
Verse routePhilippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; [kjv]

Is Paul telling them to be "sensible" and "come to their senses"?

As in most languages, a prefix to a word does not intensify that word. It (usually) changes the meaning of that word.

A word related to the Greek word for "aesthetic" is the Latin word "audio""hear, listen".

55. Good judgment
How does one get good judgment?

56. Modern Greek

57. Philippians 1:9
 All 
KJV: And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;
Greek: και τουτο προσευχομαι ινα η αγαπη υμων ετι μαλλον και μαλλον περισσευη εν επιγνωσει και παση αισθησει

58. Testing and approval
Verse routePhilippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; … [kjv]

The English word "approve" (in a modern passive way) is the Greek for "test out" or "try out" (in an active way).

The KJV uses "excellent" but the Greek word means "different".

As in: That you may try out those things that are different.

Information sign More: Deferring on a difference of opinion on differences

59. Philippians 1:10
 All 
KJV: That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Hebrew: למען תבחנו את המבחרות והייתם זכים ובלי מכשול עד יום המשיח׃
Greek: εις το δοκιμαζειν υμας τα διαφεροντα ινα ητε ειλικρινεις και απροσκοποι εις ημεραν χριστου
Latin: ut probetis potiora ut sitis sinceres et sine offensa in diem Christi

60. Sincere
Verse routePhilippians 1:10 … that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [kjv]

Instead of "pure", Paul uses the ancient Greek word "ειλικρινής""sincere" as in separated by the light of the sun. Are they being "sincere" as in being "frank" and "telling it like it is"?

The second part of the word is the ancient Greek word "κρίνω""separate" as in the first part of a judging process and often translated "judge" in English (which can be misleading).

Information sign More: Matthew 7:1-2 Here comes the judge, but just barley
This same word is used by Peter in the GNT.

Verse route2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: [kjv]


61. Strongs - sincere

62. Modern Greek
The modern Greek word "ειλικρινής" (ee-lee-kree-NEES) ≈ "sincere, frank".

63. 2 Peter 3:1
   2 Peter 3:1 
 All 
KJV: This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:
Greek: ταυτην ηδη αγαπητοι δευτεραν υμιν γραφω επιστολην εν αις διεγειρω υμων εν υπομνησει την ειλικρινη διανοιαν

64. Without offense
Verse routePhilippians 1:10 … that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; [kjv]

Chess pieces Chess pieces
The "without offense", only used by Paul, is interesting. The letter started with (multiple) "bishops".
These Greek words of Paul differ only in the prefix. Will the "bishops" be "pure" and "without offenses" at the day of Christ? Will they change their ways? Is that within "scope"!

65. Catchy sayings
This word is used only 3 times, all by Paul. There appears to be a pun on "without works" as a rhetorical question. The modern Greek word "απρόκοπος" (a-PRO-ko-pos) ≈ "unsuccessful, good-for-nothing".

O.J. Simpson trial saying of lawyer Johnny Cochran about the glove: "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit.".

66. Strongs - try out

67. Strongs - different

68. Strongs - pure

69. Strongs - blameless

70. Greek

71. Fruits
Verse routePhilippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. [kjv]

Vine 0 Vine 2


72. Philippians 1:11
 All 
KJV: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Greek: πεπληρωμενοικαρπων καρπον δικαιοσυνης των τον δια ιησου χριστου εις δοξαν και επαινον θεου
Latin: repleti fructu iustitiae per Christum Iesum in gloriam et laudem Dei
Luther: erfüllet mit Früchten der Gerechtigkeit, die durch Jesum Christum geschehen (in euch) zu Ehre und Lobe Gottes.

73. All things work together
Verse routePhilippians 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]

The "understand" is a "willful" and "purposeful" attitude.

Verse routeRomans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. [kjv]

It would appear (following verses) that some have taken advantage of Paul's absence to blame him (or his sin) for his own misfortune.

74. Philippians 1:12
 All 
KJV: But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
Greek: γινωσκειν δε υμας βουλομαι αδελφοι οτι τα κατ εμε μαλλον εις προκοπην του ευαγγελιου εληλυθεν

75. Palaces and elsewhere
Verse routePhilippians 1:13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; [kjv]

ChainPaul is in prison in chains but he uses the word "bonds", not "chains". There is a good purpose for this as a witness to others (in the palace) and (legally) to Caesar.


Information sign More: Waltzing out of chains
Do some (leaders of the) Philippians have the appropriate "bonds" or might it be a "mental block"? Paul says "my bonds". What about "your bonds"?

76. Philippians 1:13
 All 
KJV: So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
Greek: ωστε τους δεσμους μου φανερους εν χριστω γενεσθαι εν ολω τω πραιτωριω και τοις λοιποις πασιν
Latin: ita ut vincula mea manifesta fierent in Christo in omni praetorio et in ceteris omnibus

77. Brethren and bonds
Verse routePhilippians 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). This is not the good "bold" as in as in "speaking frankly" to "tell it like it is" which Paul will use of himself in verse 20.

This is the ancient Greek word "τολμάω""dare" to the point of being "reckless" which, here, is not good.

Are they speaking the true word? What is the goal?

78. Greek
The modern Greek word "τολμάω" (tol-MA-o) ≈ "dare".

79. Philippians 1:14
 All 
KJV: And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Greek: και τους πλειονας των αδελφων εν κυριω πεποιθοτας τοις δεσμοις μου περισσοτερως τολμαν αφοβως τον λογον του θεου λαλειν
Latin: et plures e fratribus in Domino confidentes vinculis meis abundantius audere sine timore verbum Dei loqui
Luther: und viel Brüder in dem Herrn aus meinen Banden Zuversicht gewonnen, desto türstiger worden sind, das Wort zu reden ohne Scheu.

80. Strongs - dare

81. Eyes on the prize
Verse routePhilippians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. [kjv]
Verse routeκατα σκοπον διωκω εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου [gnt]

True goal False goal
How does one know if one is aiming for the correct target?

You might have "accepted" the "false goal" and "rejected" the "true goal".

Paul is aiming for the correct target. How about the Philippians?
The Greek for "press" is that of "pursue" or "persecute" depending on context.

Keep the eyes on the prize. The Greek word for "prize" is the source of the English word "bravo".

Information sign More: Mosaics

82. Philippians 3:14

 All 
KJV: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Greek: κατα σκοπον διωκω επι εις το βραβειον της ανω κλησεως του θεου εν χριστω ιησου
Latin: ad destinatum persequor ad bravium supernae vocationis Dei in Christo Iesu
Geneva: And follow hard toward the marke, for the prise of the hie calling of God in Christ Iesus.
Luther: und jage nach dem vorgesteckten Ziel, nach dem Kleinod, welches vorhält die himmlische Berufung Gottes in Christo Jesu.

83. Preaching
Verse routePhilippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: [kjv]
Verse routeτινες μεν και δια φθονον και εριν τινες δε και δι ευδοκιαν τον χριστον κηρυσσουσιν [gnt]
Verse route1:16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: [kjv]

Paul is reasoning using a type of "syllogism" How would one use "contention" to "add affliction" to another?

Information sign More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention
Some might have said that Paul must have sinned since he is in chains.

84. Types of jealousy
Zeal, envy, covet
The Greek has several words for "envy" or "jealousy". In each case, groups may use "eristic" (invalid and contentious) logic to persuade competing group members into their camp.

85. Seek
Seek
Groups may "seek" the same goal.

86. Zeal
Seek, zeaGroups may seek the same goal with "zeal" - as in competition for the same goal.

Zero-sum games - sports (I win, you lose).
These groups may use "eristic" (faulty) reasoning to sway members from other groups to join their group.

According to Aristotle, "eristic" (win at all costs) reasoning becomes "sophistic" (sophisticated) when it is done for money (i.e., one's belly).

87. Damage
Seek, zeal, damage
Damage may result from groups seeking the same goal with "zeal", as in competition for the same goal, often using "eristic" (faulty) reasoning. Such faulty reasoning is often translated as "strife" or "contention" (though Greek has words for those concepts).

88. Greek words
Seek, zeal, damage in Greek
In Greek, the words for "seek", "zeal" and "damage" are related and appear to have developed in that order.

The Greek for "zeal" is that one is "competing" for the same "goal" with "others" as "rivals".

89. Philippians
Seek, not zeal, damage groupedIn Philippians 1:15, Paul uses a different Greek word for "jealousy" that appears to indicate that, rather than competing for the same goal (e.g., the truth of Jesus), the church leadership is competing against each other for different goals or directions (none being the truth of Jesus).

Verse routePhilippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: [kjv]
Verse routeτινες μεν και δια φθονον και εριν τινες δε και δι ευδοκιαν τον χριστον κηρυσσουσιν [gnt]


90. Philippians 1:15

 All 
KJV: Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
Greek: τινες μεν και δια φθονον και εριν τινες δε και δι ευδοκιαν τον χριστον κηρυσσουσιν

91. Church groups
Seek, zeal, damage grouped
In a church setting, the groups with destructive behaviors are part of the church. That is, an "inside attack" rather than an "external attack".

In this case, the "goal" is not damaged directly, but the groups damage themselves such that they may not reach the goal.

92. Philippians
Seek, not zeal, damage groupedIn this verse, Paul uses another word for "zeal" that is still destructive.
It appears that, rather than competing for the same goal, they are competing, using "eristic" logic, etc., for different goals.

Only the true goal is without damage (to the groups).

93. Innocent
The ancient Greek word "αγνός""pure, chaste, innocent". The modern Greek word "αγνός" (a-GNOS) ≈ "pure, chaste, innocent".

94. Philippians 1:16
 All 
KJV: The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
Greek: οι μεν εξ εριθειας τον χριστον καταγγελλουσιν ουχ αγνως οιομενοι θλιψιν επιφερειν τοις δεσμοις μου αγαπης ειδοτες οτι εις απολογιαν του ευαγγελιου κειμαι

95. Preaching of love
Verse routePhilippians 1:17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. [kjv]

There appear to be competing points of view with each group trying to sway the other group into their camp using "eristic" logic.

The same Greek word for "apology" as in "verbal defense" is used.

Logic Eristic logic
This eristic (bad) logic (by some) causes commotion or strife.

Information sign More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention

96. Philippians 1:17
 All 
KJV: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
Greek: οι δε εξ αγαπης ειδοτες οτι εις απολογιαν του ευαγγελιου κειμαι εριθειας τον χριστον καταγγελλουσιν ουχ αγνως οιομενοι θλιψιν εγειρειν τοις δεσμοις μου

97. Pretend or truth
Verse routePhilippians 1:18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I there in do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. [kjv]

Cherry pick 2Even "false teachers" may benefit some listeners as those teachers "cherry pick" verses to promote their own views.

ContextThe Greek for "pretense" or "pretend" is, literally, "pretext" as in a "show" or "phase" as in (a deceptive) appearance.

Paul does "rejoice" and, hopefully, "will rejoice".

Information sign More: Selective evidence fallacy: Verse context matters

98. Phases
Moon phasesThe Greek word for "phase" was for appearance.

There are "phases" of the moon as the moon changes appearance during the month.
The word "phase" took on the additional meaning of a changes over time.in addition to appearance.

Example: That is just a phase through which the child is going.

99. Pretend or truth
God and paster 1 God and paster 2 God and paster 3

Verse routePhilippians 1:18 … whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; …. [kjv]

Paul tries to look on the good side of things.

From what Paul writes, the Philippians need to be careful.

The English word "pretext" is from the Latin and related to the English word "pretend".

100. Philippians 1:18
 All 
KJV: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I there in do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Greek: τι γαρ πλην οτι παντι τροπω ειτε προφασει ειτε αληθεια χριστος καταγγελλεται και εν τουτω χαιρω αλλα και χαρησομαι
Latin: quid enim dum omni modo sive per occasionem sive per veritatem Christus adnuntiatur et in hoc gaudeo sed et gaudebo

101. Strongs - pretext

102. Truth
Levels of truth
  • The Bible is not a logical system of truth.
  • The Bible is not an opinion system of truth.
  • The Bible is a reality system of truth.

  • Verse routeJohn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. [kjv]

    Information sign More: Hebrew truth as reality
    Information sign More: Greek truth as reality

    103. Greek

    104. Song: This is the day
    The word "rejoice" appears often in the song "This is the day" from 1967 by Les Garrett. The phrase "This is the day" refers to "the day" and not "a day".

    Verse routePsalms 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. [kjv]
    Verse route118:23 This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. [kjv]
    Verse route118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. [kjv]

    That day was originally the Passover before the Exodus but was to be a sign of the Messiah. Jesus entered on that day, "Palm Sunday", with that song which angered the religious establishment.

    Information sign More: Song: This is the day

    105. Verse 1a
    This is the day, this is the day
    that the Lord has made,
    that the Lord has made;
    we will rejoice,
    we will rejoice and be glad in it,
    and be glad in it.

    106. Verse 1b
    This is the day that the Lord has made;
    we will rejoice and be glad in it.
    This is the day,
    this is the day that the Lord has made.

    107. Summary
    Paul starts 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.

    The content of Philippians 1 is completed at Philippians 1b: A gracious favor of joy to Philippi.

    108. End of page

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