King James Version
Philippians 2
30 verses with commentary
Imitating Christ's Humility
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies</strong> (Εἴ τις οὖν παράκλησις ἐν Χριστῷ, εἴ τι παραμύθιον ἀγάπης, εἴ τις κοινωνία πνεύματος, εἴ τις σπλάγχνα καὶ οἰκτιρμοί, <em>Ei tis oun paraklēsis en Christō, ei ti paramythion agapēs, ei tis koinōnia pneumatos, ei tis splanchna kai oiktirmoi</em>)—Four <...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
II.
(1-4) In this section the hint given above, in the allusion to “one spirit” and “one soul,” is expanded into a direct exhortation to unity of spirit, as shown both by absence of self-assertion and by presence of a genial sympathy.
(1) **If there be therefore any consolation . . .**—In the four-fold division of this verse we trace, first, a reference to unity with Christ, and to a spiritual eff...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. predestinated--**more special in respect to the end and precise means, than "chosen" or elected. We are "chosen" out of the rest of the world; "predestinated" to all things that secure the inheritance for us (Ep 1:11; Ro 8:29). "Foreordained."
**by Jesus--**Greek, "through Jesus."
**to himself--**the Father (Col 1:20). Alford explains, "adoption ... into Himself," that is, so that we shou...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded , having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind</strong> (πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαράν, ἵνα τὸ αὐτὸ φρονῆτε, τὴν αὐτὴν ἀγάπην ἔχοντες, σύμψυχοι, τὸ ἓν φρονοῦντες, <em>plērōsate mou tēn charan, hina to auto phronēte, tēn autēn agapēn echontes, sympsychoi, to hen phronountes</em>)—<em>Plērōsate</em> (aorist imperative, "fulfill, complete") pictures ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **That ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.**—In this verse there is again a four-fold division; but of a different kind. St. Paul begins with the exhortation not uncommon from him, to be likeminded,” that is, to have true sympathy (as in Romans 12:16; Romans 15:5; 2Corinthians 13:11; also Philippians 3:16; Philippians 4:2); which he naturally strengthens b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
6. (Ep 1:7, 17, 18). The end aimed at (Psa 50:23), that is, that the glory of His grace may be praised by all His creatures, men and angels.
**wherein--**Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "which." Then translate, "which He graciously bestowed on us." But English Version is supported by good manuscripts and the oldest versions.
**us accepted--**a kindred Greek word to "grace": charitos, echa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves</strong> (μηδὲν κατ' ἐριθείαν μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν, ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν, <em>mēden kat' eritheian mēde kata kenodoxian, alla tē tapeinophrosynē allēlous hēgoumenoi hyperechontas heautōn</em>)—<em>Eritheian</em> ("selfish ambition, r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) This verse expresses the negative result of this unity of soul—that nothing will be done in “strife,” that is, *factiousness* (the word used in Philippians 1:17), or “vainglory”—nothing, that is, with the desire either of personal influence or of personal glory. “For,” he adds, “each will esteem other better than himself,” or, rather, will hold that his neighbour is worthy of higher considerat...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. In whom--**"the Beloved" (Ep 1:6; Ro 3:24).
**we have--**as a present possession.
**redemption--**Greek, "our (literally, 'the') redemption"; THE redemption which is the grand subject of all revelation, and especially of the New Testament (Ro 3:24), namely, from the power, guilt, and penal consequences of sin (Mt 1:21). If a man were unable to redeem himself from being a bond-servant, his...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others</strong> (μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ [καὶ] τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι, <em>mē ta heautōn hekastos skopountes, alla [kai] ta heterōn hekastoi</em>)—<em>Skopountes</em> ("looking at, considering, being concerned for") suggests focused attention. The prohibition isn't absolute—Paul doesn't forbid self-care (the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Look not every man on his own things.**—This verse similarly describes the positive effect of this “being of one mind” as consisting in power of understanding and sympathy towards “the things of others”—not merely the interests, but also the ideas and feelings of others. To “look upon” here is something more than “to seek” (as in Philippians 2:21). It expresses that insight into the thoughts...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
8. Rather, "which He made to abound towards us."
**all wisdom and prudence--**"wisdom" in devising the plan of redeeming mankind; "prudence" in executing it by the means, and in making all the necessary arrangements of Providence for that purpose. Paul attributes to the Gospel of God's grace "all" possible "wisdom and prudence," in opposition to the boasts of wisdom and prudence which the unbeli...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus</strong> (Τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, <em>Touto phroneite en hymin ho kai en Christō Iēsou</em>)—<em>Touto phroneite</em> ("think this, have this mindset") summons the Christ-pattern as ethical paradigm. <em>Phroneō</em> ("to think, set one's mind on") isn't mere intellect but dispositional orientation—affections, va...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
[**4.The Doctrine of the Great Humility of Christ** (Philippians 2:5-11).
(1) THE VOLUNTARY HUMILIATION OF THE LORD, first in His incarnation, next in His passion (Philippians 2:5-8).
(2) THE CORRESPONDING EXALTATION OF HIS HUMANITY, to bear “the Name above every name,” which all creation must adore (Philippians 2:9-11).]
(5-8) From a practical introduction, in the familiar exhortation to follow t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. "He hath abounded," or "made (grace) to abound toward us" (Ep 1:8), in that He made known to us, namely, experimentally, in our hearts.
**the mystery--**God's purpose of redemption hidden heretofore in His counsels, but now revealed (Ep 6:19; Ro 16:25; Col 1:26, 27). This "mystery" is not like the heathen mysteries, which were imparted only to the initiated few. All Christians are the initiat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God</strong> (ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων, οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ, <em>hos en morphē theou hyparchōn, ouch harpagmon hēgēsato to einai isa theō</em>)—The Christ-hymn begins. <em>Morphē</em> ("form, essential nature") isn't mere appearance but essential reality—Christ <em>exists in God's very nature</em>. <em...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Being in the form of God.**—(1) The word “being” is here the more emphatic of the two words so translated, which lays stress on the reality of existence (as in Acts 16:20; Acts 17:28; 1Corinthians 11:7; Galatians 2:14). Hence it calls attention to the essential being of Christ, corresponding to the idea embodied in the name Jehovah, and thus implying what is more fully expressed in John 1:1....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. Translate, "Unto the dispensation of the fulness of the times," that is, "which He purposed in Himself" (Ep 1:9) with a view to the economy of (the gracious administration belonging to) the fulness of the times (Greek, "fit times," "seasons"). More comprehensive than "the fulness of the time" (Ga 4:4). The whole of the Gospel times (plural) is meant, with the benefits to the Church dispensed i...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men</strong> (ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος, <em>alla heauton ekenōsen morphēn doulou labōn, en homoiōmati anthrōpōn genomenos</em>)—<em>Heauton ekenōsen</em> ("he emptied himself")—the verb <em>kenoō</em> ("to empty, make void") gives us <...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **But made himself . . .**—This verse needs more exact translation. It should be, *But emptied* (or, *stripped*)* Himself of His glory by having taken on* *Him* *the form of a slave and having been made* (or, *born*)* in likeness of men.* The “glory” is the “glory which He had with the Father before the world was” (John 17:5; comp. Philippians 1:14), clearly corresponding to the *Shechinah* of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. In whom--**by virtue of union to whom.
**obtained an inheritance--**literally, "We were made to have an inheritance" [Wahl]. Compare Ep 1:18, "His inheritance in the saints": as His inheritance is there said to be in them, so theirs is here said to be in Him (Ac 26:18). However, Ep 1:12, "That we should BE TO ... His glory" (not "that we should have"), favors the translation of Bengel, Ell...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. fashion: or habit
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross</strong> (καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτόν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ, <em>kai schēmati heuretheis hōs anthrōpos etapeinōsen heauton, genomenos hypēkoos mechri thanatou, thanatou de staurou</em>)—<em>Schēmati</em> ("appearance, fa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And being found . . .**—This should be, *And after having been found* (or, *recognised*)* in fashion as a man, He *[*then*]* humbled Himself, having become obedient even to death.* “After having been found,” &c., clearly refers to the manifestation of Himself to the world in all the weakness of humanity: the “outward fashion” was all that men could see; and in it they found “no form or comel...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. (Ep 1:6, 14).
**who first trusted in Christ--**rather (we Jewish Christians), "who have before hoped in the Christ": who before the Christ came, looked forward to His coming, waiting for the consolation of Israel. Compare Ac 26:6, 7, "I am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come." Ac 28:2...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name</strong> (διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, <em>dio kai ho theos auton hyperypsōsen kai echarisato autō to onoma to hyper pan onoma</em>)—<em>Dio</em> ("wherefore, for this reason") links exaltation to humiliation: <em>because</em> Christ humbled Himself, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him.**—The exaltation, like the humiliation, belongs to Him, as Son of Man; for He was “lifted up,” as on the cross, so in the Ascension. It raises Him to the throne of the Mediatorial kingdom, on which He entered by the Ascension, sitting at the right hand of God till He has put all enemies under His feet, and then ready “to deliver up the kingdom to t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. In whom ye also--**Ye Gentiles. Supply as English Version, "trusted," from Ep 1:12; or "are." The priority of us Jews does not exclude you Gentiles from sharing in Christ (compare Ac 13:46).
**the word of truth--**the instrument of sanctification, and of the new birth (Joh 17:17; 2Ti 2:15; Jas 1:18). Compare Col 1:5, where also, as here, it is connected with "hope." Also Ep 4:21.
**seale...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth</strong> (ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων, <em>hina en tō onomati Iēsou pan gony kampsē epouraniōn kai epigeiōn kai katachthoniōn</em>)—<em>Hina</em> ("that, in order that") states purpose: God exalted Jesus <em>so that</em> un...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **At** (properly, *in*) **the name of Jesus every knee should bow.**—This is an instance of the significant practice, by which passages of the Old Testament speaking of God are, as a matter of course, applied in the New to our Lord Jesus Christ. “In the Name” is the phrase constantly used for worship of God. “I will lift up my hands in Thy Name” (Psalm 63:4). It denotes worship to Christ, not...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. earnest--**the first instalment paid as a pledge that the rest will follow (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22).
**until--**rather, "Unto the redemption," &c.; joined thus, "ye were sealed (Ep 1:13) unto," that is, for the purpose of and against, the accomplishment of "the redemption," namely, not the redemption in its first stage, made by the blood of Christ, which secures our title, but, in its final...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father</strong> (καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός, <em>kai pasa glōssa exomologēsētai hoti kyrios Iēsous Christos eis doxan theou patros</em>)—<em>Pasa glōssa</em> ("every tongue") parallels "every knee" (v. 10)—universal, comprehensive confession. <em>Exomo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **That Jesus Christ is Lord.**—The word “Lord” is the word constantly used in the LXX. to translate, though inadequately, the name Jehovah. The context would suggest that meaning here, for the worship paid is obviously the worship done to God. But, though less perfectly, the acknowledgment of universal lordship and majesty (such as He claimed in Matthew 28:18-20) would satisfy the necessities...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. Wherefore--**because ye are in Christ and sealed by His Spirit (Ep 1:13, 14).
**I also--**on my part, in return for God's so great benefits to you.
**after I heard--**ever since I have heard. Not implying that he had only heard of their conversion: an erroneous argument used by some against the address of this Epistle to the Ephesians (see on Ep 1:1); but referring to the report he had h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Christ and his covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here; but who is able to remove himself out of it? Would that this were not a true description of many baptized in the name of Christ. Who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person, separated for ever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Chri...
Read full commentary →Working Out Salvation
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling</strong> (Ὥστε, ἀγαπητοί μου, καθὼς πάντοτε ὑπηκούσατε, μὴ ὡς ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ μου μόνον ἀλλὰ νῦν πολλῷ μᾶλλον ἐν τῇ ἀπουσίᾳ μου, μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου τὴν ἑαυτῶν σωτηρίαν κατεργάζεσθε, <em>Hōste, agapētoi mou, kathōs pantote hypēko...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
[**5.Exhortation and Commendation **(Philippians 2:12-30).
(1) EXHORTATION TO WORK OUT THEIR SALVATION through the in working of God, and so to be lights in the world, and the glory of the Apostle, even in the hour of martyrdom (Philippians 2:12-18).
(2) ST. PAUL’S INTENTION TO SEND TIMOTHY, AND HOPE TO COME HIMSELF SHORTLY (Philippians 2:19-24).
(3) PRESENT MISSION OF EPAPHRODITUS, now recovered ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. (Col 1:9).
**of you--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Then the translation may be as English Version still, or as Alford, "making mention of them" (your "faith and love").
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Christ and his covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here; but who is able to remove himself out of it? Would that this were not a true description of many baptized in the name of Christ. Who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person, separated for ever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Chri...
Read full commentary →For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure</strong> (θεὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ ἐνεργῶν ἐν ὑμῖν καὶ τὸ θέλειν καὶ τὸ ἐνεργεῖν ὑπὲρ τῆς εὐδοκίας, <em>theos gar estin ho energōn en hymin kai to thelein kai to energein hyper tēs eudokias</em>)—<em>Gar</em> ("for") grounds v. 12: you work out salvation <em>because</em> God works in you. <em>Ho energōn</em> (present pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do.—**In this famous paradox St. Paul calls on men to work by their own will, just because only God can grant them power both to will and to do. The origination of all in God, and the free action (which is in some sense origination) of man, are both truths recognised by our deepest consciousness, but to our logic irreconcilable. In one ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. A fit prayer for all Christians.
**the God of our Lord Jesus--**appropriate title here; as in Ep 1:20-22 he treats of God's raising Jesus to be Head over all things to the Church. Jesus Himself called the Father "My God" (Mt 27:46).
**the Father of glory--**(Compare Ac 7:2). The Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, who is "the glory" (the true Shekinah); throug...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-13**
Christ and his covenant are the foundation of all the Christian's hopes. A sad and terrible description is here; but who is able to remove himself out of it? Would that this were not a true description of many baptized in the name of Christ. Who can, without trembling, reflect upon the misery of a person, separated for ever from the people of God, cut off from the body of Chri...
Read full commentary →Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Do all things without murmurings and disputings</strong> (Πάντα ποιεῖτε χωρὶς γογγυσμῶν καὶ διαλογισμῶν, <em>Panta poieite chōris goggysōn kai dialogismōn</em>)—<em>Panta</em> ("all things") makes the command comprehensive. <em>Chōris</em> ("without, apart from") demands complete absence. <em>Goggysōn</em> ("grumblings, murmurings") echoes Israel's wilderness murmuring (Exod 16:7-9; Num 14...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Without murmurings and disputings.**—St. Paul seems purposely to leave this precept in perfect generality, so as to apply to their relations both to God and man. We observe, however, that the word “disputings” is mostly used of objections and cavils in word (see Matthew 15:19; Luke 5:22; Luke 6:8; Romans 1:21; Romans 14:1); although in Luke 9:47; Luke 24:38, and perhaps 1Timothy 2:8, it is ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. understanding--**The oldest manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read "heart." Compare the contrary state of unbelieving, the heart being in fault (Ep 4:18; Mt 13:15). Translate, "Having the eyes of your heart enlightened" (Ep 5:14; Mt 4:16). The first effect of the Spirit moving in the new creation, as in the original physical creation (Ge 1:3; 2Co 4:6). So Theophilus to Autolycus (1.3), "th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence,...
Read full commentary →That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; harmless: or, sincere ye shine: or, shine ye
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world</strong> (ἵνα γένησθε ἄμεμπτοι καὶ ἀκέραιοι, τέκνα θεοῦ ἄμωμα μέσον γενεᾶς σκολιᾶς καὶ διεστραμμένης, ἐν οἷς φαίνεσθε ὡς φωστῆρες ἐν κόσμῳ, <em>hina genēsthe amemptoi kai akeraioi, tekna theou amōma meson geneas skolias kai diestr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Blameless and harmless.**—“Blameless” as to external law and judgment (as in Luke 1:6; 1Thessalonians 2:10); “harmless” in internal purity and simplicity (as in Matthew 10:16, “harmless as doves;” and Romans 16:19).
**The sons of God, without rebuke.**—The word “without rebuke” is, according to the best MSS., the same as that which is used in Ephesians 1:4 (where see Note), and elsewhere, t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. exceeding--**"surpassing."
**power to us-ward who believe--**The whole of the working of His grace, which He is carrying on, and will carry on, in us who believe. By the term "saints" (Ep 1:18), believers are regarded as absolutely perfected, and so as being God's inheritance; in this verse, as in the course of fighting the good fight of faith.
**according to--**in accordance with, what ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence,...
Read full commentary →Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain</strong> (λόγον ζωῆς ἐπέχοντες, εἰς καύχημα ἐμοὶ εἰς ἡμέραν Χριστοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ εἰς κενὸν ἔδραμον οὐδὲ εἰς κενὸν ἐκοπίασα, <em>logon zōēs epechontes, eis kauchēma emoi eis hēmeran Christou, hoti ouk eis kenon edramon oude eis kenon ekopiasa</em>)—<em>Epechontes</em> (...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Holding forth the word of life.**—This translation seems correct, and the reference is to the comparison above. There may, indeed, be (as has been supposed) a reference, involving a change of metaphor, to the holding forth of a torch, for guidance, or for transmission, as in the celebrated torch race of ancient times. But this supposed change of metaphor is unnecessary. The “luminaries” hol...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. in Christ--**as our "first-fruits" of the resurrection, and Head, in virtue of God's mighty working in whom His power to us-ward is made possible and actual [Alford].
**when he raised him--**"in that He raised Him." The raising of Christ is not only an earnest of our bodies being hereafter raised, but has a spiritual power in it involving (by virtue of our living union with Him, as members...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence,...
Read full commentary →Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. offered: Gr. poured forth
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all</strong> (Ἀλλὰ εἰ καὶ σπένδομαι ἐπὶ τῇ θυσίᾳ καὶ λειτουργίᾳ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν, χαίρω καὶ συγχαίρω πᾶσιν ὑμῖν, <em>Alla ei kai spendomai epi tē thysia kai leitourgia tēs pisteōs hymōn, chairō kai synchairō pasin hymin</em>)—<em>Spendomai</em> ("I am poured out as a drink offering") is culti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith.**—The striking metaphor of the original is here imperfectly represented. It is, *If I am being poured out*—if my life-blood is poured out—*over the sacrifice and religious ministration of your faith.* The same word is used in 2Timothy 4:6, where our version has, “I am now ready to be offered.” The allusion is to the practice of p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
21. Greek, "Far (or high) above all (Ep 4:10) principality (or rule, 1Co 15:24), and authority, and power (Mt 28:18), and dominion (or lordship)." Compare Php 2:9; Col 1:16; He 7:26; 1Pe 3:22. Evil spirits (who are similarly divided into various ranks, Ep 6:12), as well as angels of light, and earthly potentates, are included (compare Ro 8:38). Jesus is "King of kings, and Lord of lords" (Re 19:16...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence,...
Read full commentary →For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me</strong> (τὸ δὲ αὐτὸ καὶ ὑμεῖς χαίρετε καὶ συγχαίρετέ μοι, <em>to de auto kai hymeis chairete kai synchairete moi</em>)—<em>To de auto</em> ("the same thing, likewise") links Philippians' response to Paul's joy (v. 17). <em>Chairete kai synchairete</em> ("rejoice and rejoice with") are present imperatives—commands for ongoing, mutual j...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Do ye joy . . .**—The Epistle lays great stress on joy, not only as a privilege, but as a duty, following from Christian faith and proving its reality. Joy is in itself natural in the first thoughts of childhood and youth; it is apt to be chequered or even destroyed by the second thoughts of fuller experience of life, as darkened by suffering, sin, and death; but in the third and deepest th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. put ... under--**Greek, "put in subjection under" (Psa 8:6; 1Co 15:27).
**gave ... to the church--**for her special advantage. The Greek order is emphatic: "HIM He gave as Head over all things to the Church." Had it been anyone save Him, her Head, it would not have been the boon it is to the Church. But as He is Head over all things who is also her Head (and she the body), all things are h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-18**
Jesus Christ made peace by the sacrifice of himself; in every sense Christ was their Peace, the author, centre, and substance of their being at peace with God, and of their union with the Jewish believers in one church. Through the person, sacrifice, and mediation of Christ, sinners are allowed to draw near to God as a Father, and are brought with acceptance into his presence,...
Read full commentary →Timothy and Epaphroditus
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. But: or, Moreover
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state</strong> (Ἐλπίζω δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ Ἰησοῦ Τιμόθεον ταχέως πέμψαι ὑμῖν, ἵνα κἀγὼ εὐψυχῶ γνοὺς τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν, <em>Elpizō de en kyriō Iēsou Timotheon tacheōs pempsai hymin, hina kagō eupsychō gnous ta peri hymōn</em>)—<em>Elpizō...en kyriō Iēsou</em> ("I hope/trust in the Lord ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19-24) St. Paul takes occasion of a promise to send Timothy shortly, to give an emphatic commendation of him, and adds a hope that he may soon come to Philippi himself.
(19) We note that here Timothy is spoken of in the third person; hence, though he is joined with St. Paul in the salutation (see Philippians 1:1), the Epistle is the Apostle’s, and his alone. The same is the case in the First Epis...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. his body--**His mystical and spiritual, not literal, body. Not, however, merely figurative, or metaphorical. He is really, though spiritually, the Church's Head. His life is her life. She shares His crucifixion and His consequent glory. He possesses everything, His fellowship with the Father, His fulness of the Spirit, and His glorified manhood, not merely for Himself, but for her, who has a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers ...
Read full commentary →For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. likeminded: or, so dear unto me
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state</strong> (οὐδένα γὰρ ἔχω ἰσόψυχον ὅστις γνησίως τὰ περὶ ὑμῶν μεριμνήσει, <em>oudena gar echō isopsychon hostis gnēsiōs ta peri hymōn merimnēsei</em>)—<em>Oudena...isopsychon</em> ("no one like-souled") is striking. <em>Isopsychon</em> (hapax legomenon: <em>isos</em>, "equal," + <em>psychē</em>, "soul") means sharing Paul'...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **For I have no man likeminded.**—That is, probably, *like-minded with myself.* St. Paul calls Timothy his “genuine (or, *true*) son in the faith” (1Timothy 1:2), a son who in spirit and affection was like his father. The word “naturally” in this verse is the same word, and should be translated *genuinely, *without either counterfeit or duplicity of aim; and the word “care” implies something ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers ...
Read full commentary →For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's</strong> (οἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, <em>hoi pantes gar ta heautōn zētousin, ou ta Iēsou Christou</em>)—<em>Hoi pantes</em> ("all, everyone") is hyperbolic or refers to Paul's Roman associates (excluding Timothy). <em>Ta heautōn zētousin</em> ("seek their own things") violates 2:4's command ("look n...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.**—Compare our Lord’s words, “Ye shall be scattered every man to his own (things), and shall leave Me alone” (John 16:32). St. Paul’s declaration is startling; for he had certainly some “brethren with him” (Philippians 4:21). But the scanty notice of them in the close of this Epistle contrasts strongly with the detailed and aff...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 2 Ep 2:1-22. God's Love and Grace in Quickening Us, Once Dead, through Christ. His Purpose in Doing So: Exhortation Based on Our Privileges as Built Together, an Holy Temple, in Christ, through the Spirit.
**1. And you--**"You also," among those who have experienced His mighty power in enabling them to believe (Ep 1:19-23).
**hath he quickened--**supplied from the Greek (Ep 2:5).
**de...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers ...
Read full commentary →But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel</strong> (τὴν δὲ δοκιμὴν αὐτοῦ γινώσκετε, ὅτι ὡς πατρὶ τέκνον σὺν ἐμοὶ ἐδούλευσεν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, <em>tēn de dokimēn autou ginōskete, hoti hōs patri teknon syn emoi edouleusen eis to euangelion</em>)—<em>Dokimēn</em> ("proof, tested character") is metallurgical—tested metal proven genuine....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **The proof of him.**—The allusion is justified by their intimate personal knowledge. Timothy was at Philippi with St. Paul on his first visit (Acts 16:12-40); we find him sent to Thessalonica shortly after (1Thessalonians 3:2), and he probably then paid a second visit to Philippi; from Ephesus (Acts 19:22) he is sent again to Macedonia; and with St. Paul on the way to Jerusalem he was at Phi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. the course of this world--**the career (literally, "the age," compare Ga 1:4), or present system of this world (1Co 2:6, 12; 3:18, 19, as opposed to "the world to come"): alien from God, and lying in the wicked one (1Jo 5:19). "The age" (which is something more external and ethical) regulates "the world" (which is something more external).
**the prince of the power of the air--**the unseen ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 19-22**
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers ...
Read full commentary →Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me</strong> (Τοῦτον μὲν οὖν ἐλπίζω πέμψαι ὡς ἂν ἀφίδω τὰ περὶ ἐμὲ ἐξαυτῆς, <em>Touton men oun elpizō pempsai hōs an aphidō ta peri eme exautēs</em>)—<em>Touton...elpizō pempsai</em> ("him I hope to send") reiterates v. 19. <em>Men oun</em> ("therefore") draws conclusion from Timothy's commendation (vv. 20-22...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **How it will go with me.**—An explanatory paraphrase, though probably correct, of the original, *the things concerning me.* Probably some crisis in the imprisonment was at hand, with which the expectation of release implied in the next verse was connected.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. also we--**that is, we also. Paul here joins himself in the same category with them, passing from the second person (Ep 2:1, 2) to the first person here.
**all--**Jews and Gentiles.
**our conversation--**"our way of life" (2Co 1:12; 1Pe 1:18). This expression implies an outwardly more decorous course, than the open "walk" in gross sins on the part of the majority of Ephesians in times pas...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly</strong> (πέποιθα δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ ὅτι καὶ αὐτὸς ταχέως ἐλεύσομαι, <em>pepoitha de en kyriō hoti kai autos tacheōs eleusomai</em>)—<em>Pepoitha en kyriō</em> ("I am confident in the Lord," perfect tense) expresses settled trust in Christ's sovereign will. <em>Kai autos</em> ("I myself also") adds Paul to Timothy's anticipated visit (...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **But I trust . . .**—Compare Philemon 1:22, “Prepare me a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given to you,” where the expectation seems even more immediate. The interval between the Letters is unknown. The received belief of St. Paul’s release, and subsequent re-imprisonment (resting on unvarying tradition, and on the evidence of the Pastoral Epistles), supposes this e...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. God, who is rich--**Greek "(as) being rich in mercy."
**for--**that is, "because of His great love." This was the special ground of God's saving us; as "rich in mercy" (compare Ep 2:7; Ep 1:7; Ro 2:4; 10:12) was the general ground. "Mercy takes away misery; love confers salvation" [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants</strong> (Ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, <em>Anankaion de hēgēsamēn Epaphroditon ton adelphon kai synergon ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Epaphroditus.**—The name was often shortened into Epaphras. But it was a common name; hence any identification with the Epaphras of Colossians 1:7; Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23, is, to say the least, extremely precarious. It is hardly likely that one who was a native Colossian would be a resident and chosen messenger of Philippi. The three titles here given him are closely joined together...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. dead in sins--**The best reading is in the Greek, "dead in our (literally, 'the') trespasses."
**quickened--**"vivified" spiritually, and consequences hereafter, corporally. There must be a spiritual resurrection of the soul before there can be a comfortable resurrection of the body [Pearson] (Joh 11:25, 26; Ro 8:11).
**together with Christ--**The Head being seated at God's right hand, th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick</strong> (ἐπειδὴ ἐπιποθῶν ἦν πάντας ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀδημονῶν, διότι ἠκούσατε ὅτι ἠσθένησεν, <em>epeidē epipothōn ēn pantas hymas kai adēmonōn, dioti ēkousate hoti ēsthenēsen</em>)—<em>Epipothōn ēn</em> ("he was longing") uses the same verb as 1:8 (Paul's longing for Philippians). <em>Pantas hym...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **For he longed after** **you all. . . .**—The two clauses of the verse are distinct from each other. St. Paul’s first reason for sending Epaphroditus was in itself a sufficient one, that in his convalescence he yearned for home, and needed a change thither. The original is strong, *because he was continually longing* (see Philippians 1:8; Philippians 4:1) *for you all.* But besides this he w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. raised us up together--**with Christ. The "raising up" presupposes previous quickening of Jesus in the tomb, and of us in the grave of our sins.
**made us sit together--**with Christ, namely, in His ascension. Believers are bodily in heaven in point of right, and virtually so in spirit, and have each their own place assigned there, which in due time they shall take possession of (Php 3:20, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow</strong> (καὶ γὰρ ἠσθένησεν παραπλήσιον θανάτῳ· ἀλλὰ ὁ θεὸς ἠλέησεν αὐτόν, οὐκ αὐτὸν δὲ μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐμέ, ἵνα μὴ λύπην ἐπὶ λύπην σχῶ, <em>kai gar ēsthenēsen paraplēsion thanatō; alla ho theos ēleēsen auton, ouk auton de monon alla kai eme, hina mē l...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **God had mercy on him . . . and on me also.**—The passage, over and above its interest as an example of the strong personal affection which belonged to St. Paul’s nature, and harmonised with his wide scope of Christian love, is notable as showing clearly that the Apostle’s power of miracle, great as it was, was not his own, to use at his own will. When it was needed to be “the sign of an Apo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
7. Greek, "That He might show forth (middle reflexive voice; for His own glory, Ep 1:6, 12, 14) in the ages which are coming on," that is, the blessed ages of the Gospel which supersede "the age (Greek, for 'course') of this world" (Ep 2:2), and the past "ages" from which the mystery was hidden (Col 1:26, 27). These good ages, though beginning with the first preaching of the Gospel, and thencefort...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful</strong> (σπουδαιοτέρως οὖν ἔπεμψα αὐτόν, ἵνα ἰδόντες αὐτὸν πάλιν χαρῆτε, κἀγὼ ἀλυπότερος ὦ, <em>spoudaioterōs oun epempsa auton, hina idontes auton palin charēte, kagō alypoteros ō</em>)—<em>Spoudaioterōs</em> (comparative: "more eagerly, more carefully") shows urgenc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **I sent him therefore the more carefully.**—That is, *I was the more earnest and anxious to send him.* In any case the Apostle would have been desirous to express his thanks and send news by Epaphroditus. But the circumstances of his illness increased that desire to greater earnestness.
**I may be the less sorrowful.**—There is a peculiar pathos in this expression, as contrasted with the com...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. For--**illustrating "the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness." Translate as in Ep 2:5, "Ye are in a saved state."
**through faith--**the effect of the power of Christ's resurrection (Ep 1:19, 20; Php 3:10) whereby we are "raised together" with Him (Ep 2:6; Col 2:12). Some of the oldest manuscripts read, "through your (literally, 'the') faith." The instrument or mean of salvation on th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: hold: or, honor such
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation</strong> (προσδέχεσθε οὖν αὐτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ μετὰ πάσης χαρᾶς, καὶ τοὺς τοιούτους ἐντίμους ἔχετε, <em>prosdechesthe oun auton en kyriō meta pasēs charas, kai tous toioutous entimous echete</em>)—<em>Prosdechesthe</em> ("receive, welcome") is present imperative. <em>En kyriō</em> ("in the Lord") qualifies the recep...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Not of works--**This clause stands in contrast to "by grace," as is confirmed by Ro 4:4, 5; 11:6.
**lest--**rather, as Greek, "that no man should boast" (Ro 3:27; 4:2).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me</strong> (ὅτι διὰ τὸ ἔργον Χριστοῦ μέχρι θανάτου ἤγγισεν, παραβολευσάμενος τῇ ψυχῇ, ἵνα ἀναπληρώσῃ τὸ ὑμῶν ὑστέρημα τῆς πρός με λειτουργίας, <em>hoti dia to ergon Christou mechri thanatou ēngisen, paraboleusamenos tē psychē, hina anaplērōsē to hymōn hysterēma tēs pros me ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **Not regarding his life.**—According to the true reading, the sense is “having hazarded his life; literally, *having gambled with his life, *not merely having staked it, but staked it recklessly. It is possible that (as Bishop Wordsworth suggests) there may be allusion to the caution money, staked in a cause to show that it was not frivolous and vexatious, and forfeited in case of loss; and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. workmanship--**literally, "a thing of His making"; "handiwork." Here the spiritual creation, not the physical, is referred to (Ep 2:8, 9).
**created--**having been created (Ep 4:24; Psa 102:18; Is 43:21; 2Co 5:5, 17).
**unto good works--**"for good works." "Good works" cannot be performed until we are new "created unto" them. Paul never calls the works of the law "good works." We are not...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The riches of God's grace towards men, shown from their deplorable state by nature, and the happy change Divine grace makes in them.(1-10)
The Ephesians called to reflect on their state of heathenism.(11-13)
And the privileges and blessings of the gospel.(14-22)
**Verses 1-10**
Sin is the death of the soul. A man dead in trespasses and sins has no de...
Read full commentary →