Philippians 1:6-18 …personal motivation
6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (execute the duty) it until the day of Jesus Christ:
7 Even as it is meet (equitable) for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds (shackles), and in the defence (plea) and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. (influential favor)
8 For God is my record (witness), how greatly I long (crave intensely) after you all in the bowels (affections) of Jesus Christ.
Paul wants so deeply to connect humanity to the truth of the Word that it pains him.
9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge (full discernment) and in all judgment; (perception)
This is the depth of knowledge of the scriptures and how they train up people in the commands of God, molding and shaping them for service.
10 That ye may approve (test) things that are excellent (different); that ye may be sincere (tested as genuine) and without offence (without sin) till the day of Christ.
11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
(Luke 6:44 For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.)
12 But I would ye should understand (know absolutely), brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out (came to existence) rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest (apparent) in all the palace (the pretorium or governor’s courtroom), and in all other (all remaining) places;
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident (to be convinced of) by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Paul is saying he can see that people are teaching because he himself has not stopped teaching even from prison.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife (just to look good); and some also of good will: (earnestly)
16 The one preach Christ of contention (strife), not sincerely (without earnest intention), supposing to add affliction to my bonds: (attempting to infuriate Paul, “adding salt to the wound”)
17 But the other of love (earnestly), knowing that I am set (to lie outstretched) for the defence (plea) of the gospel.
18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence (an outward show), or in truth (earnest), Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
Berean Breadcrumbs 
Leave a Reply