7 [1]For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all , because I have you in my heart , since both in my [2] imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel , you all are partakers of grace with me. 8 For God is my witness , how I long for you all with the [3]affection of Christ Jesus .
9 And this I pray , that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment , 10 so that you may [4] approve the things that are excellent , in order to be sincere and blameless [5]until the day of Christ ; 11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ , to the glory and praise of God .
12 Now I want you to know , brethren , that my circumstances e have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel , 13 so that my [6] imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole [7]praetorian guard and to everyone else , 14 and that most of the [8]brethren , trusting in the Lord because of my [9] imprisonment , have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear . 15 Some , to be sure , are preaching Christ even [10]from envy and strife , but some also [10]from good will ; 16 the latter do it out of love , knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel ;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 1:7-16
Commentary on Philippians 1:1-7
(Read Philippians 1:1-7)
The highest honour of the most eminent ministers is, to be servants of Christ. And those who are not really saints on earth, never will be saints in heaven. Out of Christ, the best saints are sinners, and unable to stand before God. There is no peace without grace. Inward peace springs from a sense of Divine favour. And there is no grace and peace but from God our Father, the fountain and origin of all blessings. At Philippi the apostle was evil entreated, and saw little fruit of his labour; yet he remembers Philippi with joy. We must thank our God for the graces and comforts, gifts and usefulness of others, as we receive the benefit, and God receives the glory. The work of grace will never be perfected till the day of Jesus Christ, the day of his appearance. But we may always be confident God will perform his good work, in every soul wherein he has really begun it by regeneration; though we must not trust in outward appearances, nor in any thing but a new creation to holiness. People are dear to their ministers, when they receive benefit by their ministry. Fellow-sufferers in the cause of God should be dear one to another.
Commentary on Philippians 1:8-11
(Read Philippians 1:8-11)
Shall not we pity and love those souls whom Christ loves and pities? Those who abound in any grace, need to abound more. Try things which differ; that we may approve the things which are excellent. The truths and laws of Christ are excellent; and they recommend themselves as such to any attentive mind. Sincerity is that in which we should have our conversation in the world, and it is the glory of all our graces. Christians should not be apt to take offence, and should be very careful not to offend God or the brethren. The things which most honour God will most benefit us. Let us not leave it doubtful whether any good fruit is found in us or not. A small measure of Christian love, knowledge, and fruitfulness should not satisfy any.
Commentary on Philippians 1:12-20
(Read Philippians 1:12-20)
The apostle was a prisoner at Rome; and to take off the offence of the cross, he shows the wisdom and goodness of God in his sufferings. These things made him known, where he would never have otherwise been known; and led some to inquire after the gospel. He suffered from false friends, as well as from enemies. How wretched the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and to add affliction to the bonds that oppressed this best of men! The apostle was easy in the midst of all. Since our troubles may tend to the good of many, we ought to rejoice. Whatever turns to our salvation, is by the Spirit of Christ; and prayer is the appointed means of seeking for it. Our earnest expectation and hope should not be to be honoured of men, or to escape the cross, but to be upheld amidst temptation, contempt, and affliction. Let us leave it to Christ, which way he will make us serviceable to his glory, whether by labour or suffering, by diligence or patience, by living to his honour in working for him, or dying to his honour in suffering for him.