Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

But as you might guess by the positive contents of this very letter, he already knows that his
studying and teaching is not in a vacuum (Latin). He knows he is responsible to plant and water
seeds, while the Holy Spirit is responsible to make them grow.
REVELANT OPINIONS
Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete training for a foot race, (H.C.G. Moule) who has completed his
course, but finds he was disqualified, and therefore, has exerted himself needlessly. (R.P. Martin)
“Running” is physical tiredness induced by (mental) work; “severe labor” is the strenuous exertion
required and trials experienced to complete the goal. (P. O'Brien) As the Apostle advanced in years
the final result of his labours would have increasing prominence in his thoughts. (W.R. Nicoll)
Service is not the first priority for the new believer; doctrine is. And not everything touted as
“Christian service” actually is effective Christian service. Discernment in this matter comes from
doctrine. True production comes from spiritual growth. Unfortunately, many Christians confuse
cause and effect, means and result, vainly attempting to grow up spiritually through the works they
perform. (R.B. Thieme, Jr.)
The arrogant Christian's power is merely human and, therefore, cannot produce growth. Spiritual
progress does not occur. He runs in vain and toils in vain. He may impress himself and other
Christians with his production, but at the Judgment Seat of Christ this believer's "Christian service"
will be condemned and destroyed as "dead works." Genuine Christian service is a result of growth
and a chance to apply Bible doctrine already assimilated. (R.B. Thieme, Jr.) All that are enlightened
with heavenly doctrine carry about with them a light, which detects and discovers their crimes, if
they do not walk in holiness and chastity ... The expression “at the day of the Lord” is intended to
stimulate the Philippians to perseverance, while the tribunal of Christ is set before their view, from
which the reward of faith is to be expected ... God has entrusted His Doctrine with us on condition,
not that we should keep the light of it under restraint, and inactive, but that we should hold it forth to
others. (J. Calvin)
Paul consistently lived his life in the light of the approaching day of Christ, for on that occasion the
final account of his stewardship, as evidenced in the lives of his converts, would be rendered. His
readers continued blamelessness and steadfastness, which would be the basis of his boast on that
day, will demonstrate that his strenuous efforts for the gospel and for them will have been entirely
fruitful. He will not stand before the Judge on that final day with empty hands. As these believers
“hold fast the Word of life” they will prevent disunity from extinguishing the testimony. (P.
O’Brien) This Word quickens, makes alive; it keeps alive, increases the spiritual life. Apart from this
Word all is spiritually dead. The Word opens up all the Scriptural vistas of the spiritual life; follow
them in detail. (R. Lenski)
Philp. 2:16 Continually concentrating on (evpe,cw, PAPtc.NPM,
Iterative, Modal; paying close attention to) the Word (Acc.
Dir. Obj.) of Life (Descr. Gen.; Bible doctrine), so that
(result) I myself (Subj. Nom.) may have a reason for boasting
(Adv. Acc.; to be proud of you) with reference to the day