Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

REVELANT OPINIONS
Paul's privilege was in toiling for a congregation that was so committed to the Gospel. (P. O'Brien)
Verse 17 speaks of the apostle sharing in the joy the readers experience in the new [supergrace] life
they have received, while in verse 18, the exhortation to rejoice has to do with their joy in his having
attained a crown. (H.A. Kennedy) The priest in Israel, officiating at the altar, poured a libation,
usually of wine, upon the sacrifice (Numbers 15:5). Paul wished to be the libation on their sacrifice.
(A.E. Knoch) The effect of pouring wine upon the sacrifice would be to cause it to flame up
brilliantly. When God sees that sacrifice of good works offered to Him, He is satisfied. (J. Pentecost)
Paul depicts the life of the Philippian congregation as an offering acceptable to God. To this his own
life may be added as a modest drink offering. Although he hopes for a favorable decision from the
imperial court, he might instead be sentenced to death. Accordingly, if one thing remains to make
the Philippian’s sacrificial service perfectly acceptable to God, he is willing that his own life be
sacrificed as a libation and credited to their account. (P. O’Brien)
Philp. 2:17 But (concessive) even (ascensive) if (protasis,
1st class condition: yes... and I am) I am poured out as a
libation (spe,ndw, PPI1S, Pictorial; idiom for "studying" -
priesthood function) upon the altar of spiritual sacrifice
(Loc. Place, Sph.; the abnormal, demanding life of a pastorteacher
whose "right woman" is Bible doctrine) and
(connective) service (Loc. Place, Sph.; priestly function in
a liturgy, function of the pastor-teacher in teaching -
ambassadorship function) with reference to your (Gen. Poss.)
doctrine (Adv. Gen. Ref.; so you can grow), I keep on having
inner happiness (cai,rw, PAI1S, Durative; rejoice) and
(continuative) I congratulate (sugcai,rw, PAI1S, Static) all
(Dat. Measure) of you (Dat. Adv.; for keeping up with me in
doctrine).
WHO
Philippians 2:17 avlla. eiv kai. spe,ndomai evpi. th/| qusi,a| kai. leitourgi,a| th/j pi,stewj u`mw/n
cai,rw kai. sugcai,rw pa/sin u`mi/n\
VUL
Philippians 2:17 sed et si immolor supra sacrificium et obsequium fidei vestrae gaudeo et
congratulor omnibus vobis
LWB Philp. 2:18 Now for this same reason [because you have been progressing in the
spiritual life due to Bible doctrine], you yourselves [those who have been consistently
positive towards Paul’s teaching] should also keep on having inner happiness; in fact, you
ought to congratulate me [for teaching you so well that you are approaching maturity].
KW Philp. 2:18 But as for you, you even be rejoicing in the same thing and continue to rejoice
with me.