Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

αγαπη A "to know Christ" (3:10)
αγαπη B "the power of His resurrection" (3:12,14)
αγαπη C "fellowship in His sufferings" (3:17)
While the reality of Paul's existence did not yet conform totally to the final purpose expressed in
verses 1:9-11, he was nevertheless in an advanced stage of spiritual growth, which enabled him to
teach others the characteristics which they should be looking for as they approach him in their own
spiritual growth. This is the possible ‘overlap’ I mentioned earlier. I have placed each of these three
Greek words before one of the “agape” circles, as possible prerequisites (tests) in the progression:
αγαπη A διαφερω having your priorities in order
αγαπη B ειλικριvω being pure and honorable in motives
αγαπη C απρoσκoπoς proper scale of values, blameless
Between each level of spiritual growth is a series of tests (δoκιμαζω) which, when passed by
applying the proper doctrinal rationales, spur you forward toward the next stage. Along the way, the
advancing believer, the winner (μεταχoι) during the extension of the angelic conflict on earth, is
filled up to the point of overflowing (πληρoω) with divine wisdom (σoφια). On the chart, this is
represented by the somewhat disjointed section at the bottom right; these attributes actually belong
to the right of “Agape C” (3 rd circle).
The basis for Paul's encouragement (1:19) is not merely that things will turn out all right in spite of
the problems, but that the problems themselves assist us in our Christian experience. Suffering and
testing from God (1:29) is a "gift" to be viewed in a positive light. This entire process, if followed
through with precisely correct protocol, abounds to the glory (δoξα) and praise (επαιvoς) of God. In
a nutshell, this is the Christian Way of Life. There are only two reasons why you, as a believer, are
still alive: (1) to follow the divine protocol of the spiritual life as shown in my crude illustration and
attain SGA, SGB or USG status, or (2) to reject the divine protocol of the spiritual life somewhere
along the way and become a loser believer whose sole purpose for existence is to ‘test’ growing
believers and provide them a way of attaining supergrace status - until you die the sin unto death.
CHAPTER 1
LWB Philp. 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondslaves belonging to Christ Jesus, to all the saints in
union with Christ Jesus [positional truth], the ones who are located in and around Philippi,
together with overseers [pastors, teachers] and deacons [table waiters]:
KW Philp. 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bondslaves by nature, the property of Christ Jesus, to all the
consecrated and separated ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with overseers and