Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

God’s precisely correct protocol plan for the Church Age believer. That is why I choose this verse as
the pivotal passage in the Epistle to the Philippians, and perhaps my favorite Scripture passage
(because this extraordinary prayer continues in the next two verses) in the entire New Testament.
REVELANT OPINIONS
This must be a love according to knowledge. The word used here is a special word (epignosis) that
refers to advanced spiritual knowledge. In the NT the word is applied only to spiritual things – to the
knowledge of God, religious knowledge, spiritual knowledge, and doctrinal knowledge. It is a
knowledge that comes to the Christian through a study of God’s Word. (J. Boice) The words “still
more and more” indicate something of the Philippians’ present yet partial enjoyment of the graces
for which Paul prays on their behalf. The subsequent clauses express, with progressive significance,
three goals that the apostle sets before his readers. What we may call the immediate purpose is
expressed at the beginning of verse 10 by the words “so that you may test the things that matter,”
while the final purpose is the believer’s perfection: “in order that you may be pure and blameless for
the day of Christ.” But there is a third and higher purpose, for Paul’s ultimate goal focuses not on the
believer but on the “glory and praise of God” in verse 11. (M. Silva) “Yet more and more”
accurately reflects the Greek in creating the impression of limitless growth. The verb “to abound” by
itself would convey the same impression, but coupled with the adverbial phrase it describes a growth
that is luxuriant indeed. (J. Motyer)
Nothing perhaps is more harmful than the easy-going good nature which is willing to tolerate
everything; and this is often mistaken for the Christian frame of mind. Love must fasten itself on the
things which are worth loving, and it cannot do so unless it is wisely directed. (E. Scott) Paul was
not blind to the dangers of emotion uncontrolled by intelligence. It is true love (agape) that fosters
the growth of true knowledge (epignosis) and discernment or spiritual perception (aisthesis). The
truth of the Gospel is liable to be subverted where ignorance and faulty judgment provide a foothold
for unsound teaching. (F.F. Bruce) Without “epignosis” knowledge love may be easily misdirected.
(G. Hawthorne) “Epignosis” is closely connected with the knowledge of Christ and conformity to
His likeness, which, in turn, is the substance of God’s self-revelation. (H. Moule) Generally
speaking, the English term “knowledge” has a broader reference than “discernment” insofar as the
latter indicates the practical application of knowledge. (M. Silva)
“Aisthesis” might be translated ‘tact’ or the feeling for the actual situation at time, since it is the
capacity for practical concrete judgments. “Pas” points to insight for all kinds of situations as they
arise. The content of the petition was that the love of God within the readers might increase beyond
all measure, and that as it increased it might penetrate more deeply into that personal relation with
God through Christ as well as into all types of situations involving practical conduct. (P. O’Brien)
Paul chooses “aesthesis” to specify the practical outworkings of the knowledge in view ... The object
of Paul’s prayer is the total sanctification of the Philippians; what they now have in part must be
brought to fruition … an emphasis Paul places on progression by “ abound still more and more” in
verse 9. (M. Silva) Agape is the love of true knowledge and understanding, coupled with
corresponding purpose. But this understanding and purpose are fully emphasized here as belonging
to love. The less of these, the less of love; also vice versa. Paul is only partially understood unless