Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

one enters fully into this entire conception of love and its relation to knowledge, wisdom,
understanding, etc. (R. Lenski) He does not mention any object towards which their love is to be
directed; he speaks rather of that virtue of love which is to pervade their whole being and character
and which will then prompt and mark every attitude and action. (J. Motyer)
The apostle did not say that the Philippians lacked this love. His earnest desire was that it would
increase to overflowing, suggesting that it was already present in their lives, even in some measure.
In the apostle’s request ‘love’ has no object. It would seem that in the Philippian passage Paul was
less interested in the object of the love than its source. (P. O’Brien) This passage is the New
Testament’s most profound and precise treatment about the influence of “agape” from the
intellectual and moral point of view, in this world or the next. Eight words show the extent of its
domain: knowledge, insight, judgment, uprightness, blamelessness, holiness, glory, and praise of
God ... Although the verb “perisseuo” can signify to “overflow” it does not necessarily mean this in
the sense of “beyond measure,” and so to give this elative force, which accents the Philippians’ need
for unremitting progress, Paul added “eti mallon kai mallon.” (C. Spicq) The present subjunctive is
consonant with the progressive element in the sentence (M. Silva) His earnest desire was that there
be no limit to the growth or increase of the Philippians’ love, and in order to stress the idea of
continuous growth he used the progressive present tense. (P. O’Brien) In the process of overflowing,
the existing standards and rules are transcended, and what was comparable becomes incomparable.
(T. Brandt)
The love for which Paul prays is defined by the Word of God, bounded by the Word of God, that
conforms to the love of God revealed in the Word of God. It is an intelligent love, not an
indiscriminate love. One gives himself to the Word, and through the Word he comes to a knowledge
of what God expects of the one who loves Him. He brings his life into conformity to the love of God
revealed in the Word. He loves what God loves and hates what God hates. That is love according to
knowledge. (J.D. Pentecost) Paul would have this love "abound more and more in knowledge" –
“epignosis” higher knowledge ... knowledge is imperatively required for the growth of love. In its
earliest stages, the loving soul lives only in the warmth and light of its object. But this period comes
to an end, not because love grows cold, but because it becomes more exacting. It cannot live apart
from thought ... training in knowledge must not be neglected. "My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge" is the epitaph written over the graves of scores of dead Christians. Neglecting the
diligent study of Scripture they have no nutriment for their love, and it starves. Knowledge of God
brings us into communion with that divine life which is the spring of all divine love ... But it is only
through knowledge that we can come into this experience. Knowledge is the basis of love. (J.S.
Exell)
“Epignosis” has become almost a technical term for the decisive knowledge of God - Bible
doctrine. (R. Bultmann) While “gnosis” deals with precepts and “epignosis” deals with
general principles, “aesthesis” is concerned with practical applications. (J.B. Lightfoot, J.A. Knight)
The true attainments of Christians are when they make progress in knowledge, and understanding,
and afterwards in love. (J. Calvin) This “agape” love is not just any emotional expression of love, but
a love which proceeds from (and is within the guiding limitations of) a full knowledge of Bible