Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

communicated the Word outside. Instead of the gospel being spread by just one person (Paul), it was
now communicated by multiple individuals. The Roman officials, supported by legalistic Jews who
wanted Paul silenced, thought they were curtailing the spread of the Christian message. But all they
did was multiply the number of evangelists and pastors by taking Paul out of circulation.
REVELANT OPINIONS
This use of the word "brethren" also restricts his opposition, those who are preaching the Gospel out
of impure motives, to being fellow Christians - not, therefore, from the outside. (G. Hawthorne) The
adverb “perissoteros” is used with an elative force meaning “especially, all the more,” or with the
addition of “mallon,” ‘even much more.’ Its comparative force frequently occurs: “to a much greater
degree.” (P. O’Brien) Now that all Rome knew the connection of this imprisonment with Christ and
Paul’s vindication soon to be declared by the court, the clouds that had so long been hanging over
the head of the great exponent of Christianity in Rome, no less a man than the apostle, were
disappearing. Instead of being silent, more brethren than ever, with more courage than ever, were
fearlessly speaking aloud the Word of God. (R. Lenski)
Paul relates his experiences with such a light touch that we might be deceived into thinking that what
is easily told was easily accomplished. But why should it have been any easier for Paul than it is for
us to leave the path of self-pity, to talk more of Christ than of our complaints and to accept each and
every circumstance as the place of duty he has appointed? Such notoriously difficult attitudes of
mind and heart are brought about only by practice, by hard-won choices in the very heat of that
tribulation which works patience. (J. Motyer) When the apostle was removed from the scene and
remanded to the authority of Rome and his ministry was circumscribed, these brethren for the first
time began to discharge the obligation God had placed upon them. Their attitude was that since Paul
is no longer able to do it, we will have to do what Paul told us our duty was in the first place. (J.
Pentecost)
The boldness required to profess Christ in Rome is illustrated by a wall scribble. A caricature of
Christ on the Cross with an ass’ head is portrayed, while on the left appears a Christian youth in an
attitude of adoration. Underneath are the words, “Alexamenos worships God.” The word “speak”
denotes the fact, not the substance of the speaking. They had broken silence. (K. Wuest)
Philp. 1:14 In fact (emphatic), the majority (Acc. Spec.) of
the brethren (Subj. Gen.), because of my (Gen. Poss.)
imprisonments (Instr. Cause, Means; chains, bonds) in the
Lord (Loc. Sph.), have become confident (due to Bible
doctrine in their soul) and are continuing to be confident
(Perf.APtc.APM, pei,qw, Intensive, Circumstantial) to have
courage (PAInf., tolma,w, Static, Result, Complementary) beyond
measure (Comparative Adv.) to communicate (PAInf., lale,w,
Pictorial, Result) the Word (Acc. Dir. Obj.; both the Gospel
and doctrine) without fear (Adv. Gen.).