Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 1:10

"so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ;" — Philippians 1:10 (ASV)

That you may approve things. The marginal note says, "Or, try." The word used here denotes the kind of trial to which metals are exposed to test their nature. The sense here is that the apostle wished them to try the things that were of real value in such a way as to discern what was true and genuine.

That are excellent. The marginal note says, "or, differ." The margin here more correctly expresses the sense of the Greek word. The idea is that he wished them to be able to distinguish between things that differed from each other—to have an intelligent apprehension of what was right and wrong, of what was good and evil. He would not have them love and approve all things indiscriminately. They should be esteemed according to their real value. It is remarkable here how anxious the apostle was, not only that they should be Christians, but that they should be intelligent Christians, and should understand the real worth and value of objects.

That you may be sincere. (See Barnes on Ephesians 6:24).

The word used here—eilikrinēs—occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, except in 2 Peter 3:1, where it is rendered pure. The noun eilikrineia, however, occurs in 1 Corinthians 5:8, 2 Corinthians 1:12, and 2 Corinthians 2:17, in all of which places it is rendered sincerity. The word properly means that which is judged of in sunshine (heilē krinō), and then that which is clear and manifest.

It is that over which there are no clouds, which is not doubtful and dark, which is pure and bright. The word sincere literally means without wax (Latin: sine cera)—that is, honey that is pure and transparent.

Applied to Christian character, it means that which is not deceitful, ambiguous, or hypocritical; that which is not mingled with error, worldliness, and sin; that which does not proceed from selfish and interested motives, and where there is nothing disguised.

There is no more desirable description that can be given to a person than to say they are sincere—a sincere friend, benefactor, Christian; and there is nothing more lovely in the character of a Christian than sincerity. It implies:

1. that he is truly converted—that he has not assumed Christianity as a mask;
2. that his motives are disinterested and pure;
3. that his conduct is free from double-dealing, trick, and cunning;
4. that his words express the real sentiments of his heart;
5. that he is true to his word and faithful to his promises;
6. that he is always what he professes to be. A sincere Christian would bear to have the light let in upon him always; to have the emotions of his heart seen; to be scanned everywhere and at all times by people, by angels, and by God.

And without offence. This means being inoffensive to others, not injuring them in property, feelings, or reputation. This is a negative virtue and is often despised by the world. But it is much to say of a person that they injure no one: that neither by example, nor opinions, nor conversation do they lead others astray; that they never do injustice to their motives and never impede their influence; that they never wound their feelings or give occasion for hard thoughts; and that they so live that all may see that theirs is a blameless life.

Till the day of Christ. (See Barnes on Philippians 1:6).