Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 1:27

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you and be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;" — Philippians 1:27 (ASV)

Only let your conversation. The word "conversation" we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that, and is never used in that way in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general—including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that—and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible.

The original word used here, politeuw-politeuo, means, properly, to administer the State, to live as a citizen, or to conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a State (compare examples in Wetstein). It would not be improperly translated, "let your conduct, as a citizen, be as becomes the gospel;" and might, without impropriety, though not exclusively, be referred to our deportment as members of a community or citizens of a State.

It undoubtedly implies that, as citizens, we should act on the principles of the gospel in all the duties which that relation involves. These duties include maintaining the laws, submitting to authority, choosing rulers, and so on, as well as duties in other relations. This is because the believer is bound to perform every duty on Christian principles.

But the direction here should not be confined to that. It doubtless includes our conduct in all relations in life and refers to our deportment in general—not merely as citizens of the State, but as members of the church, and in all other relations. In our manner of speech, our plans of living, our dealings with others, our conduct and walk in the church and out of it—all should be done as becomes the gospel. The direction, therefore, in this place, is to be understood of everything pertaining to conduct.

As it becometh the Gospel of Christ.

1. The rules of the gospel are to be applied to all our conduct—to our conversation, business transactions, modes of dress, style of living, entertainments, and so on. There is nothing that we do, say, or purpose that is to be excluded from these rules.
2. There is a way of living that is appropriate to the gospel, or that is such as the gospel requires. There is something the gospel would secure as its proper fruits in all our conduct, and by which our lives should be regulated. It would distinguish us from the pleasure-seeking, and from those who seek honor and wealth as their supreme object. If all Christians were under the influence of the gospel, there would be something in their dress, temper, conversation, and aims that would distinguish them from others. The gospel is not a thing of no importance, nor is it intended that it should exert no influence on its friends.
3. It is very important that Christians should frame their lives by the rules of the gospel and, to this end, should study them and know what they are. This is important for several reasons:
   1. Because they are the best and wisest of all rules;
   2. Because it is only in this way that Christians can do good;
   3. Because they have solemnly covenanted with the Lord to take His laws as their guide;
   4. Because it is only in this way that they can enjoy religion; and
   5. Because it is only by this that they can have peace on a dying bed. If people live as it becometh the gospel, they live well. Their lives are honest and honorable; they are people of truth and uprightness. They will have no sources of regret when they die, and they will not give occasion to their friends to hang their heads with shame in remembrance of them. No one on a dying bed has ever regretted framing their life by the rules of the gospel, or felt that their conduct had conformed too much to it.

That whether I come and see you. This alludes to the possibility that he might be released and be permitted to visit them again.

Or else be absent. This refers to his being either at Rome, still confined, or released and permitted to go abroad. The apostle continues, I may hear of your affairs, and so on; that is, he hopes to always hear concerning you that you are united and vigorously striving to promote the interests of the gospel.

(Related references: For "let your conversation," see Ephesians 4:1 and Philippians 3:20. Note: "conversation" in this context means "conduct." For "stand fast," see Philippians 4:1. For "striving together," see Jude 1:3.)