A.T. Robertson Commentary Philippians 1

Paul (Παυλος). He does not mention his apostleship as he usually does. Omitted also in I and II Thess. and Philemon.

Timothy (Τιμοθεος). In no sense the author, but associated with Paul because with him here in Rome as in Corinth when I and II Thessalonians written and in Ephesus when I Corinthians sent and in Macedonia when II Corinthians written. Timothy was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded (Acts 16:1,13; 17:14). He had been there twice since (Acts 19:22; 20:3f.).

To all the saints (πασ τοις αγιοις). The word saint (αγιος) here is used for the professing Christians as in 1 Corinthians 1:2 which see as well as Ro 1:7 for the origin of the word. The word "all" (πασ) means that all individual believers are included. Paul employs this word frequently in Philippians.

In Christ Jesus (εν Χριστω Ιησου). The centre for all Christian relations and activities for Paul and for us.

In Philippi (εν Φιλιπποις). See on Ac 16:12 for discussion of this name.

With the bishops (συν επισκοποις). "Together with bishops," thus singled out from "all the saints." See Ac 20:17,28 for the use of this most interesting word as equivalent to πρεσβυτερος (elder). It is an old word from επισκεπτομα, to look upon or after, to inspect, so the overseer or superintendent. In the second century επισχοπος (Ignatius) came to mean one superior to elders, but not so in the N.T. The two New Testament church officers are here mentioned (bishops or elders and deacons). The plural is here employed because there was usually one church in a city with several pastors (bishops, elders).

And deacons (κα διακονοις). Technical sense here of the other church officers as in 1 Timothy 3:8–13, not the general use as in Mt 22:13. The origin of the office is probably seen in Ac 6:1-6. The term is often applied to preachers (1 Corinthians 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:6). The etymology (δια, κονις) suggests raising a dust by hastening.

Upon (επ). Basis of the thanksgiving.

All (παση). Note frequent use of "all" here (πασηι, παντοτε, always, παση, again, παντων υμων, you all). The use of "you all" recurs several times (4,7 bis, 8).

With joy (μετα χαρας). Keynote of the Epistle. Paul is a happy prisoner as in Philippi when he and Silas sang praises at midnight though in prison (Acts 16:25).

For your fellowship (επ τη κοινωνια υμων). "On the basis of your contribution" as in 2 Corinthians 8:4; 9:13; Acts 2:42. The particular kind of "partnership" or "fellowship" involved is the contribution made by the Philippians for the spread of the gospel (1:7 συγκοινωνους and 4:14 where συγκοινωνησαντες occurs).

In furtherance of the gospel (εις το ευαγγελιον). "For the gospel."

From the first day until now (απο της πρωτης ημερας αχρ του νυν). As when in Thessalonica (Php 4:15f.), in Corinth (Acts 18:5; 2 Corinthians 11:7–10), and now in Rome.

Being confident (πεποιθως). Second perfect active of πειθω, to persuade.

This very thing (αυτο τουτο). Accusative of the inner object with πεποιθως, "this thing itself."

Will perfect it (επιτελεσε). Future active indicative of επιτελεω, will fully (επι-) finish. God began and God will consummate it (see 2 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 3:3 where both words occur together as here), but not without their cooperation and partnership.

Until the day of Jesus Christ (αχρ ημερας Χριστου Ιησου). The second coming as in verse 10. See 1 Thessalonians 5:2,4; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:2; 1 Corinthians 1:18; 3:13; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Romans 13:12. Paul never sets the time for the Lord's return, but he is cheered by that blessed hope.