Charles Ellicott Commentary Philippians 1:8

"For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus." — Philippians 1:8 (ASV)

God is my record.—We have a similar adjuration in Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:10. These instances show in what sense Saint Paul interpreted such commands as swear not at all (Matthew 5:34).

In the bowels of Jesus Christ.—The use of the word, which we translate (not very happily or correctly) by “bowels,” is common with Saint Paul. (See 2 Corinthians 6:12; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Colossians 3:12; Philemon 1:7; Philemon 1:12; Philemon 1:20.) It corresponds to our use of “heart” as the seat of affection—the word “heart” itself in the New Testament being employed, in a wider sense, to signify the whole inner man. (See Ephesians 1:18: the eyes of your heart being enlightened, and Note there.)

But the phrase here is striking and even startling. “I long after you” (says Saint Paul) “in the heart of Jesus Christ.” He can say , “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Therefore, the deep yearning of love which he feels for them, he knows to be an emanation, faint indeed, but true, from the “heart of Jesus Christ” dwelling in him.