Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:17

"Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:" — Philippians 2:17 (ASV)

The prospect of standing before Christ reminds Paul that it might be soon. By the vivid metaphor of a “drink offering,” he explains that even though he was presently in a dangerous situation that could lead to a martyr’s death, it was the climax of his ministry and a cause for rejoicing. Jewish religious practice included the use of wine poured out ceremonially in connection with certain sacrifices (Numbers 15:1–10). Paul regarded his own life as such a sacrifice as he sought the spiritual advancement of those whom he had led to Christ (cf. 2 Timothy 4:6). “The sacrifice and service” employs only one article with two nouns and probably means “sacrificial service.” By this phrase, Paul is thinking of the various Christian ministries that the Philippians performed as a spiritual sacrifice to God (4:18; Hebrews 13:15), springing from their faith. Thus they and Paul were priests together.

Paul rejoiced in his present labors and sufferings. He was willing to lay down his life, and the prospect of being with Christ and of having his ministry among the Philippians seen as successful filled him with joy. Enduring his present danger would demonstrate that he had learned something of the attitude of Christ (2:5). Furthermore, he also rejoiced with the Philippians as he contemplated his relation to their faith. He was its planter and nourisher, and thus their victories were his also. For this reason he could “rejoice with all of you.”