Unity recommended.

CHAPTER II.

providence, which often accomplishes its own designs of grace and mercy, as well as of judgment, by circumstances and events which to us seem directly opposed. Who could have thought that the imprisonment of Paul, would have been effectual to the spread and success of the gospel! This event, to the eye of sense, seemed to put a bushel over this burning and shining light; and yet this brought him to Rome, and his bonds on account of Christ became known in the Palace of Cæsar, and in all quarters. His constancy, courage, prudence, and holy wisdom, inspired some christian brethren with boldness in preaching the gospel, without fear. Some did this from love to Christ, and to precious souls; but others from strife and envy of the apostle's fame and usefulness. How noble and generous is his language! “What then? Christ is preached, and I therein do rejoice and will rejoice." May we constantly feel such a spirit, that the name of our Lord Jesus may ever be glorified.

3. We are taught by the experience of the apostle, to what a high degree, faith, hope, love and submission may be carried! Self

things will prove to them, your adversaries, that they deserve perdition for rejecting the gospel for which you suffer.

29, 30. To suffer for his sake. A privilege conferred on you, as it will enhance your future reward.- -Ye saw in me, &c. When I was first with you. Acts xvi. 12, 22, &c.

CHAP. II. 1-4. Any comfort in Christ. This hypothetical manner of speaking is designed more forcibly to impress the particulars on their hearts. -In Christ, for those who suffer for him; any consolation for the love of okristian brethren; any fellowship in spirit from the same views, faith, and hope; any bowels and mercies among you towards me. Fill up my joy, &c. -Minding this one thing, &c. For this punctuation, see Grotius aud Dr. Middleton. He inculcates the exercise of christian affection, concord, and union. Esteeming others, &c. Treating them in such a manner as to show your esteem. His own things, &c. His own talents, gifts, &c. lest he be filled with pride; but rather regard the gifts, &c. of others, and promote their welfare, imitating Christ.

6-8. Did not think it, &c. After reading and thinking much on this -verse, and on the unusual terms, agtayμer ninoato, I have adopted the common version. Dr. S. Clark and others would render, "Did not eagerly desire to be as God, &c.;” and refer the clause to what follows, as descriptive of his humiliation. Had it referred to the former, they think the Greek would have been Xxa oux agnayμov nynoapieros, &c. But see Luke xi. 13, where we have the same construction in the original. Admitting this version, it would only refer to his intention, as to the state in which he would exist, or appear among men,- -Taking on him the form, &c. The "form of a servant"-"the likeness of men and the fashion of a man," must and cannot but signify, that he was really a man, and really a servant;"

Abasement of Christ.

mind, esteeming others better than yourselves: Not regarding every man his own things only, 4 but every man the things of others also.

For let this mind be in you, which was in 5 Christ Jesus also: Who, existing in the form of 6 God, did not think it robbery to be equal with God, Yet made himself of no account, taking 7 on him the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; And, being found in fashion 8 as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even the death of the cross.

love may be swallowed up in the love of Christ, and his servants may become indifferent to this life from a realizing faith of a better. How happy is it when to live is Christ; when his honour and glory are the great ends we propose, while we are in the body! Assuredly, such will find that to die is their unspeakable and everlasting gain. Far better, far better it is for all good men to depart and be with Christ, than to remain here; yet are they willing to remain, so long as they can be of service to their fellow-men, and as their Lord and Saviour judges it proper. And for such to remain as are favoured with special gifts for the edification and enlargement of the church, is Christ, is in itself a peculiar mercy. Paul knew that he should be continued a while longer for the furtherance of the gospel, and the joy of believers in the faith of it. While we are in mercy spared, and live, let it be our concern to conduct ourselves as becometh the gospel; and if we are called to suffer for the name of Christ, let us esteem it our glory, and as a token for good, that as we suffer with him, we shall also reign with him.

and "existing in the form of God" must, by parity of reason, signify that he was, is, and ever will be, a divine person, God blessed for ever. Peirce explains the form of God to be his resemblance of him in majesty and glory, and in dominion and power; and others refer it to all the appearances of God to the patriarchs, which they consider were made by our Lord. I have no doubt that it was the same divine person who appeared to the patriarchs, and to the Jews, that afterwards assumed human nature, and in that nature had the form, and performed the office of a servant; but I can form no conception of a creature possessing majesty and glory, dominion, and power, so as to justify the expression of his existing in the form of God. Peirce would support his notion by explaining "the form of a servant" to signify, that he only appeared as a servant, not that he was such in reality. See Is. xlii. 1. Does not our Lord uniformly speak of himself as sent, and as doing the will of him that sent him? And is he not, in this very passage said "to become obedient to death, &c.?" Was it to the Jews or to Pilate that he rendered this obedience, or was it not to the Father? I have not noticed the gloss of Socinians, who explain this passage to mean, that Jesus being possessed of the power of working miracles, may be said to be in the form of God; and his not using this power means, his humbling himself, &c. This is so manifestly weak, not to say absurd, as to deserve no notice. First, that the power of working miracles ever resided in or could be exerted, according to the will and pleasure of man, may be justly denied. Again, this notion gives no proper sense to the various terms of the text, and is a mere hypothesis to support a system. And it may be added, that it is wholly irrelevant to the design of the apostle. For what amazing humility would there be in a man not arrogating to himself the form of God, but being a servant, appearing like what he was, a man? The passage proves then that our Lord "existed in the form of

9 Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and bestowed on him a name which is above every 10 other name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of beings in heaven, and on 11 earth, and under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own 13 salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to 14 do, of his own good pleasure. Do all things 15 without murmurings and disputings; That ye may be blameless and harmless, the unreprovable children of God, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation; among whom do ye 16 shine as lights in the world, Holding forth forth the word of life; that I may glory in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, nor laboured in vain.

Timothy commended.

good comfort also, when I know your affairs. For I have no man likeminded with him, who 20 will sincerely care for your affairs. For all 21 seek their own things, not the things of Jesus Christ. But ye know him by experience, that, 22 as a son serveth a father, he hath served with me in the gospel. I hope therefore to send 23 him presently, as soon as I shall see how the things concerning me will end. But I trust 24 in the Lord, that I myself also shall come shortly. Yet I thought it necessary to send 25 to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellowlabourer, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and minister to my wants. For he greatly 26 longed after you all, and was full of anguish, because ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick, and nigh to death: 27 but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have grief upon grief. I have sent him therefore the 28 more speedily, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may have the less grief. Receive him therefore in the Lord with 29 all joy; and hold such in reputation: Because 30 for the work of Christ he was nigh to death, not regarding his life, that he might fill up what remained to be done of your service towards me.

should desire to resemble him in mind and spirit. Who can conceive the dignity of Christ as a divine person! possessing the form,

a servant," which consisted in "his being made in the likeness of men," in his incarnation; and in this incarnate state he humbled himself still more by “becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Here is humility indeed!

9-11. Highly exalted him. The Father, in reward of his humiliation and death, exalted him to his own right hand, to enjoy the glory which he had with him before the world began; and he was honoured with a title, that of Saviour, a name which is above every name, and as the Saviour of sinners, he is to receive homage and worship, from angels and men; from men now living on the earth, and from those in the state of the dead. I consider all intelligent beings as intended, whether good or evil; and that all are subject to him as Lord and king; and this subjection, as well as the whole work of Jesus, is to the glory of God the Father. See Is. xlv. 23. Rom. xiv. H.

12-16. With fear, &c. Peirce would connect these words with the obedience which they rendered to the apostle; but considering the importance of their own salvation, I cannot but think the common construction preferable; nor do I see either the necessity or justice of deserting the usual sense of "salvation," and sinking it to mean only "welfare."To will and to do, &c. This working must be understood as being in a way consistent with the exereise of men's own rational powers, presenting such motives to the mind, and in such a clear light, as induces it both to choose the way of salvation exhibited, and to perform all the duties required.- -Of his own, &c. This is

mentioned to encourage them in labouring to secure their own salvation, and to caution them against offending God, lest he should withhold his inward operation, which I consider to mean the work of his Spirit and grace.-Do ye shine, &c. Comp. Mátt. v. 14. The word of life. The gospel which promises life, and is the instrument of imparting it to the soul, and of guiding to the enjoyment of eternal life. By attending to these directions the apostle would see the fruits of his ministry, and be assured he had not laboured in vain.

17, 18. Sacrifice and, &c. The apostle considers their "faith," as a sacrifice and public offering presented to God; and declares, that if his blood was to be shed and poured out as a drink-offering, to accompany their sacrifice, he would joy and rejoice with them all; and exhorts them to do so too, as thereby a further testimony to the truth of what he had preached would be afforded. Paul was always a martyr in spirit. Acts xx. 23, &c.

19-24. May be of good comfort, &c. From hearing of your christian behaviour and of your salvation.All seek their own things, &c. Probably the apostle had desired some others of the christian brethren to undertake this journey; but from a regard to their own ease and comfort they had refused, thus minding their own things, &c.

25-30. Your messenger, &c. The Philippians showed their respect to Paul by sending to Rome Epaphroditus, with money to supply his wants. While there he was sick, and in great danger; but God mercifully restored

Cautions against

CHAPTER III.

A. D. 63. He warns them against judaizing teachers ; show's that he had more reason to glory as to the law than most others, but that he had renounced all his privileges for Christ, &c.

FINALLY, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, is not indeed 2 grievous to me, but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil-workers, beware of the 3 concision. For we are the circumcision, who worship God with our spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the

the nature, and perfections of the Godhead! How glorious must He be; and jointly with the Father and Holy Spirit, the object of all homage, worship and praise? Yet what love, condescension and grace, did this adorable person exercise towards us! When he came into the world, he did not come in his majesty, nor ap pear as a divine person, but divesting himself of this glory, made himself of no account, taking on him the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men, he humbled himself yet more, becoming obedient to death, even the death of the cross. O let us often reflect on this amazing subject and view in our thoughts, the man Jesus extended on the cross, and pouring forth his soul in agonies and blood, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins and iniquities? let us rejoice that he who was crucified and slain, is now so gloriously exalted, and has a name given him, which is above every name; and in this name let us trust and hope, and offer up our praises and requests. O like him may we be humble, willing to be, do, and suffer every thing calculated to promote the divine glory.

And

2. We should learn also to suffer the affectionate word of exhortation, and be diligent in the use of all the means of grace. It is pleasant to have to commend christian brethren for their obedience; and such will be ready to receive every good word of advice and follow it. We should not sink into spiritual sloth, but work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Having been called to the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ, we should aim to be blameless, doing every command, and performing every duty, without murmuring and disputing. And as we are surrounded by a perverse race of sinners,

him. It is probable, from the last verse, that the fatigues be endured in his journey, and his various labours in the gospel, brought on his disorder.

CHAP. III. 1. Rejoice in the Lord. In him as your Saviour, and in the privileges you enjoy in him. -The same things, &c. Which I taught you when I was with you; or as Peirce suggests, which I have ordered Epaphroditus to deliver to you.

2. Of dogs. Of Jewish teachers, who would tear and devour you, and who, in fact, were only seeking their own gain. See Is. lvi. 10, 11. Revel. xxii. 15. The Jews gave this name to the Gentiles, and Paul retorts it on themselves. Concision. They gloried in being the "circumcision;" but the apostle refuses to allow them that name, and gives them the name of concision, a mere cutting of the flesh.

3. We are the circumcision, &c. We have what was signified by circumcision, Rom. ii. 28, 29.-No confidence, &c. Our religion is inward and spiritual not consisting in outward privileges and distinctions.

4-6. Though I might, &c. If any might trust in such privileges, surely

Judaizing teachers.

flesh. Though I might have confidence even 4 in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he may have confidence in the flesh, I have more: Circumcised the eighth 5 day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, per- 6 secuting the church; concerning the righteous- ! ness which is by the law, blameless. But what 7 things were gain to me, those I counted loss for the sake of Christ. Yea doubtless, and I 8

we should shine by the light of a christian temper and a holy conduct, as lights in the world. By the comfort we have in Christ, by the consolation of his love, and the fellowship of his Spirit, and the knowledge of his will, let us glorify him; depending on God to work in us, both to will and to do of his own good pleasure. Especially let us hold forth, by a resolute and consistent profession, the word of life, that others may be instructed and saved; and then ministers will not have run in vain, nor laboured in vain.

3. Who can but admire such characters as Paul and Timothy? To what a sublime height did the gospel raise the mind and hope of the apostle? He not only considered himself as ready to be sacrificed, but speaks of that stroke by which his blood was to be poured out as an occasion of joy, and calling for the congratulation of his friends! When in this danger, he was willing to resign his friend Timothy, though he had no other like-minded; and sent him to comfort and build up the believers at Philippi. How disgraceful was it to those who sought their own ease and safety, rather than the good of souls! How much honour it reflects on the people at Philippi, that they showed their respect to Paul in his bonds by sending Epaphroditus, to minister to his wants; and this messenger of their love and liberality, seems to have been wholly devoted to God and his service. His sickness occasioned great sorrow to the apostle; and his recovery excited his gratitude. The brethren ought to receive such with joy, and hold them in reputation, who are ready to expose themselves to any hardships for the good of souls and the glory of God. Such characters are the glory of the churches of Christ.

I might; and even more than those teachers who now trouble you.Hebrew of, &c. By long uninterrupted descent, and by language, in opposition to the Hellenists.A Pharisee. And of course very strict both as to ceremonies, and the traditions of the elders Persecuting, &c. Paul only mentions this as a proof of his zeal; and if others made zeal a ground of confidence, he surely might, who had discovered it in such a manner. -Blameless. If by the law we understand the moral as included, Paul could never speak in this manner; but if he meant the ceremonial only, what he states was no doubt just and true, and it is to ceremonial and ritual observances to which the whole context refers, and in which the Jews placed their confidence and glory.

7-11. Were gain to me, &c. The things which I then considered as my gain, or the surest grounds of confidence in respect to acceptance with God, I counted loss, &c.- -Have suffered the loss. Having been enlightened to understand the gospel, and blessed with the excellent knowledge of Christ Jesus, as my Lord and Saviour, I do still count all my Jewish privileges as re