Tuesday, December 07, 2004

Philippians 1:17

Textus Receptus:
οι δε εξ αγαπης ειδοτες οτι εις απολογιαν του ευαγγελιου κειμαι

King James:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

Comments:
other of love: Paul's contrast for the contention (provocation of strife) and insincerity of the previous verse is love (agape). Paul uses the same contrast in Galatians 5:13-15; James uses it in James 2:8 and 3:14-18. Simply put, the kind of love (agape, charity) Paul describes here involves sacrifice, rather than the pure self-service which comes naturally.

I am set for the defense of the gospel: Paul has been put where he is so that he can give an answer for the gospel. Peter uses the same word (apologia, to give an answer) in 1 Peter 3:15 to remind every believer of their purpose in the world. What unites Paul and the brothers who act out of love is not their affection for each other (though such affection is certainly not precluded) but their mutual commitment to act as representatives of the gospel. Christian unity is never about agreement with each other, but agreement with the Lord and His purpose.

Paraphrase:
On the other hand are those who proclaim the message of Christ with a sincere love which recognizes our common purpose in Christ--always to give an answer for the good news we carry from God.

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