Thursday, December 09, 2004

Philippians 1:19

Textus Receptus:
οιδα γαρ οτι τουτο μοι αποβησεται εις σωτηριαν δια της υμων δεησεως και επιχορηγιας του πνευματος ιησου χριστου

King James:
For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Comments:
shall turn: The word translated as this phrase is used to describe people exiting, for instance, a boat (as in Luke 5:2). Paul uses it here to imply that when his journey is finished, it will turn out that God made things right and good.

salvation: Salvation simply means deliverance. In the context of justification, it means deliverance from sin, guilt, and judgment. But in this context, it means deliverance from bondage. Ultimately Paul's deliverance from bondage will be obvious when God uses it to glorify Christ.

through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit: Of course, the Spirit's work is essential in ultimately bringing glory to Christ. But in this verse the prayer of saints is parallel to the Spirit's work in its significance in bringing about the result. Literally, Paul says his deliverance comes on account of their prayers and the Spirit's provision. In this sentence, that they asked is as significant as that the Spirit supplied.

Paraphrase:
How can I rejoice while I am in bonds like these? I know that when the ship finally comes to shore, God will turn what I am facing and what I see right now into freedom and deliverance on account of your requests, and the Holy Spirit's answer in the form of provision.

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