Wednesday, August 17, 2005

Philippians 3:1

Textus Receptus:
το λοιπον αδελφοι μου χαιρετε εν κυριω τα αυτα γραφειν υμιν εμοι μεν ουκ οκνηρον υμιν δε ασφαλες

King James:
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

Comments:
Finally...rejoice: As chapter 4:4 will establish in its context, this rejoicing is fundamental to Paul's point because of its source and stability, not just its emotional manifestation.

the same things...not grievous: Paul focuses on the repetitive nature of his charges to the Philippians. He has told them these things (from imitating Christ to avoiding false doctrine) from the beginning. By denying that he is tired of saying them, he is making clear that what he is saying is worth saying no matter how many times it needs to be said--probably one of the reasons he uses the repetitive form in chapter 4:4.

for you it is safe: The author of Hebrews uses the same word translated as "safe" here for "sure" in Hebrews 6:19. Paul's commands and teachings are intended to give the Philippians a doctrinal and practical anchor--the same thing his letter provides for believers now.

Expanded Paraphrase:
The rest of what I want to say can be summed up in my charge to you: Rejoice in the One over you, Christ. I have said all these things to you before to the point that you probably believe I am tired of saying them. But I am not. They are worth saying because you need an unfailing reminder of your position and purpose in Christ.

1 comment:

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Victor Rodriguez