Monday, December 03, 2007

Philippians 4:13

Greek Text:
πντα σχω ν τῷ ἐνδυναμοντμε Χριστῷ

KJV:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Comments:
can do: The word Paul uses here for “can do” is very broad, relating both to the power to be and to do. He uses it in Galatians 5:6 and 6:15 to say that neither keeping the law (circumcision) nor eluding it (uncircumcision) “can do” anything at all, but faith and being a new creature is what gives new “power”.

all things: The context makes Paul’s claim here specific. It might be contradictory for him to be full and to be hungry. But Christ enables him to do both. As a point in this chapter, Paul is able to be content even when imprisoned and wanting basic needs. Generally, it is important to remember that while God’s power is boundless, His will is specific. So passages like this one are always unbounded regarding God’s power, but specific regarding His intent.

through Christ who strengthens me: Some texts have the word “Christ”; others do not. Either way, the context make it obvious that Christ is the one doing the empowering.

Expanded Paraphrase:
I am able to be or do absolutely anything God intends for me precisely because of the One who empowers me to do it—Christ.

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