Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Philippians 4:21-22

Greek:
21 ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί
22 ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι μάλιστα δὲ οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας

KJV:
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

Comments:
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus: Paul is being as inclusive as he is specific. Everyone in Christ Jesus is to be included in the greeting. But only those in Christ Jesus are holy, and to be included in the greeting.

brethren...all...they of Caesar's household: Paul's mention of the brethren is likely a reference to others who serve with Him in ministry—some carrying on the ministry while comforting him in his imprisonment. (See chapter 1:14 and 2:25.) Paul then mentions all the believers in Rome. Finally, he refers to those who would be of particular interest to anyone in the Roman Empire, those serving in Caesar's household (probably the emperor Nero) who had become believers.

Expanded Paraphrase: Greet all those who are sanctified because they are in Christ Jesus. Our brothers, those who are with me here, greet you. All of those who are sanctified greet you—most notably, those who are sanctified and serve in Caesar's own house.

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