‘But also if I am offered as a libation on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all, and in the same manner do you also joy, and rejoice with me.'
In the midst of his confidence he again recognises that he may possibly never see them again if his case goes against him. And he therefore wants them to recognise that he is not dismayed at the thought of possible martyrdom. If instead of release he is to complete their sacrifice of themselves, by himself being offered up as a libation on it by the shedding of his blood (like the pouring out on it of wine as an additional offering) he will have joy and rejoice with them all, and if it does happen he wants them also to rejoice with him. There is to be no thought of gloom. He has the mind of Christ in regard to suffering, willing even for martyrdom to be his lot. To be offered up to God in martyrdom is a privilege not a trial. Thereby he will share Christ's sufferings and also share His reign in Heaven (Revelation 20:4). It is a reminder of the solemn words in Philippians 1:28 that they are still in the midst of conflict and may be required to suffer on His behalf.
‘On the sacrifice and service of your faith.' These words demonstrate the truth of what we have seen before, that they are to be seen as offered up as a sacrifice along with Christ. Their responsive faith to Him has involved them in sacrifice and priestly service, as they offer themselves up to have their part in His sacrificial death. It was hinted at in Philippians 2:1 a, was made clear in Philippians 2:5-8 and was emphasised in their need to be ‘without blemish'. While sacrifice is not specifically mentioned in Philippians 2:5-8 a voluntary obedience to death could indicate nothing else. He was the willing sacrifice on behalf of many (Mark 10:45; Hebrews 10:5-10). So having called on them to share the mind of Christ in this regard, Paul is willing to put the final seal on their sacrifice by himself being offered as a libation. He recognised that unless the corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it abides alone, but if it die it brings forth much fruit (John 12:24).