Philippians 2:17 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Yea, and if I be offered: that he might further confirm and encourage them in their duty, he doth not here conclude the certainty of his death, at his first imprisonment, having expressed before some confidence of his surviving it, Philippians 1:19,25; but, in imitation of Christ, the good Shepherd, 1 Thessalonians 10:11, to demonstrate his constant affection to them, (as he doth to others, 2 Corinthians 12:15 1 Thessalonians 2:8), he argues upon supposition of his own death, which might afterwards happen, 2 Timothy 4:6; using an elegant allegory, borrowed from legal offerings, Leviticus 2:6 Numbers 15:5,7 Num 23:4 Judges 11:13; to show that he could cheerfully lay down his life for their salvation; not for reconciling them to God, for that was done before by Christ's own offering up himself, Hebrews 7:27, a sacrifice of a sweet smell unto God, Ephesians 5:2; but whereby they might be confirmed in the faith sealed with his blood, for bearing witness to Christ, precious to God, Psalms 116:15. The Greek word he hath here, is borrowed from the usage in sacrificing, of pouring wine or oil upon the victim, Exodus 30:9 2 Kings 16:13 Jeremiah 19:13, when that which was poured forth was called the drink-offering, to the confirming of covenants. Upon the sacrifice; by sacrifice, he means either specially their alms, prepared by them, and presented by Epaphroditus, for supporting him in his sufferings, and in the person of the apostle offered up unto God, Philippians 4:18 2 Corinthians 9:12; or, more generally, the Philippians conversion, because sanctified by a principle of faith, and so made a sacrifice. For he doth more than once write of believers being offered, and resigned to God, under the notion of a sacrifice, Romans 12:1, Romans 15:16; and so doth another, 1 Peter 2:5. And service of your faith; to bring them unto which by his ministration, was a very pleasing service to him, who by pouring out his blood in this martyrdom, would confirm the doctrine of the gospel, or new covenant, and fix it more strongly in the hearts of them and others of God's chosen people. I joy; whereupon he expresseth his joy and delight in that, which, upon this supposition, would in the issue be so much to their honour and advantage, when it should seem good to the Lord. They would reckon it no small honour, to have him, the apostle that planted the gospel amongst them, satisfied in their vouching of the truth, which therefore could not but be profitable to the establishing of them in it, who had cordially embraced it. And rejoice with you all; whereupon he doth heartily congratulate with each of them, the meanest as well as the greatest of them, who would be so privileged.