Having the same conflict, &c.— "Having, in a great measure, the same struggle with the adversaries of the gospel, who labour to overbear it by brutal violence,—as ye saw to be in me, when I was among you in Philippi, and was stripped, and scourged, and laid in the dungeon, and in the stocks; and which you now hear to be in me at Rome, whither you know I have been sent in bonds, as an evil-doer; having beenobliged to appeal unto Caesar, for the preservation of my life." See Acts 16:19. &c.
Inferences.—Amid the numberless mercies, with which, through the indulgence of our heavenly Father, we are daily surrounded, what can demand our humble and grateful acknowledgments more than our participation of the gospel? To whatever afflictions it may expose us, or whatever we may be called to sacrifice to its interests, every day, in which we share its comforts and supports, calls aloud for our praises, both in the enjoyment and in the recollection. No wonder, therefore, that where this blessed work is begun, there is a great affection between those who were the instruments of producing it, and those in whom it is produced. No wonder if St. Paul made mention of these his Christian converts at Philippi, in his prayers, offering up requests for them, and praying for the increase of their hope and love. No wonder, on the other side, if their hearts were tenderly set upon him, and that, distant as he was, he seemed to lodge there, and their tender care followed him through every circumstance of his bonds; so that his sufferings and dangers were even more painful to them than their own: while he, on his part, longed for them all in the bowels of the Lord, and could conceive of no greater charm in liberty itself, than that it might give him opportunity of cultivating so endearing a friendship by personal intercourse.
The increase of love founded on knowledge, and attended with other sentiments of experimental religion, is to be numbered among the best of apostolic blessings. Every experience of these things will confirm our resolution of maintaining that godly sincerity, which will render our conversation unblameable, and our account in the day of the Lord comfortable. To glorify God by the fruits of righteousness, is the great end for which these rational natures were given us; and it is by the exercise of lively faith in Christ that these dispositions are cultivated, and these fruits rendered most abundant.
Again. How admirable is the conduct of Divine Providence! and in how beautiful a manner does it often work the purposes which it wisely and graciously determines, by events that seem to have the most contrary tendency! Who would have imagined that the imprisonment of St. Paul would have been effectual to the advancement of Christianity! Thus can God animate and encourage his servants, by the extremity which their brethren suffer in his cause, so that they shall wax confident by their bonds and their martyrdom. Let this then reconcile us to all the allotments of Providence, and establish us in an earnest expectation and hope that Christ will be glorified in all things by us, whether by our life or death: and who, that knows the grace of God in truth, would not rejoice even in death itself, if the gracious Redeemer, who gave his own life for us, may thereby be magnified?
But, how execrable was the temper of those who preached Christ out of envy and contention, and managed a ministry which should have breathed nothing but love, in a view of adding affliction to those bonds which oppressed this holy, this excellent man! But generous and amiable is the disposition which the Apostle expresses, when he rejoices in this—that Christ was preached, though the purposes with regard to himself were so unkind! These are the wonders which the love of Jesus produces in the soul; thus does it empty us of every malignant passion, and reconcile us to the most disagreeable events which may advance his interests. Where such principles inspire the breast, the faithful servants of Jesus will find their own account, while they are wholly intent on his honour. But let it be remembered, that it is through the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, which sanctifies to the faithful every circumstance through which they pass, that all these events are so blessed unto them. That these supplies may be imparted, let us unite our prayers in favour of all who love our common Lord in sincerity,
Again. How happy must that man be, who can truly say, that to him to live is Christ, and to die is gain! What a blessed alternative is before him, and how cheerfully may he leave it to Providence to decide which of the two shall be appointed for him! And yet, how vain must life be, and how miserable death, to that man who cannot say it! He that gathereth not with Christ scattereth abroad (Matthew 12:30.); and when death comes to such a one, it is the loss of all, and attended with the final, and, alas! the eternal loss of himself: while the good man pronounces it better, beyond all comparison, to depart, that he may be with Christ, and submits only to continue in life, as the part in which self-denying duty requires him to acquiesce. But O! how unworthy the Christian character is it, to be adverse to so advantageous a remove!—to be unwilling, and that even on such terms, to depart and to be with Christ! as if any converse, any friendship, any enjoyment, any hope here, were comparable; yea, as if it were preferable to serving him in his immediate service, under the everlasting tokens of his acceptance and delight.
But if that Master, whom we have the honour to serve, determine to us an abode here for months and years to come, and his church may receive advantage by it, ill shall we requite his love, if we are unwilling for a while to wait till he shall call us up to himself. Very deficient shall we be in that gratitude and zeal which we owe him, if we find not something of a heaven begun even here below, in doing what may be pleasing to him, in managing his interests, with such degrees of ability as he shall be pleased to honour us with, and so training up others to a meetness for those enjoyments which he has taught us by his grace to expect and pursue.
Whatever our stations may be, whether in public or private life, let it be our care, in every circumstance and relation, that our conversation may be as becometh the gospel; that we may adorn so holy a profession, and answer so glorious a hope. If opposition arise, let it not terrify us. It will, if well supported, be a token of salvation, and that of God. Let us account it an honour, and the gift of the Divine favour to us, to be called and strengthened to suffer for his sake. So were the prophets, so were the apostles, dignified. We have heard of their noble contentions, that we might emulate them: and well may we do it, since we have the same Author and Support of our faith, and hope to partake of the same exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:17.
REFLECTIONS.—1st. The apostolical inscription and benediction open the epistle. Paul, and Timotheus who joins him in all cordial salutations, the servants of Jesus Christ in the gospel, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, brought into real union with him in faith and holiness, with the bishops and deacons, the superior officers in the church: grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Note; (1.) There can be no true peace but what flows from divine grace and favour. (2.) Every covenant mercy that we receive at God's hands, comes to true believers as the fruit of our adored Redeemer's undertaking.
2nd, The Apostle, after his gracious introduction, begins,
1. With thanksgivings to God on their behalf. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, and of the rich grace that he has bestowed upon you, (always, in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, delighting in and over you) for your fellowship in the gospel, thankful for all the inestimable privileges to which you have been admitted, for the love and union maintained among you, and for your liberality in contributing to the furtherance of the gospel; from the first day until now, with steadfastness and perseverance, in the midst of all opposition, continuing to approve your fidelity. Note; (1.) It is a great joy to a minister's soul, when his people walk steadily in the fellowship of the gospel. (2.) Our grateful thanksgivings are ever due, while we are mentioning the divine mercies.
2. He expresses his confidence concerning them—Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, by his divine grace converting your souls, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, will do every thing on his part, consistent with the harmony of his divine perfections, for your present and eternal salvation; and I indulge a humble hope and confidence, from your past conduct and present experience, and probable fidelity in future, that you will be kept by him unto the day of his appearing. Note; Whatever good is found in us, comes from God, in and through Jesus Christ; and he must have all the glory.
3. He gives the reason for that confidence in them which he entertained—Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, bound in the judgment of charity to esteem the whole church, and every member true to their profession. And I the more readily entertain such a persuasion of you, because I have you in my heart, embraced with my warmest affections, and sharing my constant remembrances, inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace, enduring the like tribulations as I suffer; and by your sympathy with me, and your readiness to assist me, both in my bonds, and amidst all the opposition which I meet with in defence of the gospel, ye manifestly appear to have received out of the same Redeemer's fulness. Note; We are bound to think well of those who, not only make a creditable profession, but dare to suffer for the truth themselves, or nobly own, even in bonds, those who do.
4. He appeals to God for the warm attachment of his heart unto them. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ, with the truest spiritual affection, like that which Jesus himself feels for precious souls.
5. He tells them what were his prayers for them. And this I pray, (1.) That your love may abound yet more and more towards God and one another. (2.) That ye may advance in knowledge and in all judgment, grounded and settled in the true principles of the gospel; and that thus your love may be increased day by day. (3.) That ye may approve the things that are excellent, bringing every thing to the test of God's word, that their different excellencies may be ascertained; and examining by this unerring rule the doctrines of seducers, that the purity of the gospel may be maintained, in opposition to their errors. (4.) That ye may be sincere, and without offence, or allowed guile, before God and man, true to your principles, and upright in your conduct, till the day of Christ, persevering in your fidelity, and walking as those who constantly eye a heart-searching God and a judgment-day. (5.) Being thus found faithful, you will be filled with the fruits of righteousness, with every divine temper and gracious work which the Spirit of God produces in the faithful, and which are by Jesus Christ, accepted through him, as well as derived from him, unto the glory and praise of God. His own glory is the great end which he proposes in all his works, and which we therefore should ever regard as the great end of our being.
3rdly, Nothing could tend more gloriously to remove the ignominy of St. Paul's chain, or to comfort the hearts of his spiritual children, who might be much dejected at his reproaches and sufferings, than the account which he gives of himself.
1. Even in his bonds the gospel was not bound, but his sufferings tended to confirm and propagate the knowledge of the truth. I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me, dark and afflictive as the dispensation might appear to you, have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; for God can easily bring the greatest good out of what appeared the greatest evil. Thus the blood of the martyrs has ever been the seed of the church. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, where my sufferings for the gospel, and patient fortitude under them, are known to all the great men of Nero's court, and in all other places, and are made the happy occasion of raising inquiries, about the gospel in those who might not otherwise have heard it, and of bringing some under the joyful sound even out of Caesar's household. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, and fully satisfied of the goodness of the cause, and of the hand of the Lord visible in the support that he gives me, are much more bold than ever to speak the word without fear, and to proclaim the salvation which is only to be found in a crucified Jesus. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife, taking this opportunity of my imprisonment to pursue the base end of setting up themselves, even under the covert of zeal for the gospel, envying my reputation, and hoping to supplant me in the affection of the churches, and some also of good-will, with hearty affection to the cause, and true regard for me. The one preach Christ of contention, out of mere pride and rivalship; not sincerely, from a right principle of love unfeigned; but from envy, supposing to add affliction to my bonds, by ingratiating themselves, to my prejudice, with the members of the churches, or hoping to incense the government more against me by the noise that they make, and the divisions they seek to raise: but the other preach Christ of love, truly attached to the Saviour, and longing to promote the salvation of immortal souls; knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel, and suffered to bear these bonds on purpose to have an opportunity, before the highest in this world, publicly to vindicate and defend the cause of Christ. Note; (1.) Strange as it may appear, that any should preach Christ out of envy, so subtle is the Tempter, and so corrupt the heart of man, that even the gospel may be turned into the gall of asps, and made the pedestal on which the proud heart would erect its reputation. (2.) Faithful souls are whetted by opposition, and made more bold by bonds and reproaches.
2. He expresses the joy that he felt in his own soul, amidst all he suffered from open enemies and false friends. What then? though some act on principles so base, notwithstanding every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice: if his name is spread abroad, and his gospel propagated, that is matter of real joy; and the ministry may be blest, though the preacher perishes. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation, however different the designs of these men may be; and serve to procure my liberty the sooner, as well as to advance my soul's present and eternal benefit, through your prayer daily offered up for me, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, which can enable me to improve under every dispensation, and cause it to work for good—according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that I shall be supported and delivered, and that in nothing I shall be ashamed of that glorious cause for which I suffer; but that with all boldness, and unshaken fortitude of mind, as always hitherto I have been enabled to act, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death; by longer patient suffering, if such be his will; by a faithful discharge of my trust, should I regain my liberty; or by sealing the testimony with my blood, if his glory so require. Note; (1.) We are much indebted to our brethren's prayers. (2.) The supply of the Spirit of Christ can make up all other wants, and cause every providence to prove a blessing. (3.) If we are not a shame to the gospel, we need never be ashamed of it, though devoted, for the sake thereof, to the most ignominious death.
4thly, The Apostle was happy to die, yet, for their sakes, content to live.
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain; living or dying, he is to me all and in all; for his glory I only desire to live; and in whatever way I die in his cause and service, I know it shall prove my everlasting gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour, to preach and suffer for the truth's sake, in order to advance my great Master's cause: yet what I shall choose, I wot not, whether life or death: for I am in a strait betwixt two; having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ, longing for the heavenly blessedness in store, and to see him face to face, where sorrow and sighing shall be for ever done away; which is far better than any possible situation that I can be in here below: nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you, and for your benefit I can gladly forego, for a while, my own happiness, and conflict still amid the opposing powers of earth and hell. And having this confidence, that my abode below will be for your edification, I know, by divine intimations, that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, to confirm and stablish you yet more and more; that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me, by my coming to you again, restored to liberty, and enabled to resume my useful labours among you. Note; (1.) If we can say with truth, to live is Christ, that his glory is our single aim, we may confidently add, to die is gain; how great, heaven only can tell! (2.) But for one thing can earth be truly desirable to the faithful Christian, and that is the service which can be rendered to immortal souls, and the glory accruing thence to the Redeemer; for this therefore he lives.
5thly, The Apostle closes with two exhortations.
1. Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ (πολιτευεσθε .) Behave as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, walk worthy of your high vocation, adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and proving the solidity of your hope by the spirituality of your conduct; that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, with joy, that ye stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, united in truth and love; resisting, with the most vigorous efforts, every persecuting or seducing foe; holding fast the unadulterated principles of grace, and building up each other on your most holy faith. Note; (1.) The faith of the gospel will ever meet with opposition, till the great Millennium. (2.) Unanimity among Christians is the great means of their establishment; while dissention and schism render them an easy prey.
2. In nothing terrified by your adversaries, however many or mighty, whether from earth or hell; but defy their malice and rage, cleaving unshaken to the gospel; which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God; such patient and faithful suffering for the truth proves your interest in it; while the opposition of your foes must end in their eternal ruin. For unto you it is given, as your distinguished honour, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, to the conversion and sanctification of your souls, which is a most eminent gift of God, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, when I was with you, and steadily sustained the shock; and now hear to be in me. Note; (1.) Faith is the gift of God, but always ready to be bestowed upon the penitent. (2.) Sufferings and reproaches, on the behalf of Christ, are real honours. (3.) It is an encouragement to us patiently to endure the cross, when we see others cheerfully bearing it before us, and glorying in tribulation.