Ambrosiaster

In his own words on Philippians

• Philippians 1:1

  He writes to the saints in his customary manner, but his intent is to write to those who are "saints in Christ Jesus," specifically those who confess that he is divine and human.… He is not writing to those who by their own deceptions suppress the truth.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.1.1

• Philippians 1:1

  He keeps silence about his status as an apostle. He is writing to people who already know who he is and have an informed opinion of him. He suppresses his dignity. He declares his lowly state, because the one who confesses Christ as Lord is all the more free and has salvation.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.1.1

• Philippians 1:2

  It is evident that while God is called Father, Christ Jesus is called Lord. Does it not then appear that the Lord does not possess equal dignity with the Father? That might seem true in the world of human beings, but between God the Father and Christ the Lord there is complete harmony.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.2

• Philippians 1:7

  Paul had always found the Philippians to be immovable in their devotion to God. He knew how straight and unwearied their course was. He knew they were worthy to share in his own joy. People who share the same faith have good reason to rejoice together in the hope of future immortality and glory.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.7

• Philippians 1:8

  He calls God to witness that his deep affection for them may be understood. One who feels so deeply about something is ready to call God as his witness to underscore his feeling. Through this he inspires a corresponding love in them for himself. For it is in being loved that we feel love. He therefore loves all these partners not with a human desire but in the love of Christ, not merely with emotional affection but with spiritual affection. They share with him in the knowledge of the mystery of God and the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.8

• Philippians 1:9

  He wishes, with God's assistance, to pour into them pure Christian doctrine, that their faith will be firm and that they will see clearly all the vast implications of their faith. He wants them to be able to distinguish what is useful from what is useless. He prays that they may adorn the teaching of the Lord with works of righteousness, producing the fruit of immortality to bring about an abundance of good things. This will be the glory of the apostle to the Gentiles.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.11

• Philippians 1:13

  Who are "all the rest"? The whole of Jewry, in addition to all the churches of the Gentiles. The former still has precedence, since to them the promise was first made.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.17.1

• Philippians 1:13

  His imprisonment for Christ's sake is becoming known. This is his distinctive honor. Now others who love him may rejoice with him.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.17.1

• Philippians 1:14

  His constancy inspires others to be fearless in preaching. They are learning by the apostle's example that God is present to watch over those who love him. This itself has an effect upon the misguided brethren who have been preaching the Word of God as if from envy, prompted not by confidence or love of God but by competitiveness.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.17.2

• Philippians 1:21

  What others had contrived for his death proved to be life for him. This is life: if Christ is preached. He is fully prepared to meet death so that this can be accomplished. He knows that a great blessing will be given to him for his prayer and constancy. Clumsy malice will continue to work against him in ignorance. To trample down the malevolence of those who were laying snares against his life under a covering of deceit, he bears patient witness. He is fortified by the protection of God.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.21.1-2

• Philippians 1:24

  He admits that it might be much easier to be dissolved and be with Christ. But nonetheless he knows that it is necessary for him to remain in the flesh for the benefit of the faithful, so that their glory may abound in the Lord and all may praise the Lord when they see him again. They will thereby increase their knowledge and become more deeply grounded in faith. How great was his affection for the believers that he does not choose what he says would be much better for himself. Rather he wants what is more profitable to many, in the assurance that what conduces to the benefit of many will also please the Lord.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.26.2

• Philippians 1:29

  Although he extols the grace of Christ on many occasions, he offers a special kind of honor to the Philippians in this passage. He says: "God has allowed you to suffer for Christ." He does not propose this distinction to any but true lovers of Christ. His paradoxical reasoning is that this gift "is given to you for Christ!" This means that God the Father gives this special gift to lovers of his Son. Why? That their blessings might increase correspondingly through their participation in suffering on Christ's behalf. Paul speaks as one who himself has received this gift.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 1.30

• Philippians 2:1

  These things that he enumerates will, as he shows, be proved realities if the injunctions that he has given below are obeyed: They are of one mind and humble in spirit, not provoking one another but rejoicing in love. If so, the apostle's joy in them may be complete.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.4.2

• Philippians 2:6

  When he dwelt among humans, he appeared as God by his acts and works. "For the form of God" differs in nothing from God. Indeed, the reason for his being called the form and image of God is to make it apparent that he himself, though distinguishable from God the Father, is everything that God is.… His works revealed his form. Since his works were not those of a human, he whose work or form was that of God was perceived to be God. For what is "the form of God?" Is it not shown by the evidences given of his divinity—by his raising of the dead, his restoration of hearing to the deaf, his cleansing of lepers?

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.6-2.8.5

• Philippians 2:6

  Knowing that he is "in the form of God," he committed no theft.… Rightly, then, he equaled himself with God. For the one who "thinks robbery" is the one who makes himself equal to another whose inferior he is.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.6

• Philippians 2:7

  He is said not to have taken the form of God but to have been in the form of God. What he is said to have taken is the form of a slave when he was humbled like a sinner. People become slaves through sin, like Ham the son of Noah, who first received the title of slave through his own actions. His "taking the form of a slave" was not simply his becoming human but his profound identification with sinners, voluntarily "taking the form of a slave."

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.8.2

• Philippians 2:7

  Christ, therefore, knowing himself to be "in the form of God," showed himself equal to God. But in order to teach the law of humility when the Jews were binding him, he not only refrained from resistance but "emptied himself," that is, withheld his power from taking effect, so that in his humiliation he seemed to be weakened as his power lay idle.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.8.1

• Philippians 2:7

  "Taking the form of a slave." He indeed was taken captive, bound and driven with blows. His obedience to the Father took him even as far as the cross. Yet throughout he knew himself to be the Father's Son, equal in divine dignity. Yet he did not make a display of this equality. Rather he willingly subjected himself. This patience and humility he teaches us to imitate. We are to refrain from making a display of our claims to equal dignity, but even more so we are called to lower ourselves into service as we follow the example of our Maker.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.8.1-2

• Philippians 2:8

  Why is he "found in human form," if not because he was also God? Before he allowed himself to descend he was always seen in the power of God. But having subsequently been made weak he was "found in human form?" … And the reason for saying like is to indicate that he was also God.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.8.5-6

• Philippians 2:9

  Scripture says that the gift was given to him who "emptied himself," who "took the form of a slave," who was "made to appear as a man," who was "obedient to the Father." But if it was a mere man and nothing else who was obedient to God the Father, what is remarkable about that?… His name is not above every name unless he is so by his very nature. A titular name rests solely on usage, not on the nobility of one's nature. The creation does not bend its knees for a titular God but for the real God.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.6-8

• Philippians 2:9

  Some argue "the name which is above every name" was given only to his humanity. In no way could this be so. For it is not possible that God should lack those things that he once had. For God, even while assuming humanity, remained God.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.4

• Philippians 2:9

  It is not assumed here that the Son of God was lacking or imperfect before "the name that is above every name" was given to Christ.… Even before his passion he showed himself equal to God, as I have stated. Hence it is clear that he was born perfect, for he is seen to have possessed all things from the beginning. He was born in the fullness of divinity for the very purpose of doing all that he was destined to perform. So he had already received the gift before he performed the things that he was born to do. It therefore seems that the gift of God, which consists in his being Son, was that his name should be "above every name," which consists in his being God.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.2

• Philippians 2:9

  He shows what and how much his humility deserved, so that we, trampling down our boastfulness, might find ourselves all the more humble.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.1

• Philippians 2:26

  Both the congregation and Epaphroditus were sad because of his sickness. They hoped that they might, on seeing him, be reassured in his recovery of health and that he might be relieved of his present anxiety to see them. For he was their apostle, appointed by Paul when he sent him to them for their exhortation.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.27.1

• Philippians 2:27

  Is it possible that the apostle prayed for him and the prayer was not answered by his immediate recovery? Remember that signs are for unbelievers. This man's illness was designed not for his hurt but for his growth. Many indeed are the trials of the faithful … and therefore the petition of the apostle was not spurned, but a better provision was made for him on whose behalf Paul prayed.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.27.2-3

• Philippians 2:29

  It is apparent that the people and Epaphroditus loved one another inseparably. He is commended by the apostle also, so as to make him all the more dear.… This is the reason for explicitly recalling the struggle of Epaphroditus: his unhesitating willingness to die for the sake of the gospel.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.30

• Philippians 3:1

  He shows the concern that he feels for their faith walk. He repeats to them what is necessary for their benefit.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.1

• Philippians 3:2

  He uses this name for those who, in envy of the Gentiles, have overthrown them by their evil conversation and persuaded them to be circumcised. These he says should be absolutely avoided and rejected. They are like dogs that first bark and then mutilate the flesh with savage bites.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.2

• Philippians 3:3

  It is evident that those who are faithful are circumcised in their own hearts. By cutting away the cloud of error, they see and recognize the Lord of creation. This is what it means to "serve in the Spirit" and "glory in the Lord Jesus Christ."

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.4

• Philippians 3:9

  If, as he tells the Colossians, "in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," then everything, whatever it is, is to be reckoned of no account, so that we may attain to the height of this wisdom and knowledge. Not only sufficient but superabundant indeed is the righteousness that comes from faith. This salvation is freely given by the grace of God through the knowledge of Christ. It can hardly be said to be a gift of the law. For to know rightly the mystery of his incarnation and passion and resurrection is the perfection of life and the treasure of wisdom.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.9-10

• Philippians 3:12

  Throughout the letter Paul bears witness to his joy in them and praises their obedience and faith. He is, however, concerned that they, like all who are subject to human conceits, might become elated as though they were already worthy. So he tells them openly, speaking of his own person, that something is still wanting for perfect righteousness. He urges them to good works. If he who is adorned with such dignity confesses that he is still wanting in perfection, they would understand how much more they must work to acquire the blessings of righteousness.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.12.1

• Philippians 3:16

  Lest anyone should presume to think this was not from God and revealed by God he therefore adds the words "what we have attained," that we should think in accord with the apostles. That means that we should not overstep the rule of doctrine in understanding but accept what is commonly and humbly understood in the truth of the gospel.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.16

• Philippians 3:18

  Those who bring him to tears are the very ones who had already overthrown the Galatians. By treacherous proceedings they were destroying the churches in the name of Christ.… He speaks of these people with grief and tears. They were impeding the salvation of the faithful by raising questions about the eating of or abstinence from food. It is as though salvation were in food or as if "God were a belly," one whom they believed to take delight in worldly foods according to the law while they gloried in the circumcision of their private parts. This is what it is to "think earthly thoughts." One who "thinks spiritual thoughts" glories in faith, hope and charity.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.19

• Philippians 3:21

  Through the resurrection of the dead and their transformation into glory the power of the Lord will be manifestly apparent, subduing all the principalities and powers so that he may be manifestly the God and Lord of all.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.21

• Philippians 4:1

  The constancy of the Philippians is Paul's joy, both for the present and for his future crown. For when his disciples are victorious in the contest, the master rightly receives the crown.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.1

• Philippians 4:5

  Paul wants all to profit by good examples. When their forbearance becomes apparent as their regular way of life, their works will shine forth. There will be nothing lacking in those who imitate their virtue. They will be blessed not only from doing good deeds but also by inspiring good deeds in others.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.7.1

• Philippians 4:5

  "The Lord," he says, "is at hand." They must be prepared and wakeful in prayer, giving thanks to God and putting away every worldly care, so as to hope and have before their eyes what the Lord promises. What he promises is, as he teaches, the reason for giving him thanks.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.7.2

• Philippians 4:9

  Our God is truly "the God of peace." We are constantly called to peace by God who himself is peace. His calling is not in timidity or weakness or in some show of strength. God is at peace with himself to such a degree that he even allows sins to be committed against him when he could certainly, by the terror of his manifested power and ineffable greatness, force even the unwilling into subjection. But peace of this kind is that of the world, not that of God, whose very nature is peace.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.9

• Philippians 4:15

  He recalls these acts in order that, hearing that their good works are still held in mind and praised, they may have no doubt that they are counted acceptable in the Lord's sight, adding zeal in faith to their generosity.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.17

• Philippians 4:18

  It is not idle for him to tell them with exhortations that something needs to be done. He confesses that much has already been done. But some of that which was done was done more negligently and less freely than they might have wished it to be. His aim was that they should remember their previous works. Then they would realize that they are doing less now than at the beginning.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.18

• Philippians 4:19

  His promise is that "my God will supply every need of yours," that God himself might stand ready to help them receive all that he has provided for them in the abundant greatness of his glory in Christ Jesus. It is indeed the glory of Jesus Christ when by the will of God the desires of Christians are fulfilled in accordance with the teaching of the gospel.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.19

• Philippians 4:20

  Here he makes no distinction [as in 4:19] but prays to both our God and our Father. He calls upon God on account of awe. He calls upon the Father for the sake of honor and because every beginning is from him.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.20

• Philippians 4:21

  The greeting of the brothers is an act of mutual consolation. It calls to mind those who have been split apart.

  EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.22