Phili 1:12-13, 2:25, 4:15-16, 18 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 12. That the things which happened unto me ] St. Paul was at this time a prisoner at Rome, and it appears probable that he had already been called to make a defence for himself, and to vindicate the doctrines of the Gospel; and this he had been enabled to do in such a manner that the honour of the Gospel had been greatly promoted by it. As the Philippians loved him greatly, he felt it right to give them this information relative to his state, and how God had turned his bonds to the advantage of that cause on account of which he was bound.

‏ Philippians 1:12-13

Verse 12. That the things which happened unto me] St. Paul was at this time a prisoner at Rome, and it appears probable that he had already been called to make a defence for himself, and to vindicate the doctrines of the Gospel; and this he had been enabled to do in such a manner that the honour of the Gospel had been greatly promoted by it. As the Philippians loved him greatly, he felt it right to give them this information relative to his state, and how God had turned his bonds to the advantage of that cause on account of which he was bound.

Verse 13. My bonds-are manifest in all the palace] In consequence of the public defence which he was obliged to make, his doctrines must be fully known in the court, and throughout the whole city, as on his trial he would necessarily explain the whole. The praetorium, πραιτωριον, which we here translate palace, signifies the court where causes were heard and judged by the praetor or civil magistrate; it sometimes signifies the general's tent, and at others, the emperor's palace. It is supposed that it is used in this latter sense here. There were, no doubt, persons belonging to the emperor's household who would bring the news of so remarkable a case to the palace; for we find that there were Christians even in Caesar's household; Php 4:22.

‏ Philippians 2:25

Verse 25. Epaphroditus, my brother, &c.] Here is a very high character of this minister of Christ; he was, 1. A brother-one of the Christian family; a thorough convert to God, without which he could not have been a preacher of the Gospel. 2. He was a companion in labour; he laboured, and laboured in union with the apostle in this great work. 3. He was a fellow soldier; the work was a work of difficulty and danger, they were obliged to maintain a continual warfare, fighting against the world, the devil, and the flesh. 4. He was their apostle-a man whom God had honoured with apostolical gifts, apostolical graces, and apostolical fruits; and, 5. He was an affectionate friend to the apostle; knew his soul in adversity, acknowledged him in prison, and contributed to his comfort and support.

‏ Philippians 4:15-16

Verse 15. In the beginning of the Gospel] When, having preached to you, I went forth into Macedonia, I received help from none of the Churches which I had founded, but from you alone. I received nothing from any others, and nothing was offered me.

Verse 16. For even in Thessalonica] While labouring to plant the Church there, he was supported partly by working with his hands, 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:7-9; and partly by the contributions sent him from Philippi. Even the Thessalonians had contributed little to his maintenance: this is not spoken to their credit.

‏ Philippians 4:18

Verse 18. I have all] Ye have now sent me so much by Epaphroditus, that I abound in all the necessaries of life.

Having received-the things] Probably a supply of clothes and such like necessaries, as well as of money.

An odour of a sweet smell] Alluding to the sacrifices offered up under the law. With what ye have done to me, his servant, God is well pleased. See Eph 5:2, and the note there.