Rom 1:9, 2Cor 12:19, Phili 1:8 | JFB | e4.org | 9. For God . . . whom I serve —the word denotes religious service. with my spirit —from my inmost soul. in the gospel of his Son —to which Paul's whole religious life and official activity were consecrated. is my witness, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers —so for the Ephesians ( ); so for the Philippians ( ); so for the Colossians ( ); so for the Thessalonians ( ). What catholic love, what all-absorbing spirituality, what impassioned devotion to the glory of Christ among men!

‏ Romans 1:9

9. For God . . . whom I serve—the word denotes religious service.

with my spirit—from my inmost soul.

in the gospel of his Son—to which Paul's whole religious life and official activity were consecrated.

is my witness, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers—so for the Ephesians (Eph 1:15, 16); so for the Philippians (Php 1:3, 4); so for the Colossians (Col 1:3, 4); so for the Thessalonians (1Th 1:2, 3). What catholic love, what all-absorbing spirituality, what impassioned devotion to the glory of Christ among men!

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:19

19. Again—The oldest manuscripts read, "This long time ye think that we are excusing ourselves unto you? (Nay). It is before God (as opposed to 'unto you') that we speak in Christ" (2Co 2:17). English Version Greek text was a correction from 2Co 3:1; 5:12.

‏ Philippians 1:8

8. Confirmation of Php 1:7.

record—that is, witness.

in the bowels of Jesus Christ—"Christ Jesus" is the order in the oldest manuscripts. My yearning love (so the Greek implies) to you is not merely from natural affection, but from devotedness to Christ Jesus. "Not Paul, but Jesus Christ lives in Paul; wherefore Paul is not moved in the bowels (that is, the tender love, Jer 31:20) of Paul, but of Jesus Christ" [BENGEL]. All real spiritual love is but a portion of Christ's love which yearns in all who are united to Him [ALFORD].