Completed by William Harris. Philippi was a chief city of the western part of Macedonia, prote tes meridos tes Makedonias polis, Acts 16:12. It took its name from Philip, the famous king of Macedon, who repaired and beautified it, and it was afterwards made a Roman colony.

We have here the inscription and benediction. Observe, I. The persons writing the epistle— Paul and Timotheus. Though Paul was alone divinely inspired, he joins Timothy with himself, to express his own humility, and put honour upon Timothy.

The apostle proceeds after the inscription and benediction to thanksgiving for the saints at Philippi. He tells them what it was he thanked God for, upon their account. Observe here, I.

The apostle expresses the ardent affection he had for them, and his concern for their spiritual welfare: I have you in my heart, Phil. 1:7. He loved them as his own soul, and they lay near his heart. He thought much of them, and was in care about them. Observe, 1.

These verses contain the prayers he put up for them. Paul often let his friends know what it was he begged of God for them, that they might know what to beg for themselves and be directed in their own prayers, and that they might be encouraged to hope they should receive from God the quickening,…

We see here the care the apostle takes to prevent their being offended at his sufferings. He was now a prisoner at Rome; this might be a stumbling-block to those who had received the gospel by his ministry.

We have here an account of the life and death of blessed Paul: his life was Christ, and his death was gain. Observe, 1. It is the undoubted character of every good Christian that to him to live is Christ.

The apostle concludes the chapter with two exhortations:— I. He exhorts them to strictness of conversation : Only let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of Christ.