Interpretation of Philippians

Contents

Reading pages: 0–2.15 · 3.1–4.19

1. 0Theodoret sets out the occasion of Philippians and explains that in Paul's time presbyters were also called bishops, while men like Epaphroditus were called apostles.
2. 1.6Theodoret explains that God, who gave the Philippians their zeal, will keep it safe until Christ's appearing.
3. 1.7Theodoret explains that Paul's sufferings confirm the gospel and that Paul calls them grace, which the Philippians share.
4. 1.8Theodoret explains Paul's spiritual love and prayer for the Philippians' discernment, and how his imprisonment in Rome advanced the gospel.
5. 1.14Theodoret explains that Paul's bonds emboldened many, though some preached Christ out of envy to increase his dangers.
6. 1.16Theodoret explains Paul's joy that Christ is preached even by rivals, his choice between life and death, and the hymn of Christ's self-emptying as the example of humility.
7. 1.26Theodoret explains that the exaltation of Christ concerns what he received as man, since as God he lacked nothing.
8. 2.4Theodoret interprets the name above every name in Phil 2:9 from Hebrews 1 as the name of Son, which Christ received also as man.
9. 2.10Theodoret explains the heavenly and earthly beings who bow at the name of Jesus.
10. 2.11Theodoret argues that Phil 2:6–11 refutes every Christological and Trinitarian heresy, since the Son exists in the form of God and is equal to the Father by nature.
11. 2.12Theodoret explains that the Philippians, looking to Christ's example, should show greater zeal for their salvation in Paul's absence.
12. 2.13Theodoret explains that God does not force the will but increases by grace the zeal he finds, since he wills all to be saved.
13. 2.14Theodoret urges bearing toils for the gospel without complaint, since the gain is one's own.
14. 2.15Theodoret explains Paul's call to shine as lights, his readiness for martyrdom, and his praise of Timothy and Epaphroditus, whom he calls the Philippians' apostle.
15. 3.1Theodoret explains that Paul's repeated instructions are all in this one letter.
16. 3.2Theodoret explains why Paul calls the Judaizing teachers dogs, evil workers, and the mutilation.
17. 3.3Theodoret explains that the true circumcision is of the heart and that Paul could boast in the flesh more than anyone.
18. 3.5Theodoret explains each of Paul's claims to Jewish descent and standing.
19. 3.6Theodoret explains that Paul persecuted the church from zeal for the law and calls his legal righteousness blameless only in its own terms.
20. 3.7Theodoret explains that Paul counts his former privileges loss only by comparison with Christ, as chaff is thrown away once the grain is gathered.
21. 3.10Theodoret explains that knowing Christ through faith includes knowing his incarnation and resurrection, and that Paul seeks to share his sufferings in order to share his resurrection.
22. 3.12Theodoret explains that Christ first seized Paul as he fled, and Paul now presses on to lay hold of him.
23. 3.13Theodoret explains Paul's forgetting of past labors and pressing on to the prize, and calls the gospel the rule by which the Philippians must walk.
24. 3.17Theodoret applies Paul's warning against the enemies of the cross to the Judaizers and explains the transformation of our bodies at Christ's coming.
25. 4.1Theodoret notes the warm praise with which Paul exhorts the Philippians to stand firm.
26. 4.2Theodoret notes that Paul admires Euodia and Syntyche but hints at a quarrel between them.
27. 4.3Theodoret praises the women who struggled with Paul and rejects the view that Paul's yokefellow was his wife, since Paul had no wife.
28. 4.4Theodoret notes Paul's warm affection for the Philippians.
29. 4.5Theodoret urges patience, thankful prayer, and a life of truth and righteousness, noting the peace of God that surpasses understanding.
30. 4.10Theodoret explains that Paul rejoices in the Philippians' gift not from need, since grace has taught him contentment in plenty and want.
31. 4.14Theodoret praises the Philippians' generosity to Paul and explains that Paul values their gain rather than the gift.
32. 4.18Theodoret explains that God accepted the Philippians' gift as a sacrifice, made all the more praiseworthy by their poverty.
33. 4.19Theodoret explains Paul's closing blessing and doxology, arguing that praise of the Father alone or the Son alone is offered to the one divine nature.