Digital Logos Edition
In this commentary on Philippians and Philemon, Pauline specialist Todd D. Still presents engaging teaching on the deeply loved Letter to the Philippian church and the frequently overlooked Letter to Philemon. With clarity and care, Still explains the contents of these letters along lexical and socio-historical lines. He remains attentive to the rhetorical features, theological dimensions, and the pastoral possibilities of these texts. Dr. Still seeks interpret Paul’s thoughts and to capture the Apostle’s affections for a beloved congregation and for a recently converted slave.
“Reverential respect is due the one before whom every knee will bend in homage and every tongue will speak in praise (contrast Phil 1:28). Awe is an appropriate response for those seeking to practice and to enter into the presence of God. If humility before other believers is advisable, humility before the one in whom a person places ultimate trust is essential (note Jas 4:10; 1 Pet 5:6).” (Page 74)
“Paul discovered that through Christ he could do everything necessary to carry out faithfully his life and calling in Christ (see 2:12–13; cf. 2 Cor 12:7b–10; 2 Tim 4:17).” (Page 126)
“Although physically in chains, Paul was not in spiritual shackles” (Page 30)
“The apostle’s theological and pastoral logic is clear and compelling: the Philippians can let their gentleness/forbearance be made known to all people and be anxious for nothing, because in everything they can, with thanksgiving, offer prayers and supplications to a personal, present God.” (Page 123)
“Paul and Timothy model the oneness of soul to which the apostle calls the Philippians (cf. sympsychos in 2:2 with isopsychos in 2:20).” (Page 81)