Ambrosiaster — Commentary on Scripture

Philippians 2:9

Some argue “the name which is above every name” was given only to his humanity. In no way could this be so. For it is not possible that God should lack those things that he once had. For God, even while assuming humanity, remained God.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.4

Philippians 2:9

He shows what and how much his humility deserved, so that we, trampling down our boastfulness, might find ourselves all the more humble.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.1

Philippians 2:9

It is not assumed here that the Son of God was lacking or imperfect before “the name that is above every name” was given to Christ.… Even before his passion he showed himself equal to God, as I have stated. Hence it is clear that he was born perfect, for he is seen to have possessed all things from the beginning. He was born in the fullness of divinity for the very purpose of doing all that he was destined to perform. So he had already received the gift before he performed the things that he was born to do. It therefore seems that the gift of God, which consists in his being Son, was that his name should be “above every name,” which consists in his being God.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11.2

Philippians 2:26

Both the congregation and Epaphroditus were sad because of his sickness. They hoped that they might, on seeing him, be reassured in his recovery of health and that he might be relieved of his present anxiety to see them. For he was their apostle, appointed by Paul when he sent him to them for their exhortation.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.27.1

Philippians 2:27

Is it possible that the apostle prayed for him and the prayer was not answered by his immediate recovery? Remember that signs are for unbelievers. This man’s illness was designed not for his hurt but for his growth. Many indeed are the trials of the faithful … and therefore the petition of the apostle was not spurned, but a better provision was made for him on whose behalf Paul prayed.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.27.2-3

Philippians 2:29

It is apparent that the people and Epaphroditus loved one another inseparably. He is commended by the apostle also, so as to make him all the more dear.… This is the reason for explicitly recalling the struggle of Epaphroditus: his unhesitating willingness to die for the sake of the gospel.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.30

Philippians 3:1

He shows the concern that he feels for their faith walk. He repeats to them what is necessary for their benefit.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.1

Philippians 3:2

He uses this name for those who, in envy of the Gentiles, have overthrown them by their evil conversation and persuaded them to be circumcised. These he says should be absolutely avoided and rejected. They are like dogs that first bark and then mutilate the flesh with savage bites.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.2

Philippians 3:3

It is evident that those who are faithful are circumcised in their own hearts. By cutting away the cloud of error, they see and recognize the Lord of creation. This is what it means to “serve in the Spirit” and “glory in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.4

Philippians 3:9

If, as he tells the Colossians, “in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,” then everything, whatever it is, is to be reckoned of no account, so that we may attain to the height of this wisdom and knowledge. Not only sufficient but superabundant indeed is the righteousness that comes from faith. This salvation is freely given by the grace of God through the knowledge of Christ. It can hardly be said to be a gift of the law. For to know rightly the mystery of his incarnation and passion and resurrection is the perfection of life and the treasure of wisdom.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.9-10

Philippians 3:12

Throughout the letter Paul bears witness to his joy in them and praises their obedience and faith. He is, however, concerned that they, like all who are subject to human conceits, might become elated as though they were already worthy. So he tells them openly, speaking of his own person, that something is still wanting for perfect righteousness. He urges them to good works. If he who is adorned with such dignity confesses that he is still wanting in perfection, they would understand how much more they must work to acquire the blessings of righteousness.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.12.1

Philippians 3:16

Lest anyone should presume to think this was not from God and revealed by God he therefore adds the words “what we have attained,” that we should think in accord with the apostles. That means that we should not overstep the rule of doctrine in understanding but accept what is commonly and humbly understood in the truth of the gospel.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.16

Philippians 3:18

Those who bring him to tears are the very ones who had already overthrown the Galatians. By treacherous proceedings they were destroying the churches in the name of Christ.… He speaks of these people with grief and tears. They were impeding the salvation of the faithful by raising questions about the eating of or abstinence from food. It is as though salvation were in food or as if “God were a belly,” one whom they believed to take delight in worldly foods according to the law while they gloried in the circumcision of their private parts. This is what it is to “think earthly thoughts.” One who “thinks spiritual thoughts” glories in faith, hope and charity.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.19

Philippians 3:21

Through the resurrection of the dead and their transformation into glory the power of the Lord will be manifestly apparent, subduing all the principalities and powers so that he may be manifestly the God and Lord of all.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 3.21

Philippians 4:1

The constancy of the Philippians is Paul’s joy, both for the present and for his future crown. For when his disciples are victorious in the contest, the master rightly receives the crown.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.1

Philippians 4:5

Paul wants all to profit by good examples. When their forbearance becomes apparent as their regular way of life, their works will shine forth. There will be nothing lacking in those who imitate their virtue. They will be blessed not only from doing good deeds but also by inspiring good deeds in others.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.7.1

Philippians 4:5

“The Lord,” he says, “is at hand.” They must be prepared and wakeful in prayer, giving thanks to God and putting away every worldly care, so as to hope and have before their eyes what the Lord promises. What he promises is, as he teaches, the reason for giving him thanks.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.7.2

Philippians 4:9

Our God is truly “the God of peace.” We are constantly called to peace by God who himself is peace. His calling is not in timidity or weakness or in some show of strength. God is at peace with himself to such a degree that he even allows sins to be committed against him when he could certainly, by the terror of his manifested power and ineffable greatness, force even the unwilling into subjection. But peace of this kind is that of the world, not that of God, whose very nature is peace.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.9

Philippians 4:15

He recalls these acts in order that, hearing that their good works are still held in mind and praised, they may have no doubt that they are counted acceptable in the Lord’s sight, adding zeal in faith to their generosity.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.17

Philippians 4:18

It is not idle for him to tell them with exhortations that something needs to be done. He confesses that much has already been done. But some of that which was done was done more negligently and less freely than they might have wished it to be. His aim was that they should remember their previous works. Then they would realize that they are doing less now than at the beginning.

EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 4.18