TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on Philippians 1 verses 9–11
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, strengthening, everlasting, comforting grace, which so powerful an intercessor as Paul asked of God for them. It is an encouragement to us to know that we are prayed for by our friends, who, we have reason to think, have an interest at the throne of grace. It was intended likewise for their direction in their walk, and that they might labour to answer his prayers for them; for by this it would appear that God had answered them. Paul, in praying thus for them, expected good concerning them. It is an inducement to us to do our duty, that we may not disappoint the expectations of praying friends and ministers. He prayed, 1. That they might be a loving people, and that good affections might abound among them; That your love might abound yet more and more. He means it of their love to God, and one another, and all men. Love is the fulfilling both of the law and of the gospel. Observe, Those who abound much in any grace have still need to abound more and more, because there is still something wanting in it and we are imperfect in our best attainments. 2. That they might be a knowing and judicious people: that love might abound in knowledge and in all judgment. It is not a blind love that will recommend us to God, but a love grounded upon knowledge and judgment. We must love God because of his infinite excellence and loveliness, and love our brethren because of what we see of the image of God upon them. Strong passions, without knowledge and a settled judgment, will not make us complete in the will of God, and sometimes do more hurt than good. The Jews had a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge, and were transported by it to violence and rage, Rom 10:2; Joh 16:2. 3. That they might be a discerning people. This would be the effect of their knowledge and judgment: That you may approve the things which are excellent (Phi 1:10); or, as it is in the margin, Try the things which differ; eis to dokimazein, that we may approve the things which are excellent upon the trial of them, and discern their difference from other things. Observe, The truths and laws of Christ are excellent things; and it is necessary that we every one approve them, and esteem them such. We only need to try them, to approve of them; and they will easily recommend themselves to any searching and discerning mind. 4. That they might be an honest upright-hearted people: That you may be sincere. Sincerity is our gospel perfection, that in which we should have our conversation in the world, and which is the glory of all our graces. When the eye is single, when we are inward with God in what we do, are really what we appear to be, and mean honestly, then we are sincere. 5. That they might be an inoffensive people: that you may be without offence until the day of Christ; not apt to take offence; and very careful not to give offence to God or their brethren, to live in all good conscience before God (Act 23:1), and to exercise ourselves to have always a conscience void of offence towards God and towards men, Act 24:16. And we must continue to the end blameless, that we may be presented so at the day of Christ. He will present the church without spot or wrinkle (Eph 5:27), and present believers faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, Jde 1:24. 6. That they might be a fruitful useful people (Phi 1:11): Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, etc. From God is our fruit found, and therefore from him it must be asked. The fruits of righteousness are the evidences and effects of our sanctification, the duties of holiness springing from a renewed heart, the root of the matter in us. Being filled with them. Observe, Those who do much good should still endeavour to do more. The fruits of righteousness, brought forth for the glory of God and edification of his church, should really fill us, and wholly take us up. Fear not being emptied by bringing forth the fruits of righteousness, for you will be filled with them. These fruits are by Jesus Christ, by his strength and grace, for without him we can do nothing. He is the root of the good olive, from which it derives its fatness. We are strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus (Ti2 2:1) and strengthened with might by his Spirit (Eph 3:16), and they are unto the glory and praise of God. We must not aim at our own glory in our fruitfulness, but at the praise and glory of God, that God may be glorified in all things (Pe1 4:11), and whatsoever we do we must do all to the glory of God, Co1 10:31. It is much for the honour of God, when Christians not only are good, but do good, and abound in good works.
Therefore, since the Jews still contend that the Christ is not yet come, whom we have in so many ways approved to be come, let the Jews recognise their own fate, -a fate which they were constantly foretold as destined to incur after the advent of the Christ, on account of the impiety with which they despised and slew Him.
He says, "in knowledge and all discernment, that ye may approve the things that are excellent," that is, the things that are profitable. This I say not for my own sake, says he, but for yours, for there is danger lest any one be spoiled by the love of the heretics; for all this he hints at, and see how he brings it in. Not for my own sake, says he, do I say this, but that ye may be sincere, that is, that ye receive no spurious doctrine under the pretence of love. How then, says he, "If it be possible, live peaceably with all men"? "Live peaceably" (Rom. xii. 18), he says, not, Love so as to be harmed by that friendship; for he says, "if thy right eye causeth thee to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from thee; that ye may be sincere" (Matt. v. 29), that is, before God, "and without offence," that is, before men, for many men's friendships are often a hurt to them. Even though it hurts thee not, says he, still another may stumble thereat. "Unto the day of Christ"; i.e. that ye may then be found pure, having caused no one to stumble.
Continue studying Philippians 1:10 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In Philippians 1:10, the Apostle Paul articulates a fervent prayer for the Philippian believers, desiring that their abounding love, informed by knowledge and discernment, would enable them to recognize and embrace what is truly superior in God's eyes. This spiritual maturity is intended to cultivate a life characterized by unblemished integrity and blameless conduct, preparing them to stand pure and without fault before Christ on the day of His glorious return.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in this verse. The overarching structure is one of Purpose Clauses, introduced by the Greek conjunction hina ("that" or "in order that"), which clearly delineate the desired outcomes of the Philippians' spiritual growth. This highlights Paul's pastoral intent and the teleological nature of Christian living, always moving towards a divine end. There is also a subtle Metaphor embedded in the word "sincere" (eilikrinḗs), which, as discussed, carries the imagery of something "judged by sunlight." This evokes the idea of absolute transparency and purity, where nothing is hidden from the light of God's scrutiny. Finally, the phrase "till the day of Christ" functions as an Eschatological Motivation, grounding present ethical conduct in the future reality of Christ's return and the ultimate accountability before Him. This future hope serves as a powerful impetus for living a life of excellence, sincerity, and blamelessness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 1:10 encapsulates a profound theological truth: Christian maturity is not merely about intellectual assent but about a transformed life that actively discerns and embodies God's values. It underscores the inseparable link between spiritual knowledge, ethical conduct, and eschatological hope. The ability to "approve things that are excellent" is a Spirit-empowered discernment that allows believers to navigate a complex world, making choices that honor God and advance His kingdom. This discerning life naturally flows into a character marked by "sincerity" (inner purity) and being "without offence" (outward blamelessness), ensuring that the believer's life is a clear testimony to the Gospel. The ultimate motivation for this pursuit of holiness is the "Day of Christ," reminding us that our present walk has eternal implications and is lived in anticipation of our Lord's glorious appearing. This verse thus calls believers to a holistic spiritual journey, where growth in understanding leads to growth in character, all oriented towards Christ's return.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 1:10 offers a timeless blueprint for Christian living, challenging us to actively cultivate a life of discerning wisdom and unblemished integrity. In a world saturated with competing values and moral ambiguities, the call to "approve things that are excellent" compels us to prayerfully and diligently engage with God's Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to sharpen our spiritual senses. This isn't about rigid legalism but a dynamic pursuit of what truly aligns with God's perfect will, distinguishing the good from the better, and the better from the best. Furthermore, the imperative to be "sincere and without offence" urges us to live with radical transparency and purity of motive, ensuring that our actions consistently reflect the truth of the Gospel. Our lives are a testimony, and we are called to live in such a way that we do not cause others to stumble, nor do we compromise our own walk with Christ. This pursuit of holiness is not a burden but a joyful anticipation, fueled by the glorious hope of Christ's return, knowing that our present faithfulness prepares us for His eternal presence.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "approve things that are excellent"?
Answer: To "approve things that are excellent" (Greek: dokimázō ta diapheronta) means to test, examine, and then discern or prove what is truly superior, valuable, and morally good in God's eyes. It implies a critical evaluation of choices, priorities, and values, leading to an active affirmation and embrace of those things that are qualitatively better or more important from a divine perspective. It's about developing spiritual discernment to distinguish between what is merely good, and what is truly God-honoring and eternally significant, as also encouraged in Romans 12:2.
How can a Christian be "sincere and without offence"?
Answer: To be "sincere" (Greek: eilikrinḗs) means to be pure, unmixed, and genuine, as if "judged by sunlight"—transparent and without hidden motives or hypocrisy. To be "without offence" (Greek: apróskopos) means not to cause others to stumble or be led into sin by one's actions, and also not to stumble oneself in one's faith or conduct. This requires a life of integrity, purity of heart, and careful consideration of how one's actions impact others and one's own walk with God. It's a call to live blamelessly, reflecting the character of Christ, as seen in passages like 1 Peter 2:12.
What is "the day of Christ"?
Answer: "The day of Christ" refers to the future return of Jesus Christ, marking the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It signifies the time of His glorious appearing, when believers will stand before Him, receive their full salvation, and be transformed into His likeness. This eschatological event serves as a powerful motivation for present holiness, accountability, and perseverance in faith. It is also referred to as "the day of the Lord" in other New Testament passages, such as 1 Thessalonians 5:2.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 1:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly "approved things that are excellent," always discerning and fulfilling the will of His Father, even to the point of death on the cross (John 6:38). Jesus was supremely "sincere," utterly pure and transparent in motive and action, without any guile or hypocrisy (1 Peter 2:22). He was also perfectly "without offence," living a blameless life that never caused anyone to stumble into sin, but rather drew them to God (Hebrews 4:15). The "day of Christ" to which believers look forward is the day of His glorious return, when He will appear not as a humble servant but as the triumphant King, bringing full redemption and judgment. Believers are called to live in anticipation of this day, striving for the same excellence, sincerity, and blamelessness that characterized Christ's earthly life, knowing that on that day, they will be made fully like Him (1 John 3:2). Thus, our sanctification is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ, preparing us to stand pure and blameless before Him on that great and glorious "day."