Philippians 2:17

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

Yea {G235}, and if {G1499} I be offered {G4689} upon {G1909} the sacrifice {G2378} and {G2532} service {G3009} of your {G5216} faith {G4102}, I joy {G5463}, and {G2532} rejoice with {G4796} you {G5213} all {G3956}.

Indeed, even if my lifeblood is poured out as a drink offering over the sacrifice and service of your faith, I will still be glad and rejoice with you all.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

Yea, and if I am offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all:

Philippians 2:17 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound selflessness and unwavering joy in his ministry, even in the face of potential martyrdom. This verse is a powerful testament to his devotion to Christ and his deep affection for the Philippian believers.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul wrote the Epistle to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, around AD 60-62. This letter is often called the "epistle of joy" despite his confinement. In chapter 2, Paul urges the Philippians to live in unity and humility, echoing the example of Christ's self-emptying (kenosis). Verse 17 uses imagery from the Old Testament sacrificial system. The phrase "if I be offered upon" (Greek: ei kai spendomai) refers to a drink offering, typically wine, poured out over a main sacrifice (like a burnt offering or peace offering) as a concluding act of worship. Paul views his life, ministry, and even his potential death, as a supplementary offering poured out upon the Philippians' faith, which itself is presented as a sacrifice to God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Selfless Service and Sacrifice: Paul sees his suffering not as a burden, but as a consecrated offering that complements the Philippians' faith. His life is entirely devoted to the advancement of the Gospel and the spiritual welfare of the church. This highlights a core New Testament teaching on living a life of spiritual sacrifice.
  • Joy Amidst Suffering: Despite facing imprisonment and the prospect of death, Paul expresses profound joy ("I joy, and rejoice with you all"). This is not a superficial happiness but a deep, spiritual contentment rooted in Christ and the progress of the Gospel. It underscores the Christian truth that true joy can be found even in adversity when one's purpose is aligned with God's will.
  • Partnership in the Gospel: Paul's willingness to be "offered" upon their faith signifies a profound spiritual partnership. Their faith is the primary offering, and his life and ministry are poured out to enhance and validate that offering. He identifies intimately with their spiritual journey.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "offered" is spendomai (σπένδομαι), which specifically refers to a "libation" or "drink offering." In ancient worship, a drink offering was poured out as an act of devotion, often accompanying a greater sacrifice. Paul metaphorically presents his life as such an offering, poured out in service to God and for the benefit of the Philippians' spiritual growth and steadfastness in the Gospel. This imagery underscores the totality of his commitment.

Practical Application

Philippians 2:17 challenges believers today to consider their own attitude towards sacrifice and service. Do we view our efforts, time, and even suffering for Christ as a joyous offering? Paul's example encourages us to:

  • Embrace Selflessness: Prioritize the spiritual well-being of others and the advancement of God's kingdom above personal comfort or gain.
  • Find Joy in Service: Cultivate a deep, Christ-centered joy that transcends circumstances, even difficult ones.
  • Live as a Living Sacrifice: Understand that our entire lives, including our challenges, can be consecrated to God as an act of worship, as encouraged in Romans 12:1.

This verse is a powerful reminder that true Christian ministry is often costly, but the joy derived from serving Christ and seeing others grow in faith far outweighs any personal sacrifice.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
  • 2 Timothy 4:6

    For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
  • Romans 15:16

    That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
  • Hebrews 13:15

    By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to his name.
  • Hebrews 13:16

    But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15

    And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
  • Philippians 1:20

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.
  • Colossians 1:24

    Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

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