Philippians 1:30

τὸν αὐτὸν�. The participle, with its nominative, is out of construction with the ὑμῖν of Philippians 1:29, and in construction with the πτυρόμενοι of Philippians 1:28. So that, grammatically, the words from ἥτις ἐστὶν to πάσχειν must be reckoned parenthetical. But the thought of Philippians 1:29 glides into that of Philippians 1:30 supra grammaticam.

ἀγῶνα. The word (originally meaning a gathering (ἄγω), as at the Greek sports) slightly suggests the athletic arena, and thus echoes συναθλοῦντες above (Philippians 1:27). It recurs Colossians 2:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1. The word ἀγωνία is used of our blessed Lord’s great “Wrestling” in the Garden, Luke 22:44. The ἀγών here obviously is the strife of faith and patience against persecuting violence.

ἀγῶνα ἔχοντες. For the phrase see Colossians 2:1, ἡλίκον�. The verb in such a connexion comes nearly to mean “feeling,” “experiencing.” Cp. 2 Corinthians 1:9, ἐν ἑαυτοῖς κατάκριμα τοῦ θανάτου ἐσχήκαμεν for a somewhat similar use of ἔχειν.

εἴδετε. In the streets and court-house at Philippi, Acts 16.

ἀκούετε. In the Roman prison. He appeals to them with the magic power of a leader in suffering.