Philippians 1:28

terrified More precisely, scared. The verb (found here only in N.T., and nowhere in LXX. and Apocrypha) is used in classical Greek of the starting, or "shying," of frightened animals, and thence of alarm in general. The word would specially suit the experience of the "little flock" in violent Philippi.

which is to them&c. He means that the whole phenomenon of this union, stedfastness, energy, and calm of the saints in face of seemingly hopeless odds, is in itself an omen of the issue. Of course the statement is made not in the abstract, but in the particular case of the Gospel. Many a false and finally losing cause may conceivably be maintained for a time courageously and calmly. But the Apostle assumes that the Gospel isthe eternal truth, sure of ultimate victory, and then says here that the realization of this fact, in the convictions of both its foes and its friends, will be all the more impressive the more the Church acts in the spirit of calm, united, decisive resolution.

perdition in its deepest and most awful sense; the eternal loss and ruin of all persistent opponents of God and His truth. So below, Philippians 3:19; and so always in N.T., excepting only Matthew 26:8; Mark 14:4; where the word means waste, spoiling, loss of a material thing.

salvation This word also bears its deepest sense here. The faithful believer, witness, and worker, is on the way to eternal glory; and the prospect brightens in anticipation and realization as the company of such disciples unites around, and in, the cause of Jesus Christ. On the word "salvation" see note above, on Philippians 1:19.

and that "That" in the Greek, refers not immediately to the word "salvation" but to the whole previous idea, of opposition met in a way to encourage faith. God Himself has ordained the circumstances, and given the union and courage. See next note but one.

of God Lit. "from God"; so R.V. But the older English of the A.V. (and all previous English versions) is scarcely mistakable.