Philippians 2:16

Holding forth as offering it for acceptance; presenting it to the notice, enquiry, and welcome, of others. The metaphor of the luminary is dropped. It is intimated that the faithful Christian will not be content without making direct efforts, however humble and unobtrusive, to win attention to the distinctive message of his Lord.

the word of life The Gospel, as the revelation of eternal life in Christ. Cp. John 6:68; 1 John 1:1 (where the reference of the phrase is not to the personal Logos; see Westcott there); and see also, in illustration of the meaning of "word" here, 1 John 5:11-12; and above, on Philippians 1:14.

that I may rejoice Lit., "to(be a) rejoicing for me." For the thought, cp. 1 Thessalonians 2:19. He looks forward to a special recognition of his converts at Philippi, at the Lord's Coming, and to a special "joy of harvest" over them.

in the day of Christ Lit., "unto the day&c."; in view of it, till I am in it. On the "day" see note on Philippians 1:6.

that I have not run Better, that I did not run. He speaks as if already looking back on life as on one collected past. "Run":a favourite metaphor with St Paul, to represent the energy and progress of life, moving towards its goal. Cp. Acts 13:25; Acts 20:24 (both Pauline passages); 1 Corinthians 9:24; 1 Corinthians 9:26; Galatians 2:2 (a close parallel), Gal 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7. See also Romans 9:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Hebrews 12:1.

laboured Better, did labour; see last note. Cp. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 for nearly the same words.

in vain Lit., "to what is empty," in vacuum. The phrase is peculiar to St Paul in N.T.