Philippians 2:2

Semper in discordiis aperta est janua Satanae ad spargendas impias doctrinas, ad quas repellendas optima munitio est consensus (Calv.). πληρ.… ἵνα. The ἵνα clause seems exactly = Latin gerund. Cf. an infinitive used in the same way in Acts 15:10, τί πειράζετε τὸν Θεὸν ἐπιθεῖναι κ. τ. λ., also Polyc., Martyr., x., 1 (quoted by Burton, MT [85], p. 92). ἵνα is probably “hypotelic” as Ell [86] (on Ephesians 1:17) terms it, i.e., “the subject of the wish is blended with and even (at times) obscures the purpose”. τὸ α. φρον. The general description of agreement which is analysed and defined in the succeeding clauses. Perhaps a common phrase in popular language. See Sepulchr. Inscr. (Rhodes, 2nd cent. B.C.), of a married couple, ταὐτὰ λέγοντες ταὐτὰ φρονοῦντες ἤλθομεν τὰν ἀμέτρητον ὁδὸν εἰς Ἀΐδαν (Dsm [87], NBS [88], p. 84). τ. αὐτ. ἀγ. The same feelings. σύμψ. The same point of view in their common interests. τὸ ἕν expresses the one concrete aim of their views, perhaps with special reference to the unity of the Church (so Lips [89]). Minute distinctions, however, must not be forced, as there is doubtless here much of what Vaughan terms “the tautology of earnestness”.

[85] Moods and Tenses (Burton, Goodwin).

[86] Ellicott.

[87] Deissmann (BS. = Bibelstudien, NBS. = Neue Bibelstudien).

[88] Neue Bibelstudien

[89]ips. Lipsius.