Philippians 3:1

τὸ λοιπόν. Probably A.V. rightly translates “finally” (summing up all his exhortations to them). It must, however, be remembered that in late Greek λοιπόν had come to mean scarcely more than οὖν. Even in Plato, Gorg., 458 [17] D, there is something very closely approaching this usage. Cf. Matthew 26:45 (and on it Aars in Zw. Th [18]., xxxviii., 3, pp. 378 383), Acts 27:20 (where Blass translates by jam), 2 Timothy 4:8. For instances in Epictetus see Class. Review, iii., p. 71. It is used regularly in this sense in Modern Greek. (Cf. also Schmid, Atticismus, iii., p. 135.) χαίρετε. This is the impression he wishes to leave upon them. Cf. chap. Philippians 2:18; Philippians 4:4. τὰ αὐτά. Alf [19]., Ws [20]., P. W. Schmidt and others refer this to his injunctions concerning joy. But that explanation does not seem to accord with the rest of the verse. “To go on writing the same thing is not irksome (tedious) to me, while for you it is safe.” In what cogent sense would it be safe to urge them to rejoice? But an excellent meaning is found when we connect the words with the warning that follows. That warning is expressly given for their safety. Nothing is more probable than that Paul had frequent correspondence with the Philippians. He must, for instance, have thanked them for their various gifts. In all likelihood, then, τὰ αὐ. refers to warnings formerly addressed to them against dangerous teachers apt to lead them astray. He prepares the way for a similar utterance here by a certain tone of apology. Perhaps the slight friction in the Philippian Church, which is hinted at here and there, may have been connected with tendencies in the direction of Judaising. If a connexion is necessary between χαίρετε and the subsequent warnings (which is very doubtful in an informal letter like this), it is obvious that the formation of parties (Jewish and heathen-Christian) would, above all things, mar the spirit of Christian joy. [Clemen (Einheitlichk., pp. 139 140) cuts the knot by deriving the latter half of Philippians 3:1 from the redactor. The whole section from Philippians 3:2 to Philippians 4:3 belongs to an old letter to the Philippians. Chap. Philippians 4:4 is the continuation of chap. Philippians 3:1 a.] Franke, on the occurrence of this strong warning towards the close of the letter, well compares the parallel case of Luther who, in prospect of death, could not depart without wishing for his followers not only the blessing of God but also hatred of the Pope (Myr [21]., 5 p. 13).

[17] Codex Claromontanus (sæc. vi.), a Græco-Latin MS. at Paris, edited by Tischendorf in 1852.

[18]. Th. Zeitschr. f. wissenschaftl. Theologie.

[19] Alford's Greek Testament.

[20]. Weiss.

[21] Meyer.