Philippians 1:27

Only. This one thing I urge as the only thing needful Let your conversation be [π ο λ ι τ ε υ ε σ θ ε]. Only here in Paul's writings, and elsewhere only Acts 23:1. The verb means to be a citizen. Lit., Be citizens worthily of the Gospel. Rev., Let your manner of life be. Margin, Behave as citizens. Compare Ephesians 3:19, and see on ch. Philippians 3:20. The exhortation contemplates the Philippians as members of the christian commonwealth. The figure would be naturally suggested to Paul by his residence in Rome, and would appeal to the Philippians as a Roman colony, which was a reproduction of the parent commonwealth on a smaller scale.

Ye stand fast [σ τ η κ ε τ ε]. Compare Ephesians 6:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:15. For the verb, see on John 1:26; John 8:44.

Spirit - mind [π ν ε υ μ α τ ι - ψ υ χ η]. See on Romans 8:4; Romans 11:3.

Striving together for the faith [σ υ ν α θ λ ο υ ν τ ε ς τ η π ι σ τ ε ι]. The verb occurs only here and ch. 4 3. The figure is that of an athletic contest, and is in keeping with standfast. Not to be rendered striving in concert with the faith, thus personifying faith, and making the faith signify the gospel teaching. 177 For the faith as christian doctrine, see on Acts 6:7. Faith is to be taken in its usual subjective sense of trust in Christ or in the Gospel. Together refers to the mutual striving of the Philippians; not to their striving in concert with Paul.