Philippians 1:10

That ye may be sincere and without offence. — This St. Paul contemplates as the result of thoughtful and discriminating judgment. The word “sincere” (used only here and in 2 Peter 1:3), and the corresponding substantive, “sincerity” (1 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 1:12; 2 Corinthians 2:17), although there is some uncertainty as to their derivation, undoubtedly signify purity tested and found clear of all base admixtures. The word “without offence” is used in Acts 24:16 (“a conscience void of offence”) for that which is free from the stumbling of error; and in 1 Corinthians 10:32 (“giving none offence”) for that at which none will stumble. The latter sense (nearly equivalent to the “unreprovable” of Colossians 1:22) better suits this passage. For “sincere” describes the positive aspect of purity; “without offence” the more negative aspect, in which it is found to present no excuse for fault-finding or scandal. It is, therefore, the “sincerity,” not of unconscious innocence, but of well-tried and thoughtful purity, proof even against suspicion, which St. Paul describes as the perfect fruit of love “overflowing in knowledge.”