Philippians 1:11

The fruits of righteousness is an Old Testament phrase (see Proverbs 11:30; Amos 6:12), used also in James 3:18; Hebrews 12:11. It may mean (as in these last two passages) “righteousness as a result,” or (in the common sense of “fruit”) the “result of righteousness.” As the participle is properly “having been filled,” thus referring, not to the future day of Christ, but to the whole time which that day shall complete, the former sense seems preferable. The righteousness which is “through Jesus Christ,” “not” (as St. Paul says below, Philippians 3:9) “our own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God,” is clearly the likeness of Christ, and therefore in itself an all-sufficient fruit. Filled with it, we are (see Ephesians 3:19) “filled with all the fulness of God.”

Unto the glory and praise of God. — (Comp Ephesians 1:6; Ephesians 1:12; Ephesians 1:14.) In accordance with our Lord’s own teaching: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (See also 1 Corinthians 10:31.)