For Progress and Joy!

FOR PROGRESS AND JOY!  

An Exposition of Philippians 1:22-26

By Pastor Brian Wilbur

Date:   March 18, 2018

Series: Philippians: Gospel Partnership on Mission in the World

Note:   Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

INTRODUCTION

In whatever direction he looked, the apostle Paul was thinking about progress – gospel progress.

In Philippians 1:12-18a Paul rejoiced that the gospel was ‘on the move’ – that Christ was becoming more widely known through Christians who were boldly proclaiming the word about Christ. In fact, Paul’s suffering and imprisonment were actually “[serving] to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). Persecution was not hindering but helping the progress of gospel mission.

Then in Philippians 1:18b-21 Paul’s thoughts turned to his own walk with Christ. Paul loved Christ supremely, wanted to honor Christ completely, and was confident that his suffering for Christ would only serve to advance Christ’s saving purposes in his own life. So in the first instance (v. 12-18a), God used Paul’s suffering to advance the gospel out there in the world, that more people might hear the message and believe. But then (in v. 18b-21) we see that God also used Paul’s suffering to advance Paul in the gospel – to bring Paul into a deeper fellowship with Christ, to give Paul fresh opportunities to honor Christ and to demonstrate that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Now as we come to Philippians 1:22-26 we find that Paul’s attention turns to his friends in Philippi. In these verses it is clear that Paul cared deeply about the progress of the Philippian congregation in the gospel – here spoken of as “progress and joy in the faith.” Paul had already prayed for their spiritual growth back in Philippians 1:9-11, where he prayed “that [their] love [would] abound more and more” (v. 9) and that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). Whether in prayer or in preaching and teaching, Paul was determined to labor diligently for his fellow Christians, that they would progress toward maturity and excellence.

You may recall that I have titled this sermon series ‘Gospel Partnership on Mission in the World.’ As Christians we are fellowship partners with one another in the gospel and for the gospel. In this whole section from verses 12-26, the apostle Paul models for us what gospel partners should care about. Each one of us should care deeply about gospel progress in our own life and in the life of our fellow Christians and in the wider world. I would not advise ranking these three areas of progress, for they overlap in significant ways and, more importantly, they are really just different expressions of the one central focus that “to live is Christ.”

Now while Paul’s care for his fellow Christians is clear and straightforward, what is particularly energizing about verses 22-26 is that Paul’s care for the Philippians is set in the context of a profound struggle in his soul between two excellent things. In Paul’s prayer for the Philippians he taught them that they ought to be a people who “approve what is excellent” or “discern what is best” (NIV). In our passage Paul is wrestling, so to speak, between two high-level goods. One of these high-level goods he describes as “far better” (v. 23), that is, far better for him; the other he describes as “more necessary” (v. 24), that is, more necessary for others; and both are honoring to Christ.

THE SCRIPTURAL TEXT

With these things in mind, let me read Philippians 1:22-26. Holy Scripture says:

“²² If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. ²⁴ But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. ²⁵ Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.”

(Philippians 1:22-26) 

TO DEPART OR REMAIN?: THAT IS THE QUESTION

The first thing we need to do is understand and appreciate Paul’s experience of being hard pressed between two high-level godly desires – one related to life, the other related to death. This theme of life and death runs from verse 20 to verse 24. Let’s take time to let this recurring set of contrasts to sink in (I added the underlining to draw attention to these contrasts).

• Verse 20: “as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

• Verse 21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

• Verse 22: “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.”

• Verse 23: “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”

• Verse 24: “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

To remain alive or to depart through death?: that is the question!

Christ is the Proper Focus of Both Life and Death

It is very important to understand that for Paul – and this should be true for us as well – life and death were not about different things. How does Paul summarize “to live” in verse 21? “For to me to live is Christ.” Christ is Paul’s life. It is in this present world that Paul knows Christ and loves Christ and is conformed to Christ. Life is all about Christ. And so is death. How does Paul summarize death in verse 23? “My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Dying is gain because death means more of Christ. Now we see in a glass darkly, but then face to face. Faith becomes sight. Hope becomes possession. Love becomes more fully satisfied in the presence of the beloved.

We cannot experience Paul’s anticipation of death as gain unless we also experience Paul’s passion for life as a precious Christ-saturated reality. If you find that life is aimless, boring, or severely fragmented, then of course you might say that death is preferable because you have some vague notion that things can only get better. But why should you have any confidence that your vague notion is reliable? If you claim to have Christ but your daily experience is dull, muddled, pointless, or wasteful, then why would you suppose that having more of Christ would make things better for you?

Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35) If you haven’t begun to enjoy the all-satisfying Christ in this present time, then why would you suppose that you would enjoy Him in the future after you die?

In Philippians 3 Paul tells us that he discovered, to his great joy, “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Paul considered everything else as worthless rubbish in comparison to the wonderful privilege of knowing the Savior. After Paul was born again by the Spirit of God, his central ambition was to know Christ more and more. The great desire of his life was to fellowship with Christ, preach the gospel of Christ, care for Christ’s church, and honor Christ in everything. It is no wonder, then, that he can turn to us and say that it is “far better” to “depart and be with Christ.” Because he has already tasted and seen that the Lord is good, that His steadfast love is better than life, that one day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand elsewhere, that the words of the Lord are more satisfying than maple syrup poured over vanilla ice cream and more valuable than a seven-figure retirement fund. And since he has already discovered the riches of the Lord’s grace, he knows that being with Jesus will be incomparable joy.

But those who have such little interest in Jesus at this present time – who don’t love Him, don’t learn from Him, don’t live for Him, don’t care deeply about His words and His people and His mission – why would they think that it would be “far better” to be with One whom they presently find so boring and irrelevant? If you’re not the kind of person who enjoys Christ while you live, then you won’t be the kind of person who enjoys Christ after you die – and in that case all you have to look forward to is judgment. If this describes you, Jesus would say to you what He once said to Nicodemus: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Only those who experience the miracle of spiritual birth and receive a new heart can savor the glory of the King.

Preaching for Christian Growth and for Conversion

Now at this point maybe someone wants to ask me: Why do you preach with an edge that always puts the finger on defective spirituality? I was feeling good about myself until your sermon, and now I’m not feeling good about myself because I’m not sure I love Jesus the way that Paul loved Jesus or the way that the Bible says I should love Jesus, and you’re telling me that my shallow love is a really big problem. I’d much prefer a motivational message that inspires me to feel good about myself? What’s wrong with you, preacher?

That’s a great question, though few would dare to verbalize it. But that will not stop me from giving an answer. The short answer is: I am in this pulpit for progress and true joy! Inspiring talks that make people feel good for twenty minutes but leave them unchanged, isn’t my thing, nor is it the proper aim of a pastor. Each and every person in this room, including the preacher, has a defective spiritual life. As Christians, we have a perfect Savior and a perfect salvation, but we ourselves are not yet perfect. That’s why we need to “press on” (Philippians 3:12, 14) and “work out [our] own salvation” (Philippians 2:12) and experience “progress and joy in the faith.”

If you are a true Christian, then I expect that you would listen to this sermon as someone in whom God’s grace is actively at work. You hear Paul’s heart that he loves Christ supremely and desires “to depart and be with Christ” because he would then have more of Christ and that would be “far better,” and as you hear this you recognize the rightness of Paul’s desire, and you recognize that you should have the very same desire – and deep down you do, but you also get sidetracked by your sin and tripped up by the things of the world. This sermon then functions as a word for your purification – to remind you of your love for Christ, to call you to be renewed and deepened in that love, and to make war against the sins and idols in your life.

But I am in this pulpit not only for the progress of my fellow Christians in the gospel, but also for the progress of the gospel in the hearts and minds of unbelievers. On any given Sunday we may have 80-120 people in attendance, and of those maybe 60-90 are in the sanctuary to hear the sermon. Now I trust that most of us are true Christians, but I am a biblically informed realist. Therefore I believe that it is highly unlikely that every person who gathers here on any given Sunday is born again and has experienced repentance and saving faith. In other words, on any given Sunday there are probably some unbelievers among us, whether they know it or not. I am preaching for their conversion!

Of course, I cannot accomplish their conversion. That is God’s work. But we cultivate and prepare, we plant and water, we teach and exhort, that God might take His words and use them as a seed to generate new spiritual life in the hearts of unbelievers. Therefore I am not interested in vague niceties that everyone can smile at but no one can be transformed by. As an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, I want Christians to grow into Christlikeness and I want sinners to be converted. For this reason, the Word must be proclaimed with all of its hard edges, and with all of its comforting graces.

So, I really do desire that you have within your heart a deep love for the Lord; and if not, that the Lord’s love lay hold of you very soon and change everything.   

Caring About What’s Best For Others

Returning to verse 23, it is important to note that when Paul says that “to depart and be with Christ… is far better,” he means far better for him. Paul’s whole life is focused on Christ, and to be with Christ in glory would only bring Christ into clearer focus. Paul would delight to enter into the fullness of joy that can only be found in the Lord’s immediate presence.  

Can you put yourself in Paul’s shoes? It is difficult to put ourselves in Paul’s place because he was imprisoned. None of us are imprisoned, and most of us enjoy relative comfort in our day to day life. That is not to say that we don’t have deep heartaches and trials, but even so outward comforts are readily available for most of us, most of the time. But imagine what was going on in Paul’s life: he is experiencing the limitations, discomforts, and inconveniences of imprisonment, and facing the prospect of a trial that could result in his execution – which no doubt has prompted him to ponder life and death all the more. While imprisoned, he is laboring in prayer, writing letters, receiving visitors, sharing the gospel with the prison guards; and one would assume he also has plenty of time for looking forward to being with Christ. And for a moment, he fixes himself on the wonderful thought of going home to be with the Lord and basking in the everlasting light that radiates from the glorified Christ. Far better!

But then a different set of thoughts begins to flash through his mind. Do you know where his thoughts turned?

Suppose you are a Dad or Mom. For some reason you are suffering to such a degree that you can see death on the horizon. In one moment your soul soars heavenward and you savor the far better experience of being with the Lord. But the next moment your soul goes outward to who? To your children or your grandchildren, and you consider that it is better for them if you remain here and continue to invest in their spiritual development. 

That’s the idea here in verses 22-26 – Paul’s thoughts turn to his spiritual children, his spiritual brothers and sisters, his fellowship partners in the gospel. Do you see this?

In verse 21 Paul says “to live is Christ,” then in verse 22 he says “If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.” Paul is a branch in Christ the Vine, and the Vine is the source of life, nourishment, and strength for the branch. The Vine means everything to the branch! Christ means everything to the believer! But as we see in John 15 and elsewhere, to live in Christ necessarily results in living for Christ, participating in His mission, and building up His church. Therefore, “to live” a Christ-saturated life involves “fruitful labor.” The appeal of prolonged life is not more crossword puzzles, more game shows, and more trinkets, but more “fruitful labor,” further participation in Christ’s work, additional opportunities to contribute to the advance of the gospel and the growth of the church.

In the present context, Paul is thinking especially of his care for the church. After saying (in v. 23) that it would be “far better” to fly away to glory, he then says in verse 24, “But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.” Flying away to glory would be better for Paul, but remaining here for additional service here would be better for the Philippians. Paul is speaking here of necessity, of what is needful. Of course, he is not speaking of absolute necessity, as if Paul is the only instrument the Lord has to minister to the Philippians. Paul is speaking rather of relative necessity, and at this point we must recognize God’s good design for His people. God doesn’t need any of us to do anything, but He has chosen to involve us in His work. As responsible partners in gospel work and as representatives of our Lord, each one of us has a mandate to take what we have received from the gracious hand of God and re-invest it into the lives of others. In other words, God invests certain graces into you for the express purpose that you re-invest them into others. Others need what God has invested in you, not because you’re amazing or brilliant, but because this is how God has designed the body of believers to function – as an interdependent community. With respect to verse 24, it is “more necessary” for the Philippians that Paul remain in order to keep building them up in the Lord.

Note well that Paul’s consideration for the spiritual care of the Philippians isn’t in any way a distraction from the central focus of his life. Paul’s entire life is about Christ, and Paul’s care for the Philippians is likewise all about Christ. Paul’s attitude is not: You know, I could be with Christ, and instead I have to settle for you needy folks! Oh, the burden! Do you have any idea how much I am giving up for you all? That is not Paul’s mindset. Just think about how Paul speaks of the Philippian congregation in this letter:

• Divine grace and peace are flowing to the Philippians (Philippians 1:2).
• They are partners in the gospel of God (Philippians 1:5) and participants in the Spirit of God (Philippians 2:1).
• The Philippians are God’s handiwork (Philippians 1:6).
• Christ has great affection for the Philippians, and it is with Christ’s affection that Paul yearns for them (Philippians 1:8).
• Christ is producing the fruit of righteousness in the members of the congregation (Philippians 1:11).
• Paul calls them “my beloved” (Philippians 2:12, 4:1) and “my joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1).
• God is providing for all of their needs (Philippians 4:19).

All this makes it very clear that the church is not chopped liver in the sight of God. On the contrary, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are actively and graciously involved in loving and caring for the Philippian congregation. Therefore, Paul is rightly interested in standing in the stream of Christ’s ministry to the church and doing his part to serve them and strengthen them in their Christian walk.

What a great reminder that people matter, that relationships are important, and that God’s design is that we function and flourish together as a community. The church is a community of mutual love and service – not from man, through man, and for man, but from God, through God, and for God. What happens here is of great significance!

Of course, it is not selfish to love the Lord and to desire to be with the Lord. But though it is not selfish, it is most certainly in your best interest to “delight yourself in the LORD” (Psalm 37:4a). Anyone who desires life and joy and peace should seek them in the Lord, and he who truly seeks shall truly find. So, it is clearly in Paul’s best interest to be with the Lord, “for that is far better.” But in keeping with his own instruction in Philippians 2:4, Paul will “look not only to his own interests,” – even if those interests are fundamentally good – “but also to the interests of others.” Therefore he says, with Christ’s affection and love, that “to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account,” because his continued ministry to the Philippians is in their best interest. As Christians, we must always be thinking about what is in the best interest of our brothers and sisters. As you go about your life, do you place high value on whatever is in the best interest of your fellow Christians?

Paul’s attitude is not to think only of what is better for himself, but also to think and care deeply about what is better for others. Don Carson rightly refers to this attitude as an example of “self-denial” and he offers some challenging words of application:

“Often we are tempted to evaluate alternatives by thinking through what seems best for us. How often do we raise as a first principle what is best for the church? When faced with, say, a job offer that would take us to another city or with mortal illness that calls forth our diligent intercession, how quickly do we employ Paul’s criterion here established: What would be best for the church? What would be best for my brothers and sisters in Christ?”[1]

What an increasingly healthy congregation South Paris Baptist Church would be, if each member was in the habit of regularly seeking what is beneficial for the whole body and not merely what satisfies one’s personal self-interest.

As for Paul, “[he] cannot tell” whether he would choose to depart or to remain – not that he actually gets to choose, but he is coming to terms with the comparable value of both options. Paul’s inability to settle on the “far better” option of being with Christ shows how much he valued the church. In reality, Paul is prepared to embrace whichever option the Lord decrees – he is ready to embrace death as gain because it means sweeter fellowship with Christ, and he is also ready to embrace ongoing life as very good because it means “fruitful labor” in Christ.

At some point, though, Paul becomes convinced that under the Lord’s all-wise providence, he will remain for a while longer. In verse 25 he writes, “Convinced of this [that is, convinced that it is needful for the Philippians to receive more of his “fruitful labor], I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith.” Here we encounter the most basic purpose of apostolic and pastoral ministry within the church, namely, that Christians experience “progress and joy in the faith.”

FOR PROGRESS AND JOY!

Progress

Going back to verse 12, we want the gospel to advance in the world, which is to say that we want more people to become Christians. Now in verse 25, we want those who are already Christians to advance in the gospel – to understand it better, to grow in its transforming power, to be better reflections of Christ our Savior, and to be more faithful participants in congregational life and mission.

Sad is the congregation that has become static in their spirituality, dull in their fellowship, and relaxed in their mission. The normal Christian life is a life characterized by growth. The apostle Peter tells us that the way for believers to be effective and fruitful in the knowledge of Christ is to continually increase in virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love (2 Peter 1:5-8). He tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). In Philippians 3 Paul confesses that he is not yet perfect, but presses on in order to lay hold of God’s saving purposes for his life (Philippians 3:10-14). Are you seeking to grow in the gospel?

Progress in the Gospel

You may have noticed that I am describing “the faith” in verse 25 as “the gospel.” Paul says “progress and joy in the faith” and I am saying progress and joy in the gospel. In other words, I am saying that “the faith” and “the gospel” are essentially the same thing. Is that right?

Well, ‘faith’ can refer to an individual’s personal trust in the Lord. When Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 “if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains” (1 Corinthians 13:2), he is speaking about the attitude of believing. However, the phrase “the faith” often refers to the content of what is believed. Of course, faith and the faith are two sides of the same coin: the attitude of trust is important, and the objective content is important. Here the emphasis would seem to be “the faith” in terms of the content and message of the gospel, especially to our Lord’s humble incarnation, obedient life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, and all that these mean for our life and growth in godliness. For this reason it is right to say that “progress… in the faith” means progress in the gospel. 

In light of this, we must say that knowing God’s Word is essential to spiritual growth. Do you want to grow in your Christian life? Comprehensive growth in your spiritual life is not going to happen without regular engagement with “the faith” – the gospel, the teaching, sound doctrine, the whole counsel of God’s revealed will in sacred Scripture. Are you seeking to grow in the knowledge of the truth? Paul told the Colossians that “[being] filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” leads to a life that is pleasing to the Lord and fruitful in good works. (Colossians 1:9-10). 

For those who trust in God, God’s holy words are like fuel on the fire of their heartfelt trust. If you don’t have a believing heart, then all the Bible knowledge in the world won’t do you a bit of good, and in fact it will probably make you mad or leave you disillusioned – because you don’t have a disposition to trust God. But if you do trust God, then the Word energizes your soul because the Word gives you promises to believe (and you believe!), the Word gives you a pattern of life to follow after (and you are a follower!), the Word gives you commands to obey (and you want to obey!), and the Word protects you from the slippery paths of the world (and you want this divine protection, because you have made the sovereign Lord your refuge!). And so you grow! The main effect isn’t that your knowledge grows (though it does); the main effect is that you grow as a result of the knowledge. You are transformed; you are more confident in the Lord; you are a better reflection of Jesus; you are more patient with others; your life is more closely aligned with the priorities and goals of God’s kingdom.

And Joy – Joy in the Gospel

And all of this is accompanied by joy. Not progress only, says Paul, but “progress and joy in the faith.” And why shouldn’t you have joy, dear Christian? You have a gracious Father; a loving Savior; and a near and present Helper, the Holy Spirit. Your debt of sin was paid in full at the cross; you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus; your Savior is exalted in the heavens, He is sovereign over all things, He is with you in life and He will receive you into His presence when you die, and one day He will raise you up to share in His resurrection glory. You are part of His beloved church; you have a number of spiritual brothers and sisters who love you and care for you; and it is your privilege to partner with your fellow Christians in ministry and mission. So, why would you be mopey or sullen or bored? Have you forgotten that on the day that our Savior was born, the angel told the shepherds that “[he brought them] good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10)? Have you forgotten the Philippian jailer who, after he was converted to Christ, “rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God” (Acts 16:34)? Wake up to the joy that comes from God! Devote yourself to the Word and discover what David meant when he said that the righteous “precepts of the LORD” bring joy to the heart (Psalm 19:8). 

Paul himself rejoices in the Lord (Philippians 1:18, 4:4, 4:10), and he will minister to the Philippians for their joy, that they too might continually and increasingly rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 1:25, 4:4). As the Philippians anticipate or experience “progress and joy in the faith” as a result of Paul’s ongoing ministry to them, Paul envisions that their reunion will itself become a cause for rejoicing. Paul knows that he will continue his ministry to the Philippians for the sake of their spiritual growth, and all this will facilitate something else: “so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, became of my coming to you again.” (Philippians 1:26) 

Once again we see that Paul’s highest aim is the honor of Christ. In verse 20 Paul told us that “now as always Christ will be honored in my body.” Now in verse 26 we see that Christ will be honored in Paul’s life in a very particular way, namely, the Philippians themselves will honor Christ because of Paul’s continued ministry to them.

WELCOME THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S APPOINTED SERVANTS

One of the implications of verses 25-26 is that we ought to welcome the ministry of God’s appointed servants. We ought to be thankful to God for sending to us ministers of the word who will labor diligently for our spiritual growth. Moreover, we ought to be careful to receive that ministry for the express purpose that it is given – for our “progress and joy in the faith.” The apostle’s high purpose is the same purpose that must occupy the pastor and the elders of each congregation, including South Paris Baptist Church. In all that we do as shepherds of the flock – whether preaching and teaching, or overseeing and guiding our ministries, or providing counsel and care to specific individuals – our purpose is that all of us make progress in the gospel, that we grow in our walk with Christ, and that with great joy we honor Christ in all that we do. Pray for us, that we would be faithful in our ministry to you. And pray for yourselves, that you would be faithful to receive this ministry and to cooperate with it, so that it proves to be “fruitful labor” that benefits you and the whole church family.

Then, after we have all entered into the Lord’s blessed presence, we might be able to look back on these days and say, ‘Those were good days. We became disenchanted with the world and grew strong in our love for the Lord. We loved each other more and more. We put the progress of the gospel at the top of our priority list, and we saw the gospel make progress. More people came to know Christ, and here they are with us – our joy and crown! Those were good days, for they helped to ripen us for these eternal pleasures that are now ours. We enjoyed Christ in life, and now together with all the saints we enjoy Him in resurrection glory – far better, far better indeed!’ 

And if anyone among us today is outside of Christ, I urge you to receive Him and discover the true life that only He can give.

Let us pray.

ENDNOTES

[1] Carson, D. A. Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996: p. 30. Regarding the reference to “self-denial,” Carson summarizes Philippians 1:18b-26 this way: “Put the converts of the gospel at the center of your principled self-denial” (p. 28, 30).

BIBLIOGRAPHY

NOTE: My inclusion of a bibliography reflects my interaction with other teachers in the preparation of my sermon. While the main part of my preparation involves my direct interaction with the biblical text, I find it helpful to invite other “discussion partners” into my preparation process. My mention of these teachers (writers, speakers, etc.) does not imply any particular level of agreement with them, nor does it constitute an endorsement of their work. That said, I am appreciative of those – past and present – who are seeking to faithfully teach God’s Word, and I am happy to benefit from their labor.

Boice, James Montgomery. Philippians: An Expositional Commentary. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000.

Carson, D. A. Basics for Believers: An Exposition of Philippians. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996.

Calvin, John. Calvin’s Bible Commentaries: Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Translated by John King. Forgotten Books: 2007 (orig. 16^th century).

Hansen, G. Walter. The Letter to the Philippians (Pillar New Testament Commentary). Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009.

Hellerman, Joseph H. Embracing Shared Ministry: Power and Status in the Early Church and Why It Matters Today. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2013. 

Piper, John. “John Piper’s Candidating Sermon at Bethlehem Baptist.” A Sermon on Philippians 1:12-14, 19-26. Preached on January 27, 1980. Available online: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/john-pipers-candidating-sermon-at-bethlehem-baptist.  

Silva, Moisés. Philippians: Second Edition (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2005.