Philippians 1:27

King James Version (KJV)

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel - The apostle considers the Church at Philippi as a free or imperial city, which possesses great honors, dignities, and privileges; and he exhorts them to act, αξιως, worthy of or suitably to those honors and privileges. This is the idea that is expressed by the word πολιτευεσθε, act according to the nature of your political situation, the citizenship and privileges which you possess in consequence of your being free inhabitants of Christ's imperial city, the Church. The apostle resumes the same metaphor, Philemon 3:20; : ἡμων - το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις ὑπαρχει· For our citizenship is in heaven; but in this last verse he puts heaven in the place of the Church, and this is all right; for he, who is not a member of the Church of Christ on earth, can have no right to the kingdom of heaven, and he who does not walk worthy of the Gospel of Christ cannot be counted worthy to enter through the gates into the city of the eternal King.

Whether I come and see you - Leaving the matter still in doubt as to them, whether he should again visit them.

In one spirit - Being all of one mind under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Striving together - Συναθλουντες· Wrestling together, not in contention with each other, but in union against the enemies of the Gospel faith - the doctrine of Christ crucified, and freedom from all Mosaic rites and ceremonies, as well as from sin and perdition, through his passion and sacrifice.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Only let your conversation - The word “conversation” we now apply almost exclusively to oral discourse, or to talking. But it was not formerly confined to that and is never so used in the Scriptures. It means conduct in general - including, of course, our manner of speaking, but not limited to that - and should be so understood in every place where it occurs in the Bible. The original word used here - πολιτεύω politeuō- means properly “to administer the state; to live as a citizen; to conduct oneself according to the laws and customs of a state;” see Acts 23:1; compare examples in Wetstein. It would not be improperly rendered: “let your conduct as a citizen be as becomes the gospel;” and might without impropriety, though not exclusively, be referred to our deportment as members of a community, or citizens of a state. It undoubtedly implies that, as citizens, we should act, in all the duties which that relation involves - in maintaining the laws, in submission to authority, in the choice of rulers, etc., as well as in other relations - on the principles of the gospel; for the believer is bound to perform every duty on Christian principles. But the direction here should not be confined to that. It doubtless includes our conduct in all relations in life, and refers to our deportment in general; not merely as citizens of the state, but as members of the church, and in all other relations. In our manner of speech, our plans of living, our dealings with others, our conduct and walk in the church and out of it - all should be done as becomes the gospel. The direction, therefore, in this place, is to be understood of everything pertaining to conduct.

As it becometh the gospel of Christ -

(1) The rules of the gospel are to be applied to all our conduct - to our conversation, business transactions, modes of dress, style of living, entertainments, etc. There is nothing which we do, or say, or purpose, that is to be excepted from those rules.

(2) there is a way of living which is appropriate to the gospel, or which is such as the gospel requires. There is something which the gospel would secure as its proper fruits in all our conduct, and by which our lives should be regulated. It would distinguish us from the frivolous, and from those who seek honor and wealth as their supreme object. If all Christians were under the influence of the gospel, there would be something in their dress, temper, conversation, and aims, which would distinguish them from others; The gospel is not a thing of nothing; nor is it intended that it should exert no influence on its friends.

(3) it is very important that Christians should frame their lives by the rules of the gospel, and, to this end, should study them and know what they are. This is important:

(a)because they are the best and wisest of all rules;

(b)because it is only in this way that Christians can do good;

(c)because they have solemnly covenanted with the Lord to take his laws as their guide;

(d)because it is only in this way that they can enjoy religion; and,

(e)because it is only by this that they can have peace on a dying bed.

If people live as “becometh the gospel,” they live well. Their lives are honest and honorable; they are people of truth and uprightness; they will have no sources of regret when they die, and they will not give occasion to their friends to hang their heads with shame in the remembrance of them. No man on a dying bed ever yet regretted that he had framed his life by the rules of the gospel, or felt that his conduct had been conformed too much to it.

That whether I come and see you - Alluding to the possibility that he might be released, and be permitted to visit them again.

Or else be absent - Either at Rome, still confined, or released, and permitted to go abroad.

I may hear of your affairs … - I may hear always respecting you that you are united, and that you are vigorously striving to promote the interests of the gospel.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Those who profess the gospel of Christ, should live as becomes those who believe gospel truths, submit to gospel laws, and depend upon gospel promises. The original word "conversation" denotes the conduct of citizens who seek the credit, safety, peace, and prosperity of their city. There is that in the faith of the gospel, which is worth striving for; there is much opposition, and there is need of striving. A man may sleep and go to hell; but he who would go to heaven, must look about him and be diligent. There may be oneness of heart and affection among Christians, where there is diversity of judgment about many things. Faith is God's gift on the behalf of Christ; the ability and disposition to believe are from God. And if we suffer reproach and loss for Christ, we are to reckon them a gift, and prize them accordingly. Yet salvation must not be ascribed to bodily afflictions, as though afflictions and worldly persecutions deserved it; but from God only is salvation: faith and patience are his gifts.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

27. Only. Here begins a subsection of the epistle. Paul has looked forward to being reunited with the Philippians, at which time he will be able to exhort them by word of mouth. In the meantime he gives them written counsel.

Let Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ conversation be. Gr. politeuÅÂ, “to be a citizen,” or “to behave as a citizen,” from politÃ„â€œs, “a citizen” (cf. on ch. 3:20). The same word (politeuo) occurs in Acts 23:1. A free translation of the whole phrase would be: “Conduct yourselves as citizens of the gospel kingdom of Christ.” Such language was very appropriate. Paul was himself a Roman citizen. He wrote from Rome. His presence there was the result of his having exercised his rights of citizenship in appealing to Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). He was writing to a place largely inhabited by Roman citizens, for the metropolis of Philippi was a Roman colony (see on Acts 16:12). It was a place in which he had declared himself to be a Roman (Acts 16:37). Thus the figure of speech was natural. As citizens of the heavenly country, the Philippians were to deport themselves worthily.

The Christian’s practice is to accord with his profession. Under the influence of the gospel of Christ he must be true and faithful, peaceful and loving, gracious and humble. His way of life must be consistent, whether his human guide is present or absent.

Whether. The apostle is not dogmatic in his plans. Although he has expressed his desires and intentions in vs. 22, 26, he still leaves the way open for his presence in or absence from Philippi, as God may direct.

I may hear. Wherever Paul found himself, he endeavored to receive news of the many churches he had established. His love for his converts was no passing emotion.

Stand fast. Gr. stÃ„â€œkÅÂ, “to stand,” “to stand firm,” “to be steadfast.” Compare the use of stÃ„â€œkÅÂ in 1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1; Phil. 4:1; 1 Thess. 3:8; 2 Thess. 2:15. The metaphor was probably military, and may be regarded as following naturally from the thought of citizenship, for Philippi was a military colony. As an army, the church is to present an unwavering front against the assaults of all enemies. It must be prepared for any kind of attack, from any side. It must beware of deceptive movements or false instructions. There must be no division or dissension within the ranks of the defenders, or their position will be weakened (see Eph. 6:13; AA 11).

In one spirit. That is, with one disposition (cf. on Matt. 26:41; Luke 1:80; 2:40), consequently with unity of purpose. It is presupposed that this harmony, which is to be so earnestly sought, is a gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. on Eph. 4:3, 4), but the Holy Spirit is not directly referred to here. Nevertheless, nothing so clearly indicates the presence of the Spirit among God’s people as a oneness of spirit, a oneness of thinking, and of action. Especially in these last days there must be a drawing together for the strength that comes from unity.

Mind. Gr. psuchÃ„â€œ (see on Matt. 10:28), here referring to the human intellect. The phrase “with one mind” should be connected with “striving,” and not with “stand fast.”

Striving together. Gr. sunatheleÅÂ, from sun, “with,” and athleÅÂ, “to contend [in public games],” whence our word “athlete.” Here Paul is urging the believers to contend or strive together for the advance of the faith that is produced by the preaching of the gospel. Such united service would promote still deeper unity in the Christian community. Paul’s admonitions suggest that the Philippian church was in danger of being divided, though no serious divisions had yet occurred.

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Ellen G. White
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 193.1

We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through God's appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony. We were all of one mind and one spirit. CET 193.1

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Ellen G. White
Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. White, 203.1

Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibility before God, we are not to follow our own independent judgment, regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren; for this course would lead to disorder in the church. It is the duty of ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; but their relations to one another, as well as the doctrines they teach, should be brought to the test of the law and the testimony; then, if hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us. Some are inclined to be disorderly, and are drifting away from the great landmarks of the faith; but God is moving upon His ministers to be one in doctrine and in spirit. CET 203.1

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Ellen G. White
Faith and Works, 87.3

When the grace of Christ is implanted in the soul by the Holy Spirit, its possessor will become humble in spirit and will seek for the society of those whose conversation is upon heavenly things. Then the Spirit will take the things of Christ and show them unto us and will glorify, not the receiver, but the Giver. If, therefore, you have the sacred peace of Christ in your heart, your lips will be filled with praise and thanksgiving to God. Your prayers, the discharge of your duty, your benevolence, your self-denial, will not be the theme of your thought or conversation, but you will magnify Him who gave Himself for you when you were yet a sinner. You will say: “I give myself to Jesus. I have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” As you praise Him you will have a precious blessing, and all the praise and glory for that which is done through your instrumentality will be given back to God. FW 87.3

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Ellen G. White
Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 1, 40.3

In your labor do not be dictatorial, do not be severe, do not be antagonistic. Preach the love of Christ, and this will melt and subdue hearts. Seek to be of one mind and one judgment with your brethren and to speak the same things. This talking about divisions because all do not have the same ideas as present themselves to your mind is not the work of God but of the enemy. Talk the simple truth wherein you can agree. Talk of unity; do not become narrow and conceited; let your mind broaden.—Manuscript 111, 1894. 1MCP 40.3

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