1:1 From Paul 3 and Timothy, slaves 4 of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, 5 with the overseers 6 and deacons.
3:1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, 9 partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, 10
3:1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, 11 partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, 12
5:1 For every high priest is taken from among the people 14 and appointed 15 to represent them before God, 16 to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
1 sn Your participation (Grk “fellowship”) could refer to Paul rejoicing because of the Philippian converts’ “fellowship” in the gospel along with him, but it is more likely that this refers to their active “participation” with him in the gospel by means of the financial support they sent to Paul on more than one occasion, discussed later in this letter (4:10-19, esp. 4:15-16).
2 tn Several alternatives for translating vv. 3-5 are possible: (1) “I thank my God every time I remember you, yes, always in my every prayer for all of you. I pray with joy because of your participation…” (see NAB; also M. Silva, Philippians [BECNT], 43-44; G. D. Fee, Philippians [NICNT], 76-80); (2) “I thank my God because of your every remembrance of me. Always in my every prayer for all of you I pray with joy. [I am grateful] for your participation…” (see Moffatt; also P. T. O’Brien, Philippians [NIGTC], 58-61). Option (1) is quite similar to the translation above, but sees v. 4a as more or less parenthetical. Option (2) is significantly different in that Paul thanks God because the Philippians remember him rather than when he remembers them.
3 tn Grk “Paul.” The word “from” is not in the Greek text, but has been supplied to indicate the sender of the letter.
4 tn Traditionally, “servants” or “bondservants.” Though δοῦλος (doulos) is normally translated “servant,” the word does not bear the connotation of a free individual serving another. BDAG notes that “‘servant’ for ‘slave’ is largely confined to Biblical transl. and early American times…in normal usage at the present time the two words are carefully distinguished” (BDAG 260 s.v.). The most accurate translation is “bondservant” (sometimes found in the ASV for δοῦλος), in that it often indicates one who sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force.
5 map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.
6 sn The overseers (or “church leaders,” L&N 53.71) is another term for the same official position of leadership as the “elder.” This is seen in the interchange of the two terms in Titus 1:6-7 and in Acts 20:17, 28, as well as in the parallels between Titus 1:6-7 and 1 Tim 3:1-7.
7 tn BDAG 276 s.v. ἑδραῖος suggests “firm, steadfast.”
8 tn BDAG 639 s.v. μετακινέω suggests “without shifting from the hope” here.
9 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 2:11.
10 tn Grk “of our confession.”
11 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 2:11.
12 tn Grk “of our confession.”
13 tn Grk “him”; the referent (God) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
14 tn Grk “from among men,” but since the point in context is shared humanity (rather than shared maleness), the plural Greek term ἀνθρώπων (anqrwpwn) has been translated “people.”
15 tn Grk “who is taken from among people is appointed.”
16 tn Grk “appointed on behalf of people in reference to things relating to God.”