Philippians - Ferrar Fenton Bible Translation page 1218

PHILIPPIANS. iu a righteousness which is contained I0 II I2 in ritual. But what might have been a gain

to me, that I considered a. loss for Christ. Nay, further; I also consider them all- to be a loss, compared to the possession of the knowledge of Christ jesus my Lord: by which I lost everything, and consider it to be refuse if I can gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not possessing my ritualistic righteousness, but that through the faith of Christ, the righteousness from God by the faith ; so as to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the association with His sufferings, being assimilated to His death·-—so. that in any way I may attain to the resurrection that is from the dead. Not that I have now attained it, or am now perfected: but Iran so that I might carry it 0E; and I was also laid hold of by Christ.

13 Brothers, Ido not consider myself to have won it ; but one thing, forgetting the past, and `straining to those in

14 front, I rush along the track for the prize of the supreme call of God in

15 Christ jesus. As many of us there- fore who are perfect, let us have this before us; and if you put anything else before you, may God reveal this

16 to you. Beyond what we have at- tained to—·—let us go straight to that. 17 Become my imitators, brethren, and look out those who walk thus, as you

18 have our model; for many conduct themselves—·—of whom I have often spoken to you, but now I say it weep- ing-—·as enemies of the cross of Christ:

rg whose end is perdition, whose god their sensuality, and their boast in their shame; they think of what is

20 upon. earth. But our policy consists in possessing an object in heaven: from where also we expect a Saviour,

21 the Lord jesus Christ, Who will trans- form the body of ourhumility, making it like the body of His majesty, by the internal working of His power; and He will subject all to Himself. Con- sequently,·my beloved and longed-for brothers, my delight and crown, stand thus in the Lord, my beloved. I advise Euodia and I advise Syn-

tyché to agree together in the Lord ; yes, I implore you also, true yoke- fellow, to take them together again: they assisted me as well as Clement and the rest of my companions in the gospel, whose names are in the Book of Life. General Gslynrtutimts. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice! Let your good conduct be known

to all men. The Lord is near l Never fret, but in all circumstances, with prayer and entreaty, with thanks- giving, make your requests known before God. And the peace of God, surpassing all thought, will guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ jesus. Further, brothers,whatever is true,

whatever is solemn, whatever is ri ht, whatever pure, whatever loveaile, whatever graceful, if anything virtu- ous, and if anything honourable- meditate upon these. And what you learnt, and accepted, and heard, and know by me-—practise that; and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced greatly in the Lord,

because now again you aroused your- selves to think about me 2 about whom you thought before, but had no oppor- tunity. N ot, however, that I speak through want; for I have learnt in whatever state I am to be master of myself. I am experienced both in want and plenty; and in all and every- thing I am initiated to superfiuity and starvation. I am equal to anything through Him Who strengthens me. However, you have done well in con- tributing to me during my affliction. But you should also know, Philippians, that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no assembly communicated with me, in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone; and that in Thessalonica, both a first and second time, you sent some- thing for my use. Not that I ask for gifts; but I seek for the fruit that will increase to your own account. But I now possess all, and have abundance; 9 , I0 II I2 16 18 I am filled, having received by Epaph· roditus your present—·a sweet per- fume, an acceptable, pleasing offering to God. And may God satisfy all rg your wants according to His wealth and majesty in Christ jesus. And to zo God and our Father be the honour for ever and ever. Amen. In Christ jesus salute all the saints. 21

The brethren with me salute you. All 22 the holy salute you, especially those of the Emperor’s household. The 23 grace of the Lord jesus Christ be with your spirits. Written to the Philippians from Rome, 6:---62 A.D., and sent by Epaphroditus. 1218