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For more great commentaries on Philippians, be sure to check:
Commentaries on the Epistles, Commentaries on the Whole New Testament
& Whole Bible Commentaries
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Order of Contents
The Best Commentaries 7
Commentaries 22
Early Church 4
Medieval Church 2
Chapters in Philippians
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The Best Commentaries on Philippians
1600’s
Dickson, David – An Expositon of all St. Paul’s Epistles together with an explanation of those other epistles of the apostles St. James, Peter, John & Jude, wherein the sense of every chapter and verse is analytically unfolded and the text enlightened (Romans-Jude) Buy 1659
Dickson was a prominent Scottish covenanter.
*** – ‘Dickson is a writer after our own heart. For preachers he is a great ally. There is nothing brilliant or profound; but everything is clear and well arranged, and the unction runs down like the oil from Aaron’s head. In this volume the observations are brief.’
Note that the Banner of Truth reprint contains Dickson’s commentary on less books than the original.
Fergusson, James – A Brief Exposition of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and the Thessalonians Buy 1656-74
Fergusson was a Scottish covenanter.
*** – ‘He who possesses this work is rich. The author handles his matter in the same manner as Hutcheson and Dickson, and he is of their class–a grand, gracious, savory divine.’
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Devotional & Practical
Vaughan, Charles J. – Lectures on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians 1862 370 pp.
Vaughan was an influential, broad-Church, Anglican scholar.
*** “Deservedly esteemed. Dr. Vaughan gives a literal translation of his text from the original Greek, and then expounds it, believing it, as he says, ‘to be the duty of every Christian teacher to assist his congregation in drinking not of the stream only, but at the spring of revealed truth.'”
“Twenty-one messages based upon a detailed exegesis of the text and containing some valuable expository thoughts.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Intermediate
1800’s
Johnstone, Robert – Lectures Exegetical and Practical on Philippians with a Revised Translation and Notes on the Greek Text
*** “A noble volume. A real boon to the man who purchases it.” – Spurgeon
“A thorough, practical, and homiletical exposition which warns against the fallacies of churchianity, strongly defends the pre-existence and deity of Christ, and remains one of the leading expository works on the subject. Presbyterian.” – Cyril J. Barber
Lange’s Commentary – Commentary on Philippians
*** – Spurgeon
Lightfoot, J.B. – Epistle to the Philippians: A Revised Text with Introduction, Notes and Dissertations
*** “Deservedly regarded as a standard work. The more instructed student will appreciate it.” – Spurgeon
“A thorough exposition which discusses every grammatical and interpretative problem imaginable. Particularly noteworthy essays on ‘The Christian Ministry’ and ‘St. Paul and Seneca’.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Advanced
1800’s
Eadie, John – Commentary on Philippians Reformed, Scottish
*** “A standard work. Essential to the scholarly student.” – Spurgeon
“Expositions on several of Paul’s letters to the churches of the New Testament era followed [by Eadie], and it is significant that Dr. C.J. Ellicott considered them to be superior to anything in England up to that time.” – Cyril J. Barber
“Gives excellent definitions of Greek words, contains a very comprehensive discussion of the kenosis passage, and presents the writings of leading men of all schools of thought.” – Cyril J. Barber
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1900’s
O’Brien, Peter T. – The Epistle to the Philippians: a Commentary on the Greek Text Buy 1991 556 pp. in The New International Greek Testament Commentary
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Commentaries on Philippians
1500’s
ed. Tomlin, Graham – Reformation Commentary on Scripture: Philippians, Colossians Buy
Ridley, Lancelot – An Exposition in English upon the Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians 1550
Ridley (1576) was a reformed Anglican.
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1600’s
Airay, Henry – Lectures upon the whole of Philippians 1618
** “Mr. Grosart says: ‘You will look in vain in this commentary for erudite criticism or subtle exegesis in the modern sense: but there seems to us to be an instructively true following up of the Apostolic thoughts, and a quick insight into their bearings and relative force.” – Spurgeon
Daille, John – An Exposition of Philippians Buy d. 1670
Daille was of the reformed tradition, though a hypothetical universalist.
** “Written in a deliciously florid style. Very sweet and evangelical: after the French manner.” – Spurgeon
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Simple, Practical & Devotional
1800’s
Eastburn, Manton – Lectures, Explanatory and Practical, on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians 1853
** “Designed for family reading. Moderately good.” – Spurgeon
Hall, Robert – Exposition of Philippians in 12 Discourses 1843
** “Robert Hall does not shine so much upon the printed page as he did when he blazed from the pulpit. These discourses were published after his death, from the notes of a hearer. They are good as sermons, but not remarkable as expositions.” – Spurgeon
Moule, H.C.G. – Philippian Studies: Lessons in Faith and Love in The Expositor’s Library
“A beautifully written, deeply devotional treatment which expounds the affectionate character of this epistle and relates its message to the lives of believers.” – Cyril J. Barber
Neat, Charles – Discourses from Philippians 1841
* “Strongly Calvinistic, and correct to a hair; but utterly devoid of originality either of thought or expression.” – Spurgeon
Noble, Frederick Alphonso – Discourses on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians 1898
“Sermons by a conservative Congregationalist.” – Cyril J. Barber
Toller, Thomas – Discourses on Philippians 1855
** “A very favorable specimen of plain, popular exposition. Nothing either deep, or new, or critically accurate; but sensible and practical.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Jowett, John Henry – The High Calling: Meditations on St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 1909 260 pp.
“Recently reprinted meditations which contain excellent preaching values for the expositor.” – Cyril J. Barber
Meyer, F.B. – The Epistle to the Philippians: a Devotional Commentary 1912 260 pp.
“Textual messages, devotional and edifying.” – Cyril J. Barber
Erdman, Charles – The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians Buy 1932
“A devotional exposition of the theme of the epistle with good outlines based upon a grammatical analysis of text.” – Cyril J. Barber
Herklots, Hugh G.G. – The Epistle of St. Paul to the Philippians: a Devotional Commentary Buy 1946
“A devotional commentary.” – Cyril J. Barber
Adam, James Russell – The Courier of God’s Grace: Lessons for Today from the Epistle to the Philippians Buy 1948
“A brief, devotional exposition of Philippians. Conservative.” – Cyril J. Barber
King, Guy Hope – Joy Way: an Expositional Application of the Epistle to the Philippians Buy 1954
“A devotional exposition of real merit.” – Cyril J. Barber
Strauss, Lehman – Devotional Studies in Philippians Buy 1959
“A delightful, well-outlined series of meditations.” – Cyril J. Barber
Tenney, Merril C. – Philippians: the Gospel at Work Buy
“A comprehensive introduction is followed by a popular exposition which combines loyalty to the Scriptures with an application of the text to the needs of the human heart.” – Cyril J. Barber
Motyer, J.A. – Philippian Studies: the Richness of Christ Buy 1966 190 pp. IVP
“An expository treatment which opens up the Scriptures and discourses on the ‘surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus’ as Lord. Reformed.” – Cyril J. Barber
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Intermediate
1800’s
Hutchinson, John – Exposition of Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians Buy
“Rev. Dr. John Hutchison came to Renfrew from Renfield Street Church, Glasgow. He was ordained and inducted to Renfrew United Presbyterian Church on 16th February 1864. His scholarly achievements were widely known, and in 1874 he received the Degree of Doctor of Divinity from Glasgow University. In 1877 he was translated to the newly formed congregation of Bonnington, Leith, where he ministered till his death on 1st March 1901, the last six years of his ministry at Bonnington being as Senior Minister.
Dr. Hutchinson published in 1884, Expository Lectures on the First and Second Epistles of Thessalonians, followed in 1887 by this corresponding volume on Philippians, and later by Messages to the Seven Churches in Asia.” – the book flap
”This expositional commentary traces with care the unfolding of Paul’s thought and applies the principles that are laid bare to the needs of believers. Hutchinson deals deftly with the apostle’s varying moods and shows how these provide a pattern for the Christian’s growth. This is an excellent volume, perspicuous and practical” – Cyril J. Barber
Neander, Johann – The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians Practically and Historically Explained 1851 64 pp.
** “Without dwelling upon the wording of the Epistle, Neander reproduces its spirit in other language, and so expounds it. The little work will be greatly appreciated by a certain order of minds.” – Spurgeon
Newland, H. – A New Catena on St. Paul’s Epistles: a Practical and Exegetical Commentary on Philippians 1860
** “Used discreetly, this Catena of patristic, medieval and modern Church interpreters, may be very helpful; without discretion it will mislead.” – Spurgeon
Todd, James – The Apostle Paul and the Christian Church at Philippi, an Exposition, Critical and Practical, of Acts 16 and Philippians 1864 330 pp.
** “A respectable work. The author is sound in doctrine and valorous in controverting error, and he says many good things; but he rather uses the text than expounds it. He deserves a reading; but men with whom money is scarce need not purchase this book.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Robertson, A.T. – Paul’s Joy in Christ: Studies in Philippians 1917 270 pp.
“Brings to the study of this passage ripe scholarship and a mature understanding of the personality of the apostle.” – Cyril J. Barber
Jones, Maurice – The Epistle to the Philippians with Introduction and Notes 1918 190 pp.
“An exhaustive introduction, followed by brief comments on the text. The discussion of the Christology of the epistle is perhaps its greatest contribution.” – Cyril J. Barber
Lloyd-Jones – An Exposition of Philippians, 2 vols. Buy
Hendriksen, William – Philippians Buy
“A verse-by-verse exposition in which the grammatical nuances are clearly presented. Reformed.” – Cyril J. Barber
Muller, Jacobus Johannes – The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians Buy 1955 in The New International Commentary on the New Testament
“Concise and helpful. Defends the unity of the epistle and the pre-existence and deity of Christ. Praiseworthy treatment of the Greek text. Pedantic style.” – Cyril J. Barber
Martin, Ralph P. – Philippians Buy in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries
“Shows that Paul’s letter, written from a Roman prison, spreads warmth, cordiality, and joy. An exposition particularly well adapted to Christians living under tension and facing the pressures of life.” – Cyril J. Barber
Clark, Gordon – Philippians Buy d. 1985
Clark is a clear, careful and good commentator who focuses on exegesis. In relation to Philippians ch. 2, be aware that in his later book on The Incarnation he uses his own, non-traditional, definitions for ‘personhood’ and ‘nature’ to come to the conclusion that Christ, in some sense, is two persons. That peculiar formulation of doctrine in his later years is very much not recommended.
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Advanced
1800’s
Meyer, H.A.W. – Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Epistles to the Philippians
** “No doubt wonderfully learned, but we cannot get on with it. Quotations from heretics we have happily never heard of before are of no great use to simple believers like ourselves.” – Spurgeon
Calvin, John & Storr, Gottlob – Expositions of Philippians and Colossians by Calvin & Storr 1842 This work has separate commentaries by Calvin and Storr on each book.
Storr (1746–1805) “was an outspoken advocate of Biblical Supranaturalism… His conservative orthodox views in theology placed him at odds with proponents of the Enlightenment, rationalism and Kantian philosophy.” – Wiki
** “A sort of sandwich, with Calvin for the meat, and Storr for very hard black bread. Students who can enjoy both spiritual exposition and stern criticism with equal relish will make fine expositors.” – Spurgeon
Vaughan, C.J. – Philippians with Translation, Paraphrase and Notes for English Readers 1864 140 pp.
Vaughan was an influential, broad-Church, Anglican scholar.
Vincent, Marvin R. – A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians and to Philemon 1897 260 pp. in the International Critical Commentary
Vincent was an American northern presbyterian and professor at Union Theological Seminary, known for his Greek Word Studies. This is a conservative work in a liberal series.
“An important, generally conservative commentary with word studies and exegetical notes.” – Cyril J. Barber
Wiesinger, Lic. August – Biblical Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistles to the Philippians, to Titus and the First to Timothy; in continuation of the work of Olshausen 1857
** “Many mistake this for Olshausen’s. It is of the critical and grammatical school, and bristles all over with the names of the German band. We prefer the Puritanic gold to the German silver which is now in fashion.” – Spurgeon
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1900’s
Plummer, Alfred – A Commentary on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians 1919
Plummer was a liberal.
“Important for its word studies based on the papyri, and still helpful form a grammatical point of view.” – Cyril J. Barber
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The Early Church on Philippians
Compilation
Edwards, Mark – Ancient Christian Commentary: Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians Buy
Newland, H. – A New Catena on St. Paul’s Epistles: a Practical and Exegetical Commentary on Philippians 1860
** “Used discreetly, this Catena of patristic, medieval and modern Church interpreters, may be very helpful; without discretion it will mislead.” – Spurgeon
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Individual Fathers
Ambrosiaster – Commentaries on Galatians-Philemon Buy
Chrysostom – Homilies on Philippians
** ‘Enough of solid truth and brilliant utterance will be found here to justify this father’s title of ‘Golden Mouth’; but still all is not gold which fell from his lips, and to modern readers Chrysostom is not so instructive as he was to his own age [A.D. 349-407].’ – Spurgeon
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The Medieval Church on Philippians
Compilation
Newland, H. – A New Catena on St. Paul’s Epistles: a Practical and Exegetical Commentary on Philippians 1860
** “Used discreetly, this Catena of patristic, medieval and modern Church interpreters, may be very helpful; without discretion it will mislead.” – Spurgeon
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Individual
Aquinas, Thomas – Commentary on Philippians
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Philippians 3
Sibbes, Richard – An Exposition of Philippians 3 1639
Manton, Thomas – Sermons upon Philippians 3:7-21 175 pp. in Works, vol. 20
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Philippians 4
Gwyn-Thomas, John – Rejoice… Always! Studies in Philippians 4 Buy 159 pp.
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Related Pages