Untitled Sermon
Greek, “I have strength for all things”
what I do seek is your spiritual good, in the abounding of fruits of your faith which shall be put down to your account, against the day of reward (Heb 6:10).
The measure of His supply to you will be the immeasurable “riches of His grace” (Eph 1:7).
Paul is contented with his lot and he learned that lesson long ago. Socrates said as to who is wealthiest: “He that is content with least, for αὐταρκεια [autarkeia] is nature’s wealth.”
I can do all things (παντα ἰσχυω [panta ischuō]). Old verb to have strength (ἰσχυς [ischus]). In him that strengtheneth me (ἐν τῳ ἐνδυναμουντι με [en tōi endunamounti me]). Late and rare verb (in LXX) from adjective ἐνδυναμος [endunamos] (ἐν, δυναμις [en, dunamis]). Causative verb to empower, to pour power into one. See same phrase in 1 Tim. 1:12 τῳ ἐνδυναμωσαντι με [tōi endunamōsanti me] (aorist tense here). Paul has such strength so long as Jesus keeps on putting power (δυναμις [dunamis]) into him.
Credit and debit. A mercantile metaphor repeated in verse 17 by εἰς λογον ὑμων [eis logon humōn] (to your account). Paul had to keep books then with no other church, though later Thessalonica and Beroea joined Philippi in support of Paul’s work in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:8f.). But ye only (εἰ μη ὑμεις μονοι [ei mē humeis monoi]). Not even Antioch contributed anything but good wishes and prayers for Paul’s work (Acts 13:1–3).
According to his riches in glory (κατα το πλουτος αὐτου ἐν δοξῃ [kata to ploutos autou en doxēi]). God has an abundant treasure in glory and will repay the Philippians for what they have done for Paul. The spiritual reward is what spurs men into the ministry and holds them to it.
They that are of Caesar’s household (οἱ ἐκ της Καισαρος οἰκιας [hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias]). Not members of the imperial family, but some connected with the imperial establishment. The term can apply to slaves and freedmen and even to the highest functionaries. Christianity has begun to undermine the throne of the Caesars. Some day a Christian will sit on this throne. The gospel works upward from the lower classes. lt was so at Corinth and in Rome. It is true today. It is doubtful if Nero had yet heard of Paul for his case may have been dismissed by lapse of time. But this obscure prisoner who has planted the gospel in Caesar’s household has won more eternal fame and power than all the Caesars combined. Nero will commit suicide shortly after Paul has been executed. Nero’s star went down and Paul’s rose and rises still.