| Barnes' Notes on the Bible Salute every saint in Christ Jesus - It was usual for him also to close his epistles with affectionate salutations to various members of the churches to which he wrote. These salutations are generally specific, and mention the names, particularly if prominent members of the churches; see the close of the Epistles to the Romans; 1 Corinthians; Colossians, and 2 Timothy. this Epistle, however, as in some others, the salutation in general. Why none are specified in particular is not certainly known. The brethren which are with me ... - The word "brethren" here probably refers to ministers that were with Paul as the "saints" in general are mentioned in the next verse. It is possible that at Rome the ministers were known by the general name of "the brethren" - Pierce. Clarke's Commentary on the BibleSalute every saint - Remember to present my affectionate wishes to every Christian at Philippi. The brethren which are with me - Those who were fellow laborers with him, generally supposed to be Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas. See the end of the epistles to the Colossians, (Colossians 4:17 (note) and to Philemon (Plm 1:25 (note)). Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSalute every saint in Christ Jesus,.... Meaning at Philippi, whether rich or poor, lesser or greater believers, common saints, as well as the officers of the church, bishops and deacons; who were in Christ by electing grace, and as their covenant head, and representative from everlasting, and which was manifested and made known by their conversion and the effectual calling: the brethren which are with me greet you; such as Timothy; see Philippians 2:19; and Epaphras, Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, and Lucas; see Plm 1:23; he makes no mention of Peter anywhere, when he writes from Rome or to it, which shows he was not there then, or a bishop of that place, as the Papists say. Geneva Study BibleSalute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. People's New Testament 4:21 Salute every saint. Where he knew so many he could not single out individuals for special greetings, but salutes all. The brethren who are with me. Such brethren as Timothy and other fellow-laborers, who were now in Rome. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary21. Salute every saint-individually. greet-salute you. The brethren which are with me-Perhaps Jewish believers are meant (Ac 28:21). I think Php 2:20 precludes our thinking of "closer friends," "colleagues in the ministry" [Alford]; he had only one close friend with him, namely, Timothy. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary4:20-23 The apostle ends with praises to God. We should look upon God, under all our weakness and fears, not as an enemy, but as a Father, disposed to pity us and help us. We must give glory to God as a Father. God's grace and favour, which reconciled souls enjoy, with the whole of the graces in us, which flow from it, are all purchased for us by Christ's merit, and applied by his pleading for us; and therefore are justly called the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. |