What does Philippians 1:9 mean?

Explanation

Philippians 1:9 contains a heartfelt prayer from the Apostle Paul for the believers in Philippi.

He prays for their love to increase exponentially, but not in an unguided emotional sense.

Paul is stressing the importance of love that is informed by knowledge and discernment ("judgment" as stated in the King James Version).

The verse implies that Christian love should not be blind or indiscriminate but should be accompanied by a deep understanding of God and a discerning spirit that is capable of distinguishing between good and evil.

Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, around AD 62, from prison (most likely in Rome).

The early Christian community in Philippi was the first church established by Paul on European soil, making this a letter to a group of believers with whom he had a strong and affectionate relationship.

It is likely that the Philippian church was facing false teachings and external pressures; thus, Paul's emphasis on love coupled with knowledge and judgment might address the need for doctrinal soundness and ethical decision-making in such a challenging environment.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse offers insights into the nature of Christian love (agape), emphasizing that it should be more than a feeling; it should be intelligent and discerning.

Furthermore, it suggests that love is essential for spiritual growth and should increase as believers grow in their knowledge of God and moral insight.

Different theological traditions have interpreted this verse in various ways.

Some emphasize the intellectual aspect of love, suggesting that true love for God and others is rooted in correct understanding. Others emphasize the relational aspect, suggesting that increasing in love necessarily brings about a deeper connection with God and the Christian community.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, the prayer of Philippians 1:9 can serve as a guide for personal spiritual development.

Believers can seek to deepen their love for others through active engagement with Scripture, theological reflection, and prayer for discernment in ethical decisions.

It can also be applied in community settings, where the church is called to grow in love that is discerning, avoiding false teachings and living out the true gospel.

Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 13:2 - "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing."
• Ephesians 3:17-19 - "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God."
• Colossians 1:9-10 - "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word used for love is "ἀγάπη" (agape), which denotes a selfless, sacrificial love that is volitional rather than merely emotional.

The term for knowledge is "ἐπίγνωσις" (epignosis), indicating full discernment or recognition, and implies a deep, accurate, and intimate knowledge.

The word for judgment is "αἴσθησις" (aisthesis), often translated as "discernment" or "perception," and it refers to moral and ethical insight.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other religious traditions, the concept of love intertwined with knowledge can be found as well.

For example, in some strands of Buddhism, compassion (karuna) is closely linked with wisdom (prajna), and one is considered incomplete without the other.

In certain philosophic systems like Platonism, love or Eros drives the pursuit of truth, which resembles the idea of love increasing in knowledge.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might explore the psychological and sociological effects of love that is combined with understanding and good judgment.

For instance, social psychology could look at how informed empathy leads to healthier relationships, and neurology might examine the brain processes that integrate emotional affection with critical thinking.

Commentaries

Matthew Henry’s Commentary elaborates that love should be guided by knowledge and judgment so that Christians might not only love what is good but hate what is evil. 2.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary emphasizes the importance of balance between emotion (love) and intellect (knowledge and judgment), which should be a hallmark of Christian maturity. 3.

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible interprets this as a prayer for an abounding and super-abundant love, which is always accompanied by real knowledge and judgment upon the highest subjects, God, and the things of God.