[1] _Sun episcopois kai diakonois_. I render the words as literally as possible, not to discredit the distinctive functions of the Christian ministry, but to remind the reader of the natural origin of the titles by which Christian ministers are designated. And it is important here to remember that our word _bishop_, while derived from _episkopos_, cannot properly translate it _as it is used in the New Testament_. For _episkopos_ is not used there as the special title of a superintendent pastor set over other pastors. Such superintendents, however the office originated, are found in the New Testament, and early in the second century are called distinctively _episkopoi_: but the term so used is later, on any theory, than the origin of the office. But I do not purpose in these devotional chapters to discuss at length such a question as that raised here. The reader should by all means consult Bishop Lightfoot's Excursus in his Commentary on this Epistle, _The Christian Ministry_. The views advanced in that essay were, as I personally know, held by the writer to the last. [2] The middle suggests a certain fulness of action. [3] I think the definite article should be supplied in English; the reference is to the work of works. [4] I give both the possible renderings of _huper_. Both would certainly be in place, as he thought of them and prayed and gave thanks for them. [5] The derivation is doubtful, but the idea of the word in usage is clearness, freedom from complication. [6] With some hesitation I assign to _dikaiosune_ here the meaning of the righteousness of justification, as in iii. 9. [7] F. R. Havergal. [8] Cowper, _Conversation_. _THE APOSTLE'S POSITION AND CIRCUMSTANCES_ "Yield to the Lord, with simple heart, All that thou hast and all thou art, Renounce all strength but strength divine, And peace shall be for ever thine." MME DE LA MOTHE GUYON, _translated by_ COWPER. CHAPTER III THE APOSTLE'S POSITION AND CIRCUMSTANCES PHILIPPIANS i. 12-20 Disloyal "brethren"--Interest of the paragraph--The victory of patience--The Praetorian sentinel--Separatism, and how it was met--St Paul's secret--His "earnest expectation"--"Christ magnified"--"In my body" St Paul has spoken his affectionate greeting to the Philippians, and has opened to them the warm depths of his friendship with them in the Lord. What he feels towards them "in the heart of Christ Jesus," what he prays for them in regard of the growth and fruit of their new life, all has been expressed. It is time now to meet their loving anxieties with some account of his own position, and the circumstances of the mission in the City. Through this passage let us follow him now; we shall find that the quiet picture, full of strong human interest in its details, is suffused all over with the glory of the presence and the peace of Christ.