Quick Devotional from Philippians 4:13 (Observation from the Greek)

This is from my daily Greek exercise of sight reading a few months ago, courtesy of Vincent S Artale Jr.

Our text is from the Greek translation of Philippians 4:13.  Here is my translation:

“SENTENCE 13 πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με”
I have strength in all things through the one who strengthens me

It is quite a popular verse in Christian circles.

Here are some observations:

1. There is an emphasis on the word “all things.”  It is supposed to be the direct object in the sentence in light of the Greek accusative case but it is nuanced since it is move forward before the verb “I have strength…”  Paul doesn’t want us to miss this point that it is “all things” he has in mind.
2. We should try to understand what “all things” entail after all we know it can’t mean everything.  It cannot mean sin.  Paul here is not encouraging believers they can sin by the power in the Lord.  Thus context is important in shaping our understanding of what is meant by “all things.“
3. The two verses before Philippians 4:13 is important for understanding how we should understand what Paul is referring to when he said “all things.”  Hear Philippians 4:11-12 from the New American Standard Bible: “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”
   1. Paul mentioned about difficult situations that involve “humble means,” “going hungry” and “suffering need.“
   2. Apparently Paul was describing circumstances in which he underwent that would have brought concern to his readers in Philippi when they finally learn of it (v.10).
4. By the way these difficult circumstances are the result of Paul’s ministry.
5. Even with difficulties note Paul said “I have strength!”  These are words of encouragement!
   1. The verb’s indicative mood is not stating a wish, nor a mere probability but it is functioning to indicate that this is a factual statement!
   2. The verb’s present tense is functioning to convey a continuous action.  I take that it is best to understand the continuous sense given the various situations he’s just described in the context.  What marvel that in all circumstances that Paul faced he can continually have strength!
6. How does Paul have strength to endure?  Note the second have verse says “through Him who strengthens me.”
   1. For those who know Greek the preposition  ἐν here might raise question.  I think here there is an instrumental sense of the preposition being used here.  Thus the means of how Paul can be strengthen is going to be mentioned.
   2. We might miss it in the English since the verse often as “through Him who strengthens me” but in the Greek it literally is “through the one who strengthens me.”  While the meaning is the same I think it is important to note there is no “him” pronoun in the Greek but a substantival participle “the one who strengthen.”  Paul is directly telling us how he can endure: It is through the “strengther.”  And Paul tells us this “one who strengthen” strengthen “me.“

Application:

• People often use this verse for sports, entertainment achievement (think Oscars and other trophies’ events), school goals, etc.  But that’s not the context of what Paul is talking about.  Paul is talking about difficulties in ministry.  He has the sense of sharing the Gospel and ministering to the church and all that he has to endure.  Have you interpreted this verse properly?
• From this verse and its context we must realize that humanly speaking ministry and serving God is not going to be always easy.  Have you realized it?  Sometimes we can act shock serving God is easy.  But we ought to know better.
• How is your service to God?  Have you turn to the one who gives strength?  Pray to Him right now about it!
• Do we act like we have no strength or do we believe that God has given us strength to put Him first?  Let us go out being strong, knowing that God has given us the strength to endure for His sake!

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