The Letter to the Philippians (Pillar New Testament Commentary | PNTC)

by G. Walter Hansen

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 2009

Overview

In this commentary G. Walter Hansen offers rich exposition of the text of Philippians as well as wisdom and maturity in its application. In so doing he emphasizes partnership—the social and corporate dimensions of community—in the progress of the gospel.

After a select bibliography, Hansen's introduction sets forth the historical setting of the church in Philippi, the nature and occasion of the letter, and a preview of two key themes—the gospel of Christ and the community in Christ. The commentary itself discusses Philippians in light of these themes, considering Paul's greetings, reports of gospel ministry, imperatives for citizens worthy of the gospel, recommendations of two Christ-like servants, and disclosures of his personal experience. Hansen's treatment as a whole is distinctive for the way it draws out and highlights the themes of partnership, citizenship, and friendship in Paul's Philippian letter.

Key Features

• Preface by D. A. Carson
• Bibliography for further reading
• Indexes to guide your study

Contents

Top Highlights

“The advancement of the message, not the advancement of Paul, is the source of Paul’s joy.” (Page 75)

“This sentence focuses on the need to be humbly united with those who divide the church. Paul urges believers to be one so that they will be able to endure suffering caused by those outside the church and to heal divisions caused by those inside the church.” (Page 105)

“Paul viewed love not as a static possession, but as a dynamic process. True love is not something you possess; true love constantly grows and increases.” (Page 57)

“The gospel of Christ provides the motive and the pattern for all Christian behavior.” (Page 94)

“To live—Christ! The absence of a verb may be filled in many ways: to live is Christ; to live means Christ; to live depends on Christ; to live honors Christ. The foundation, center, purpose, direction, power, and meaning of Paul’s life is Christ.” (Page 81)

Endorsements

With themes and emotions so varied, the letter to the Philippians needs a commentator with a sure grasp and a warm heart. . . . Hansen writes with admirable clarity and simplicity, even when he is unpacking notoriously complex matters.

—D. A. Carson (from the Preface)

Walter Hansen, representing that rare combination of a first-rate scholar and a pastor with years of experience in the church, writes the kind of commentary one might expect—devoted to solid, informed exegesis with an emphasis on the present application of the text. Its exceptional clarify, depth, and theological richness make this an outstanding commentary that will be of real help to every student of Philippians.

—Donald A. Hagner, Fuller Theological Seminary

Here is a significant commentary on Paul’s letter to the Philippians that is suitable not only for scholars but also for ministers, laypeople, and students. It is theologically sound, critically balanced, exegetically perceptive, pastorally relevant, and ethically focused. It needs to be read, closely studied, and—more importantly—allowed by God’s Spirit to reorganize our thinking and restructure our living. . . . Erudite, challenging, and a good read.

—Richard Longenecker, Wycliffe College, Toronto

Product Details

• Title: The Letter to the Philippians
• Author: G. Walter Hansen
• Series: Pillar New Testament Commentary
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Print Publication Date: 2009
• Logos Release Date: 2010
• Pages: 392
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Bible. N.T. Philippians › Commentaries
• ISBNs: 9780802837370, 0802837379
• Resource ID: LLS:PNTCPHP
• Resource Type: Bible Commentary
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-20T00:38:57Z

About G. Walter Hansen

G. Walter Hansen joined the Fuller faculty in 1995 as associate professor of New Testament and Director of Global Research Institute, which provides fellowships for scholars from the Two-Thirds World. At Fuller, Hansen’s courses include exegetical studies, Interpretation of the Bible, New Testament Ethics, and Second Temple Judaism. He has had several books and articles published on selected subjects of Pauline scholarship. He was pastor of The Chapel in Cleveland, Ohio for eight years and a teacher for six years at Trinity Theological College in Singapore. He serves as a trustee Westmont College, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, and Rivendell Stewards’ Trust.