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Paul's Letter to the Philippians (New International Commentary on the New Testament)

4.3 of 5 stars 4.30 · rating details · 64 ratings · 6 reviews

" . . . undertaken to provide earnest students of the New Testament with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God. "This statement reflects the underlying purpose of The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Begun in the late 1940s by an international team of New...more

Hardcover, 543 pages

Published July 14th 1995 by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company

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Aug 03, 2011 James Korsmo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Paul's Letter to the Philippians by Gordon Fee is in the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) series published by Eerdmans. In this important commentary on this gem of a letter, Fee delves deeply into Paul's thought and Paul's world. I deeply enjoyed reading Fee's exposition, and was continually challenged by Paul's deep faith and his unflagging focus on Jesus Christ.

Fee surveys the important issues in the interpretation of Philippians, in constant dialogue (mostly in the no...more Paul's Letter to the Philippians by Gordon Fee is in the New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) series published by Eerdmans. In this important commentary on this gem of a letter, Fee delves deeply into Paul's thought and Paul's world. I deeply enjoyed reading Fee's exposition, and was continually challenged by Paul's deep faith and his unflagging focus on Jesus Christ.

Fee surveys the important issues in the interpretation of Philippians, in constant dialogue (mostly in the notes) with other important commentators, and especially with O'Brien (NIGTC on Philippians), Silva (BECNT on Philippians), R. P. Martin, and Karl Barth, to name a few. But his commentary never gets bogged down in scholarly minutia. While he engages the pertinent issues, he almost entirely leaves his thoughtful technical discussions for the notes, where interested parties can easily find them, but where they can be left to the side to keep the focus on Philippians itself.

Fee looks at the question of the setting of the letter, and leans toward the more traditional view of Paul's Roman imprisonment as the setting (as opposed to either Caesarea or Ephesus, the latter of which has gained a good bit of attention in recent years), though the decision doesn't have much significance for understanding the letter itself. Of the more substantive matters in the letter, the "Christ Hymn" in Phil 2:5-11 has gained a mountain of scholarly attention, and Fee's careful discussion of that passage is insightful and fresh. He argues, against the tide of most modern scholarship, that the "hymn" really isn't a hymn at all, but a Pauline composition integral to the letter, even if poetic in form. And above all, he stresses that regardless, it should be treated as fully endorsed by Paul and integral to the letter, wherever one stands on its origin: Paul included it here for a reason, and it wasn't merely to give us a window into earlier hymnody.

With regard to the interpretation of the letter as a whole, Fee argues that it is a letter of friendship, and that this designation illumines many of the discussions throughout the letter, and especially the more "formal" elements at the beginning and end. This friendship can also be seen throughout in what he describes as a three-way bond between the Philippian believers, Paul, and Christ, which informs many of Paul's discussions and admonitions. As to the content of the letter itself, Fee sees steadfastness (in face of persecution and trial), unity (in face of challenges both within and without), and the unswerving focus on the gospel (living in Christ through the Spirit) as the three recurring themes and ongoing emphases throughout the letter.

There is far too much to comment on in a short review, but this great book deserves reading from cover to cover. Philippians, though not often seen as integral to understanding Paul's theology, is a very important window into Paul's heart. This volume is a great study of this short letter. It also reminds me that I really enjoy the NICNT series. It has great in-depth study of the text and the important exegetical issues, while keeping the discussions of Greek words to the notes. And the authors usually include a relatively brief reflection on the continuing significance or application of a passage to today at the end of each section. This volume, by the current editor of the series, shows why this tends to be the first place I go for NT scholarship.(less)

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Jan 24, 2012 Lindsay Kennedy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bible-commentary

Very thorough and comprehensive. If someone were to buy only one Philippians commentary I'd highly recommend this one. The layout is extremely helpful, with mroe technical footnotes on the bottom of the page, and a more fluid commentary in the body of the page. This was very readable.

A few disclaimers: Fee comes from more of a solid Pentecostal (wih differences) perspective. He also is an egalitarian and that shows up in some of his presuppositions, but is never really defended.

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Jan 06, 2012 Jonathan McIntosh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: sermon-study

My favorite commentary on Philippians. It is thick and scholarly, but warm & passionate. Fee's (and Paul's) love for and commitment to Jesus Christ come out on almost every page.

The last paragraph:
"To live is Christ; to die is to gain Christ; and for the sake of such 'gain,' namely the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus as one's own Lord, all else is merely refuse. Thus, may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all the readers of this letter, and with those who use this commentar...more

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Nov 11, 2011 David S. T. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian, own, read-in-2011

I had this idea to read through commentaries on every book of the bible in 5 years time..I made it through this one and realized that I don't care enough to accomplish my goal. I'll probably still at least read some on Isaiah and Genesis (assuming it get into the ancient near east comparisons). As for this book its conservative and pretty good, Fee is a Pentecostal but for the most part I don't think that he has very evident biases (although I'm sure its more there in a book like 1 Cor.). Really...more

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Jan 15, 2011 Cbarrett rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is probably the first commentary I ever "mostly" read cover to cover. Is it possible to describe a commentary as an "I can't put it down" kind of a book?

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Mar 02, 2012 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: commentary, partially-read

Spot-read while preaching through Philippians. Excellent!

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