Philippians 1

This prayer contains three parts. In the first, Paul prays for increase of love in the Philippians, whether it be to God or men, verse 9. and he shows the means of increase, which are two: knowledge and sense, or feeling. For (to go backward) the more a godly man feels God's love, and has experience of God's word in himself; the more he knows of God's word, and perceives his love to him: the more he loves God again, and his neighbor for his sake.

The second thing prayed for, is the gift of discerning, whereby men know, what is true, what false: what is to be done, what to be left undone: the ends of this gift are two. The first, that by means of it, they may be pure and sincere: that is, keep a good conscience before God and men in their lives and callings. The second is, to be without offense: that is, innocent, giving no occasion of evil to any, and not taking them offered by others: and the continuance of those is noted to the day of Christ; which is the time in which he comes to us, either by our death, or by the last judgment.

Thirdly, he prays that they might abound in good works, which are described by a similitude, fruits of righteousness: Christians being fruitful trees (Ezekiel 47:12; Isaiah 61:3). 2. By the cause efficient, which are by Christ. 3. By the end, to the glory and praise of God.