Phil: Paragraph 3- Study
Posted on 08. May, 2009 by Jeremy in Study
In verse 8, Paul uses a very interesting phrase- “Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does!” In the ESV it is translated, “how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” The literal translation says, how I long for you “in the viscera, entrails of Christ Jesus.” In Greek the viscera (splanchnois) were the nobler organs of the body—the heart, liver, and lungs—not the intestines, and were regarded as the seat and origin of the deeply felt emotions, such as anger and love. Paul is driving home the deep felt love that he has for the church. There is no greater example of a pastor’s heart. He even identifies his own depth of emotion with that of Jesus’ love for the church!
The depth and reality of Paul’s love can only be compared with that of Jesus. Here it is so important to note the depth of Christ’s love for the church of which, he poured himself as a noble sacrifice in order that the church, not just individuals in the church, but us, together, could have eternal life- not in heaven, but now! “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” John 17:3.
Boo
May 12th, 2009
Wow! I just read this after my post in meditation. I think this is pretty spot on with what God was speaking to me from the passage. Go God! And gross picture!