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203 illustrations
He prays because his brothers dwell in Jerusalem—their physical presence matters to him.
An ambassador of peace bears a threefold character: he is a minister sent of Elohim, instructed in the terms of peace, and commissioned to negotiate with sinners at war with the Almighty.
Exell (1887) identified four essential means of this prosperity.
Luthardt identifies seven critical aspects: God's kingdom surpasses all earthly kingdoms; amidst the collapse of human rule, men seek one that endures; it is founded upon moral goodness rather than external might; it originated in Elohim's *protē noēsis* (primeval thought);...
This posture teaches a fundamental principle: those called to the Lord's service must wait for His vocation rather than rushing ahead unbidden.
His custom reveals a pattern that all who would serve Adonai must learn: the rhythmic alternation between public labor and private prayer.
Before such strangers, it was supremely important to exhibit nothing that would dishonour Yahweh.
He applied spittle and clay to restore sight, knowing full well He contravened their tradition.
Historical parallels illuminate this prophecy's scope: Alexander the Great liberated Egypt from Persian oppression, while Ptolemy Soter (the Saviour) granted Jews equal civic privileges in Alexandria.
The term *mysterion* (mystery), used twice in this passage and frequently throughout Philippians, does not denote what is essentially incomprehensible to human understanding.
When we announce doom without tears, we harden rather than convict.
In Solomon's day, famines were frequent and trade communications uncertain between nations.
Maclaren captures this with penetrating imagery: "God, as it ere, lays His right hand on Cornelius, and His left on Peter, and impels them towards each other." The magnitude of this transformation cannot be overstated.
Exell's Victorian commentary identifies three dynamics at work.
His brother said, "I go, sir," but went not.
(Mark 4:21) The kingdom of Elohim expands through human agency.
The Church exists for the world's sake more than for its own comfort.
The apostle's shift from *Saulos* to *Paulos* was not mere accident or Roman courtesy.
Exell (1887) distinguishes three dimensions of this mystery.
The prophet teaches that an evangelical law—the law of Christ, the law of faith (Isaiah 42:3)—proceeds from God Himself, bringing both righteousness and salvation to the children of men.
Exell, in his 1887 *Biblical Illustrator*, offers a vivid comparison: as the thirsty man needs only be directed to water—"There's the water, drink"—so the anxious soul requires but one directive: "Faith cometh by hearing." Elaborate explanations about reservoirs and river...
The term *mysterion* (mystery), used twice in this passage and repeatedly throughout the epistle, does not describe what is essentially incomprehensible, but rather what was once hidden and is now revealed.
Exell observed that all genuine religion involves mystery in relation to the infinite and Divine; false mystery belongs only to superstition.
The Spirit of God who *indited* (inspired) this scripture ensured that David's penman understood a glorious truth: the Gentiles should have the use of his Psalms.