as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Do your duty without finding fault with it. Mind your work, do not quarrel with it; God's commands were given to be obeyed, not disputed. His service is freedom, His work its own reward. Walk so circumspectly that even the severest censurer may have no occasion to cavil at you.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 2:14-18
Verse 16. Holding forth the word of life. That is, you are under obligation to hold forth the word of life. It is a duty incumbent on you as Christians to do it. The "word of life" means the gospel, called the "word of life" because it is the message that promises life; or perhaps this is a Hebraism, denoting the living, or life giving word.
Holding forth the word of life,.... By which may be meant, either Christ the essential Word, in whom life was, and is, and who is called the quick or living Word, Joh 1:1; and here may be styled the Word of life, because he has all life in him; he has a divine life in him, as God, he is the living God; and it...