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Every line rings with the note of independence. In verse 5 we read that the Apostle
"gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour", while in verse 6 the pillars of the Church
are referred to as those who "seemed to be somewhat". For the Apostle, standing as he
does in the conscious presence of the God Who accepteth no man's person, intimidation
is impossible, and man-pleasing forgotten. And so, when the need arises to preserve the
truth of the gospel, he does not hesitate to withstand Peter to the face.
Paul's independence is seen on various other occasions in Scripture, the particular
manifestation varying with the particular circumstances. How touching, for example, is
the alternation, in Phil. 4:, of gratitude for the Philippians' fellowship, with the
independence that loathes even the appearance of "desiring a gift".
"I rejoiced . . . . . that your care of me hath flourished again" (Phil. 4: 10).
Here it is gratitude that speaks. The Apostle, however, is extremely sensitive, and
prison bars have not broken his God-given independence. So he immediately follows this
remark with the words: "Not that I speak in respect of want" (Phil. 4: 11), and explains
how, whether abased or abounding, he is strong for all things through Christ. His
courtesy and gentleness now come to the fore. Will this boasting in Christ perhaps sound
ungrateful in the ears of the Church? He immediately rectifies any impression of this
kind by saying:
"Notwithstanding ye have done well, that ye did communicate with my affliction"
(Phil. 4: 14).
This leads his grateful memory to record that "in the beginning of the gospel" the
Philippian Church stood alone in this blessed communication of "giving and receiving";
and then, in verse 17, we have once more the note of independence:
"Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account"
(Phil. 4: 17).
Who would not count it an honour to be permitted to help such a man? He has all, he
abounds, he is full--not because of a foolish independence, but because the gifts sent by
the Philippians were like "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing
to God". Nevertheless, with all his humble gratefulness, independence has the last word,
as he exultingly concludes:
"BUT MY GOD shall supply all YOUR need, according to His riches in glory by
Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4: 19).
The Apostle's independence is again in evidence in his first epistle to the Corinthians:
"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you or of man's
judgment; yea, I judge not mine own self. For in myself, I am conscious of nothing
(wrong): yet am I not hereby justified: but He that judgeth me is the Lord" (I Cor. 4: 3,
4).