Philippians 1:8

8 For God is a witness to me, how I covet all you [how I covet you all] in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:8 Meaning and Commentary

Philippians 1:8

For God is my record
Which is all one as swearing by him; it is in form of an oath, being a solemn appeal to him as the searcher of hearts, for the uprightness of his mind, the sincerity of his expressions, and the strength of his affections:

how greatly I long after you all;
the common members, as well as the bishops and deacons, the weak as well as the strong believers, the poor as well as the rich; the apostle's respects were universal, and without distinction: he longed after their spiritual welfare, an increase of gifts and grace among them; he was their spiritual father, and he hankered after them; as parents after their children; he longed to see them, that he might enjoy their company and conversation, have communion with them, and impart some spiritual gift unto them: and this he did

in the bowels of Jesus Christ;
not with an human and carnal affection, but with a Christian and spiritual one; with a love which came from Christ, and was in imitation of him, and on account of their being in him, loved by him, belonging to him, and being believers in him: it was in the most tender manner that he loved them, and was affected to them; the phrase denotes, that his love towards them was internal, in his heart, and was most tender and strong; and like to that tender concern Christ had for them, and which he stirred up in him.

Philippians 1:8 In-Context

6 trusting this same thing, that he that began in you a good work, shall perform it till into the day of Jesus Christ.

7 As it is just to me to feel this thing for all you [for you all], for that I have you in heart, and in my bonds, and in defending and confirming of the gospel, that all ye be fellows of my joy.

8 For God is a witness to me, how I covet all you [how I covet you all] in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

9 And this thing I pray, that your charity be plenteous more and more in knowing [that your charity be plenteous more and more in science, or knowing], and in all wit;

10 that ye approve the better things [that ye prove the better things], that ye be clean and without offence in the day of Christ;