Paul is not afraid to call God as his witness, of his longing for all his recipients “with the affection of Jesus Christ.” (v. 8 cf. Mt. 9:36, 14:14) Of vv. 9-10, the NGSB comments: “Paul tells the Philippians not only that he prays for them (v. 4), but also the content of that prayer. Christian belief (knowledge and all discernment”) comes to expression in Christian love and in behavior that is “sincere and without offense” (cf. Col. 1:9-11). The absence of love shows that supposed knowledge is worthless (1 Cor. 13:1-3), and love is itself knowledge of the deepest kind (1 Cor. 8:1-3). (1875) Even as through Christ’s righteousness we are justified, or declared righteous, in Him we are also sanctified, seen in the fruit of our words and deeds, “to the glory and praise of God.” (v. 11)