Paul's style tended to be elliptical; the gaps had to be filled in by his readers. His transitions, by which he moved from one step to another, were also important and sometimes call for words to be supplied. Paul's sequences of thought were often subtle, complex, and hard to follow. Much of the problem goes back to the difficulty of the grammar in the original text. This is reflected in the Authorized Version by the unusual amount of italicizing required. The use of italics is a typographical way of reflecting words not in the original but supplied by the translators so as to make sense in English. The problem is compounded by the fact that this was the most personal and passionate of Paul's letters. Moreover, he was dealing with a situation which was much clearer to him, and to his readers, than it is to us.

Join John Phillips and meet afresh that greatest of all Christians, the beloved, if maligned, apostle Paul.

The John Phillips Commentary Series is designed to provide pastors, Sunday school teachers, and students of the Scripture with doctrinally sound interpretation that emphasizes the practical application of Bible truth. Working from the familiar King James Version, Dr. Phillips not only provides helpful commentary on the text, but also includes detailed outlines and numerous illustrations and quotations. Anyone wanting to explore the meaning of God's Word in greater depth - for personal spiritual growth or as a resource for preaching and teaching - will welcome the guidance and insights of this respected series.

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John Phillips (1927-2010) served as assistant director of the Moody Correspondence School as well as director of the Emmaus Correspondence School, one of the world's largest Bible correspondence ministries. He also taught in the Moody Evening School and on the Moody Broadcasting radio network.