Philippians 4:22

All the saints. This is a reference to the general membership of the church in Rome, as distinct from “the brethren” (v. 21).

Chiefly. Rather, “especially.”

Caesar’s household. The word “household” (oikia) here signifies the domestic staff of the emperor’s retinue (cf. on ch. 1:13). In the time of Nero, during whose rule Paul was imprisoned (see Vol. VI, pp. 83, 84), the number of household servants was doubtless very great. This verse proves that some of the servants, slaves or freedmen, were Christians (AA 463), and were particularly anxious to send greetings to the Philippians. That some of Nero’s servants had become Christians shows that fruitage may be reaped by the gospel workers even in the most unlikely places and under the most discouraging circumstances (AA 465, 466).