{Not as in my presence only} (m(8820)h(9373) en t(8869) parousi(8369)
monon). B and a few other MSS. omit h(9373). The negative m(885c)
goes with the imperative katergazesthe (work out), not with
hup(886b)ousate (obeyed) which would call for ouch. {Much more}
(poll(9369) mallon). They are not to render eye-service only when
Paul is there, but much more when he is away. {Work out}
(katergazesthe). Perfective use of kata (down) in
composition, work on to the finish. This exhortation assumes
human free agency in the carrying on the work of one's salvation.
{With fear and trembling} (meta phobou kai tromou). "Not
slavish terror, but wholesome, serious caution" (Vincent). "A
nervous and trembling anxiety to do right" (Lightfoot). Paul has
no sympathy with a cold and dead orthodoxy or formalism that
knows nothing of struggle and growth. He exhorts as if he were an
Arminian in addressing men. He prays as if he were a Calvinist in
addressing God and feels no inconsistency in the two attitudes.
Paul makes no attempt to reconcile divine sovereignty and human
free agency, but boldly proclaims both.