2:17 if I am to be poured out. Paul here refers not to his present suffering, but to the possibility that he will die as a martyr.

drink offering. A libation normally of wine, not blood, that accompanied sacrifices.

sacrificial offering of your faith. The Philippians’ gifts to Paul (4:10–20).

I am glad and rejoice. For Paul, suffering can cause joy to flourish. It is to be the same for the Philippians (v. 18).