Note 11 at Phil. 2:17: The Greek word used here for "offered" is SPENDO, and means "to pour out as a drink offering." The figurative meaning of this word is "one whose blood is poured out in a violent death for the cause of God" (Thayer).

Paul is now thinking of his possible martyrdom. Shortly before Paul's death he wrote a letter to Timothy in which he stated, "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand" (2 Tim. 4:6). The word "offered" used in this verse is also SPENDO. These are the only two passages in the New Testament containing this word.

The sacrificial drink offerings of the Jews were usually poured out "around" the altar. The drink offerings offered in heathen sacrifices were usually poured "upon" the sacrifice. Paul is using a metaphor that is more understandable to the Philippian believers who have been converted from paganism.

Note 12 at Phil. 2:17: Paul was saying that if he was martyred because of his efforts to preach the gospel, he would have joy and rejoice. What an attitude! This reiterates what he had said earlier in this letter about only wanting God to be glorified. It didn't matter if he lived or died as long as Christ was exalted (see note 11 at Phil. 1:20, p.1154).