Bible Studies In The Word of God

PHILIPPIANS 4

 

Verse 1. Therefore indicates a conclusion, and it is drawn from the wonderful truths expressed by the closing verses of the preceding chapter. This verse is in the form of a kindly exhortation, but really it is telling the Philippians that they have much reason to stand fast in the Lord. The record of Paul’s work in starting this church, also the constant devotion the brethren had shown him, will fully explain the words, dearly beloved and longed for.  They were a joy to him because of their faithfulness in the cause of the Lord. Crown is from stepha-nos, and Thayer defines it at this place, “that which isglan ornament and honor to one.” Paul felt honored by the faithfulness of these brethren, since they were the product of his labors, and their continued devotion was due to their respect for the truth he had delivered to them.

Verse 2. To beseech means to plead earnestly, hence it is a stronger word than a mere request, but not as strong as an admonition. Be of the same mind in the Lord means they should be united in their work for Him, regardless of any personal difference they might have. Euodias and Syntyche were sisters in the church at Philippi.

Verse 3. Intreat has practically the same meaning as “beseech.” The yoke-fellow evidently was Epaphroditus, for in chapter 2:25 he is referred to as Paul’s “companion in labor.” This man
was sent to Philippi with an epistle which contained a request for himself.  Those women are the ones named in the preceding verse. In some way they had assisted Paul in his work of the Gospel, but just when or how they did it is not revealed. Young calls Clement “A fellow laborer with Paul at Philippi.” He is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Names are in the book of life. No literal book is meant here, but whatever and wherever the book is, we know it is possible for man to do something to get his name written in it, since it is mentioned in a manner that implies responsibilities. See Luke 10:20; Hebrews 12:22, 23; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:12.

Verse 4. See the comments at chapter 3:1 for the explanation of this verse.

Verse 5. Thayer defines the original Greek for moderation as follows: “equitable [just], fair, mild, gentle.”  An act might be technically right according to the knowledge of a Christian, but it would not appear so to the public. This instruction means for a person not to do that which would raise doubts in the minds of others.  The same thought is expressed in Romans 12:17 and 2 Corinthians 2:21.  The Lord is at hand means that He is always near, beholding all that is done by His disciples.  

Verse 6. Careful is from MERIMNAO which has a variety of meanings.  Thayer defines it at this place, “to be anxious; to be troubled with cares.”  Paul does not mean that Christians should be indifferent about the responsibilities of life, but they should not permit such things to absorb their minds so that it will detract them from useful activities. Instead, they should trust in the Lord and make their troubles a matter of prayer. (See 1 Peter 5:7.)

 
Verse 7. Peace of God denotes the peace that He grants to those who are faithful to the divine law. Man will not be the judge in the last great day, hence it is unimportant whether a disciple is at peace with him or not.  Passeth is used in the sense of “surpasseth,” because the peace that comes to those who form their lives according to the law of God, is far beyond anything the mind (understanding) of man ever thoughtof. Such a state of contentment will keep the servants of God in a settled attitude. Hearts and minds refers to the same part of the human inner man, but to different characteristics of his being when used as separate terms. The first refers to the sentiments and the second to the reasoning faculty.

Verse 8. The words true, honest and just are not used with any new meaning, the point being as to the standard by which they should be measured.  (That will be ,shown in the next verse.)   Pure means “unmixed,” and requires that the principles of right living should not be adulterated with the things of the world.  Lovely has reference to things that a Christian has the right to love, too numerous to name here. Of good report is from one Greek word, and Thayer defines it, “sounding well; uttering words of good men,” and this also is subject to the next verse. Virtue means “moral excellence” according to Thayer’s lexicon. Praise applies -to things worthy of being commended. Think on these things means to consider them; meditate on them; give them serious attention.

Verse 9. This verse completely rules out the idea that man is to decide for himself as to what comes under the list of things named in the preceding verse. They are restricted to and bound by what has been received from Paul (or any other inspired man).  They may have been received either by his example (seen in me), or by his words (heard). God of peace means the peace described in verse 7, which is promised only to those who comply with the conditions just stated.

Verse 10. Care and careful  are from the same Greek word, and have a different meaning from “careful" in verse 6. (See the comments at that verse.)  In the present verse it means to be
mindful of the welfare of others.  Something had interfered with the support the church at Philippi was giving Paul (chapter 2:30), but the hindrance was removed, whatever it was.  As soon as they had the opportunity, they flourished or revived their support of the apcstle. He rejoiced in the Lord because he regarded all good things as coming from Him.

Verse 11. Paul’s expression of joy in the preceding verse might leave an impression that his motivewas a temporal one; he hastens to explain that such is not the case. He had already become accustomed to the various circumstances of life, so that he was contented with whatever came upon him.  The cause of his rejoicing in this case will be explained at verse 17.

Verse 12. The apostle would not pretend to see something favorable where nothing of the kind existed. The terms abased and abound; full and hungry; abound and need. are sets of opposite terms that are used figuratively, intended to enlarge upon the thoughts of verse 11.

Verse 13. Human strength alone cannot surmount the difficulties that one may encounter in life’s pathway, hence Paul explains he does the things of his experience through Christ which strengtheneth me.  

Verse 14. Paul’s life and even his comfort did not depend upon the contributions of the Philippians. For their own sakes, however, it was the right thing for them to come to his aid, for in so doing they communicated (had fellowship) with him in his affliction, and it entitles them to the favor of Christ as in Matthew 25:40.

Verse 15. Beginning of the Gospel refers to its beginning in Macedonia, recorded in Acts 16. Before leaving that province, some other churches were started, as may be seen in Acts 16 and 17. Cornmunicated means to  have fellowship with another, and it could apply to any subject in which both were interested; hence Paul explains that he is applying it to the subject of financial support. Many churches think their obligation on this matter pertains to their own locality”’only. Here we see that none of the Macedonian churches supported Paul beyond their borders, but the Philippians.

Verse 16. Thessalonica was Paul’s next field of labor after leaving Philippi (Acts 17:1). We do not know how long he remained in that city, but it was long enough to require extra supplies for his living.  He  did manual labor in order to relieve the brethren of the burden (1 Thess. 2:5-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). But even with his own toil, he was unable to secure suflicient for his needs. That is the reason the Philippians sent once and again unto his necessity.

Verse 17. This verse repeats the statement in the forepart of verse 11, then adds the reason for Paul’s attitude. He wished the brethren to receive credit from the Lord for having done something for His disciples.  While Paul was the one who received the temporal benefit from the fruit of their liberality, yet it would abound (add to) the account or record of good deeds done by the congregation at Phiippi.  

Verse 18. Paul would have been satisfied, as far as his Personal interests were concerned, had he not received any provisions from Philippi. Yet he wished to have the contribution from them for the reason shown in the preceding verse. Now that a full supply was sent from them, the apostle wishes to make full and grateful acknowledgement of it. Epaphroditus was the messenger by whom the supplies were sent, and the disciple who personally contributed to the apostle’s needs by his manual labor (chapter 2:25-30).  Odor and sweet smell are used figura
tively, based on the use of sweet incense that was offered to God under the Old Testament system (Exodus 30:1-8). Paul calls it a sacrifice well-pleasing to God. Since the apostle is writing about the necessities of life that were given to him, why does he speak of it as if it were given to God? It is on the principle mentioned before, namely, Matthew 25:40.

Verse 19. This verse is similar in thought to Matthew 6:33. The Philippians were chiefiy interested in the kingdom of God, which is the reason they gave of their means to Paul, so he could continue to advance that kingdom. In turn, he assures them that God will take care of their needs.  He teaches the same principle in 2 Corinthians 9:8-10, where he is exhorting those brethren to contribute for the relief of the needy ones in Judea. Riches in glory. God is the giver of all good thltngs (James 1:17), and "He bestows” the divine favors through Christ Jesus.

Verse 20. God and Father are the same person; the tlrst refers to His ete rnal, self-existent and infinite  power. The other to His affectionate relation to the creatures of His care.  The term forever actually covers as long a period as for ever and ever.  The words are used for the sake of emphasis, and the significance is that God is worthy of endless glory. For an explanation of amen, see the comments at Romans 16:24, in the first volume of the New Testament Commentary.

Verse 21. Salute and greet are from the same Greek word.  It has a wide scope of meanings, but the central thought is that all Christians should manifest a friendly attitude toward others, whether it be by word of mouth on personal meeting, or by a friendly word in writing; a saint is the same as a Christian. The brethren that were with Paul (personally) requested him to greet the brethren at Philippi for them.  

Verse 22. This is the same kind of salutation as in the preceding verse, but is more general in its source. It comes from the saints (Christians) throughout the area where Paul was located since coming to Rome, and is based upon expressions he had heard from them in various conversations.  He was especially impressed with what he had heard from the group he calls Caesar’s household. The last word is so general that it could mean either the immediate members of Caesar’s family, or his servants or attendants.  In any case, it means persons closely connected with the emperor of Rome.  It indicates the good influence and standing Paul had, in spite of his humiliating situation.

Verse 23. This verse is a kindly wish that the grace (favor) of Christ would be with the brethren at Philippi.  The word amen is explained at verse 20.