Philippians 4

1 The apostle exhorts the Philippians to steadfastness in the faith 2 and two women amongst them to unity 4 furthermore to Christian joy 5 moderation 6 quietness of mind 8 add to divers other Christian virtues 10 afterward he thanketh the Philippians for the relief which they had sent to him by the Epaphroditus 11 that he had accepted it not out of covetousness seeing he had learned to suffer want 14 that they had done well therein and more then all the other churches 18 that he had received it from Epaphroditus 19 and that God would recompence it 20 finally he concludes the epistle which thanksgiving unto God and usual salutations and wishes.

1. So then [namely seeing out birthright and conversation is in heaven and such glory is there prepared for us by Jesus Christ in body and soul as is declared in the close of the former chapter in which these words have relation]my beloved and much wished for brethren [Gr much desired that is whom I love with great desire and inclination of heart and whom I much long after see chapter 1.8] my joy [that is who give me cause to joy and Joyce for your faith and Christian conversation]and crown [that is an honor and ornament of my ministry by which ye are converted unto Christ so a virtuous woman is called a crown of her husband Proverbs 12:4 and Godly children the crown of their parents Proverbs 17:6 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Revelations 3.11] stand [that is continue steadfast a similitude taken from soldiers who give no flee nor place from battle but continue standing see 1 Corinthians 16:13 Galatians 5:1 Ephesians 6:11 Colossians 412 2 Thessalonians 2:15] thus [namely as ye have hither to done or as I have now instructed you] in the Lord [that in the faith and obedience of the Lord] beloved

2. I exhort Exodus and I exhort Syntyche [these two women as appears from that which follow were members of the church of the Philippians and had done much good for the furthering of the gospel but there was some understanding and strife arisen between them which was offensive and hurtful to the church] that they be of one mind [namely not concerning doctrine but also concerning the inclination of their minds see chapter 2.2 and chapter 3.16]in the Lord [that is with such an holy unity as the Lord commands us which is acceptable unto him .]

3. And I entreat thee also thou my upright [see of this word chapter 2.20 and 1 Timothy 1:2 Titus 1:3]companion [or yoke fellow the Greek word signifies one that draw one yoke together with another whereby is not understood Pails wife was not married when he wrote the Corinthians as appears 1 Corinthians 7:7 and read nowhere neither is it he was married afterwards also the Greek tongue will not bear that this should be spoken of a woman but hereby is understood as one of the teachers in the church of the Philippians who faithfully bare and drew the yoke of ministry of gospel with the apostle as elsewhere calls such a one his fellow soldier Philippians 2:25 Philem verse 2 a similitude from two oxen which drew one yoke together see 2 Corinthians 6:14] be helpful [namely to bring them again to unity to those women [namely who were named even now] who haven striven with me in the gospel [thus must be understood not that they preached the gospel openly with Paul for that the apostle forbids women 1 Corinthians 14:34,35 and 1 Timothy 2:12 but that they in particular steadfastly endured much adversity and tribulation for the confession of the doctrine of the gospel the apostle here useth a similitude taken from those who strife for a prize see 2 Timothy 2 .5 Hebrews 10:32]with clement also this may be joined either with the word helpful or with the word striven whether this clement where afterward an overseer of the church of Rome is uncertain ]and the other my fellow laborers [namely in the work of the ministry of the gospel see Romans 16:3,9,21 Philippians 2:25 Philem verse1,24] whose names [this the apostle speaks of those fellow laborer according to the judgment of charity 1 Corinthians 13:7] are[namely written a similitude taken from the infer bin of citizen or soldiers in a register to know them and to account them for true citizen and soldiers] in the book of life [that is in the register of them that are elected to eternal life whereby is understood to God decree of election see Exodus 32:32,33 Luke 10:20 Revelations 3.5 and chapter 17.8 and chapter 20.15

4. Rejoice in the Lord [see Romans 12:12 2 Corinthians 13:11 Philippians 3:1] always [namely not only in time of prosperity but also of adversity and tribulation seeing the same further the salvation of off Christian James 1:2 see chapter 2.17,18] again I say rejoice.

5. Let your discretion and equity reasonableness which is a special excellent and necessary virtue when one doth not stand upon the utmost right but yield as it were gives place to his neighbor for peace and edification sake as much as God words and good conscience may allow see Romans 15/1 ,2 1 Corinthians 9:19 2 Timothy 2:24 Titus 3:2 ] be known unto all men the Lord is nigh [that is everywhere with us and heareth and seeth all our words and deeds o near in respect of his coming to judgment when we must give an account of all our words and deeds James 5:9]

6. Be careful in nothing [namely with anxious carking proceeding from distrust of Gods providence Matthew 6:25 otherwise the faithful also ought to take care for their own 1 Timothy 5:8]but let your desires [that is the things which ye desire and request] in all things by prayers and supplications with thanksgiving be made known unto God [this is spoken after the manner of man for otherwise God knows of himself of our need and want than our selves see Matthew 6:32]

7. An the peace of God see of this peace Romans 5:1 and 14.17] which surpasseth every understanding that is which is such a great and excellent good that it can be comprehended by no humane understanding much less uttered by the tongues of men ] shall keep [the Greek word signifieth to keep any thing with a watch or garrison against the enemies see 1 Peter 1:5] your hearts and your minds [or your thoughts in Christ Jesus

8. furthermore brethren whatsoever is true whatsoever is honest [or descent seemly]what so ever is righteous whatsoever is pure or cast whatsoever is lovely or friendly whatsoever sounds well [or is of good report of which men speak well]if there be any virtue and if there be any praise think on that same [namely to propose and follow after that with a famous purpose and diligence]

9. that which ye have also learned the apostle more largely declares that which he had before exhorted in general that they should imitate him chapter 3.17 ] and received and heard and sees in me of me that do and the God of peace [see Romans 15.33and 16.20 2 Corinthians 13:11 1 Thessalonians 5:23 shall be with you] namely by his gracious presence assistance and blessing .]

10. And I greatly rejoice in the Lord see verse 4 that ye now once again are quickened [Gr are become growing or springing again a similitude taken from the trees which in winter first seem to be dead and towards the summer spring out and become green again]to think on me [that is on my necessity in these bands or to take care of me [whereon ye also thought [namely before now although ye sent it not] but ye had not the opportunity[namely to send the gift over to me conveniently.]

11. Not hat I say this because of want that is as if I must have suffered or could not have born want for I have learned[namely as well out of Gods words as by the experience and exercise]to be content[that is to be satisfies and acquiesce see of this virtue 1 Timothy 6:6 Hebrews 13:5]with what I am [that is with those things that I have although they be few and scant or in the state wherein I am .]

12. And I know that is I have learnt as before to be abased [namely this is having abundance of maintenance to how to use it aright]everywhere and in all things I am instructed [the Apostle here useth a Greek word which properly signifieth to be informed in my mysteries of the religion which were not revealed to every man and meaneth thereby that he fully understands and hath learned this thing]both to be satisfied and to suffer hunger both to have abundance and to suffer once.]

13. I am able to do [this he adds that he may not seem to ascribe this virtue to himself and his own abilities]al things [namely all the foresaid and such like things]through Christ who giveth me power [namely by the grace and working of his holy spirit without which we can neither think nor do anything that is good job 15.5 2 Corinthians 3:5 Philippians 1:29 and chapter 2.13 .]

14. Not withstanding ye have well done that ye had communion [that is have took it to heart as if it concerned yourselves Hebrews 13:3 or have also communicated unto me in the same] with my affliction [namely which I here suffer in bands want and poverty.]

15. And also ye Philippians know that in the beginning of the gospel [that is from the time forward when I first preached the gospel among ye] when I departed from Macedonia no church imparted ought unto me [or had communion with me in reckoning c namely whether it be for mine use or to deliver to other poor churches]upon the account of giving out and receiving [a similitude from faithful stewards or merchants who diligently set down in their book of account what and from whom they receive anything what they lay out and what they bestowed to keep and to be able to give a good account but ye only.

16. For in Thessalonica also see of this city and the apostle abode in the same acts 17 [ye sent once and a second time to me for my necessity

17. Not that I seek the gift [that is not as if I were so eager for the gifts which ye sent me] but I seek the fruit which is abundant [that is your faith may be abundantly shown by such fruits or that ye may richly obtain the fruit and recompense of this your liberality]unto your account that is that I may as is were set down in my book of account that I have received this of you he alludeth here also to the former similitude .]

18. but I have received all [namely that ye have sent unto me as is declared afterward]and I have abundance that is more than enough for my maintenance so that ye need not send anymore as the following words also I am c imply ] I am filled [that is have enough and abundance] seeing I have received for Epaphroditus that which was sent from you as a sweet smelling savor [Gr a savor of fragrance the apostle here alludes to the thanks offerings of the old testament which were types of our spiritual thank offerings in the new testament amongst which are also works of liberality towards the ministers of the word and the poor which he declares by this description to be very acceptable to the Lord to stir them up thereunto more and more see Hebrews 13.61] an acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God .

19. But my God [namely in whom I believe and whom I serve in his church]according to his riches [namely seeing all the goods of this world belonging to him Psalms 24:1 1Corinthians 10.26or according to the riches of his country Ephesians 2:4]shall fulfill that is give you abundantly all your necessity that is all that you need and have want of for your sustentation ]in glory that is very glorious and liberally ] by Christ Jesus .

20. Now to our God and father [that is who is become our father through Christ and his children to whom he is fatherly minded and of whom he will take a fatherly care Matthew 6:32 Job20.17] be glory to all eternity [Gr unto ages of ages] Amen.

21. Salute all the saints in Christ Jesus the brethren which are with me [namely here at Rome]salute you.

22. All the saints salute you and most of all that are Ceasars house [Gr out of some who in the court of the Empire Nero serve him and are of his household see chapter 1.13.]

23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [see Galatians 6:18] be with you all Amen.