Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1-9

Exhortations to several Christian duties, as testified, unanimity, joy, &c. ver. 1—9. The apostle’s grateful acknowledgements of the Philippians kindness to him, with expressions of his own esteem, and desire of their good, ver. 10—20. He concludes the epistle with prayer, salutations, and blessings, ver. 21—23.

1. Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3. And I intrem these able, true yoke-fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-ishourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4. Rejoice in the Lord gway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. 7. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are if honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on their things. 9. Those things which ye have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.

The apostle.

1. With the most endearing appellations exhorts them to stand fast in the truth. Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, to whom my whole soul is drawn out in warmest affection, and whole salvation I so earnestly desire, longing to see

you, my joy, in every remembrance of your fidelity, and crown, whom now I esteem my chief honour, and who will be my most distinguished glory in the day of Christ; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved; clearing to that divine Redeemer in whom you have believed; unshaken by danger, unterrified by opposition, and looking up for that almighty grace, which can make you more than conquerors. Note. (1.) None can tell the fervent longings of a faithful minister’s heart after the salvation of his people’s souls, but those that feel them. (2.) They who have already approved themselves faithful, are especially bound to persevere in the same faithful country.

2. He intreats, that some individuals who were at variance, either with the church, or each other, might be happily reconciled. I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord, and lay aside their disputes, united in love and peace. And I intrem these able, true yoke-fellow, who with me already hath heartily laboured in the cause of Christ, help those women, and endeavour to reconcile them to the church, and to each other, which have been so useful in former days, and laboured with me in the gospel, helping and affilling me; with Clement also, and with other of my fellow-ishourers, to help men; are in the bulk of life, of the Lamb Sain from the foundation of the world, registered among the elects of God, and heirs of Salvation; and happy are they whose names shall be found written there.

3. He exhorts them to holy joy. Rejoice in the Lord above; in all circumstances, and under every trial, maintain a holy delight in God, which will be written every affliction: and again I say, Rejoice in him as your Saviour, your refuge, help, and hope, in every time of need.

4. Let your moderation be known unto all men, (to be more) shew a spirit of meekness and patience, that never is wearied out with provocations, and in affection be weared from every inordinate attachment to this present world. The Lord is at hand, and will soon confound your Jewish adversaries in the destruction of their city and temple, and shortly will put an end to all your trials in the great day of his appearing and glory.

5. Be careful for nothing; without perplexity or tormenting solicitude about the concerns of this world, and the difficulties in your way: but in every thing, at all times, and in all circumstances, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; calling all your care upon him, praising him for all the past mercies you have experienced, and trusting him for whatever may be yet to come. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; in answer to your prayers God will give you his blessed power, preserving you sedate and calm mindful every storm, fortifying your minds against every foe, and keeping you in a happy serenity, neither discomposed, nor fainting under any of your troubles, till he brings you to the eternal rest which remaineth for his people in glory. Note. (1.) Though prudent forecast is not forbidden, all anxious fears, that imply distrust of God, and bring torment to the heart, are exceeding sinful. (2.) Prayer is the anidote to every ill; and whilst we have a throne of grace open, where we can pour all our complaints into the bosom of a compassionate God, however perplexed, we need never be in despair, but should quietly wait to see the salvation of God.

6. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, agreeable to the word of God, and the dictates of sincerity and truth; whatsoever things are benefit, venerable and becoming in death, language, and deportment; whatsoever things are just, and equitable in your dealings and transactions; whatsoever things are pure, in thought, word, and action; whatsoever things are amply, and render you amiable in the sight of God and man; whatsoever things are of good report, among the truly religious; if there be any virtue, any thing truly noble, brave, and generous; if there be any thing that deserves praise and commendation, think on their things, and seriously desire to be found in the exercise of them. Thick things which ye have hath learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do; copy after my precepts and practice; and then the God of peace shall be with you, and bless you with this presence, and move abundant measures of his grace and love.

7. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again, wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12. I know both how to be abated, and I know how to be abound: every where, and in all things I am instructed, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheth me. 14. Notwithstanding, ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15. Now, ye Philippians, know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me, as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16. For even in Thefalonia ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17. Not because

Philippians 4:10-19

The Philippians had generously contributed to the apostle’s support, and he gratefully mentions it to their honour. 1. He expresses his joy in the present fresh proof they had given of love to him, and regard for the cause of Christ. But I

rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath

flawed again, and you have added to your former instances of generosity; wherein ye were also careful, and would ere this have sent to my relief, but ye lacked opportunity.—Though it was a debt they justly owed him, he mentions it as a favour for which he extremed himself much obliged. 2. He obviates an ill use which might be made of what he said. Not that I speak in respect of want, as though I was diftruffed of a provision, or uneasy at my worldly circumstances; for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, satisfied in all the will of God. I know both how to be abused, and how to abound: in the lowest circumstances composed, in the greatest affluence not stated. Every where, and in all things I am influenced, by my divine Master, to accommodate my mind to my situation; both to be full, and to be hungry; both to abound, and to suffer need; to know the want of bread without rejoicing, and to have abundance without abusing it to excels. I can do all things that Christ which strengtheth me, and enables me for all the service and sufferings to which in his providence he is pleased to call me: unsubstantiating, ye have well done, that ye did communicate with an affection, in the seasonable relief you kindly sent. Note, (1.) Want is a great temptation to murmur, as abundance is to excels; but divine grace will enable us to accommodate our hearts to every circumstance. (2.) Though our strength is very weakness, the immiperance of Jesus is engaged for us, and thus nothing is impracticable. 3. He makes honourable mention of what they had formerly done. Now ye Philippians, know also, that in the beginning of the gifted, when I departed from Macedonia, or was ready to depart, to other parts, no church communicated with me, as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only; for even in Thessalonica, a city to much more wealthy than your own, where I was constrained to work hard for my bread, ye sent once and again unto my necessity, when my circumstances were very strict, and my wants pressing. Not that I mention these things because I desire a gift, and want to worm myself into your favour: no such mercenary views influence my conduct; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account in the great day of recompense, when those labours of love shall be remembered and rewarded. 4. He acknowledges the receipt of what Epaphroditus brought, and how sufficient it was for his needs; assuring them, that God would accept it as the most grateful sacrifice at their hands. But I have all I want, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphraditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a fewer smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God; better than the fumes of incense, or the smak of burnt-offerings. But, tho’ I cannot repay you in kind, my God, who is all-sufficient, shall supply all your need, giving you the earthly good things you want, and especially believing all spiritual blessings upon you, according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus, which inestimable treasures he hath laid up for you, and will, through Christ Jesus, minister unto you both in time and eternity. Note, None were ever losers by what they lent to the Lord, and employed in the service of his blessed cause. 20. Now unto God our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. the saints salute you, * chiefly they that are of Cesar’s household. 23. * The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:20-23

We have here, 1. An ascription of praise to God. Now unto God our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. He is our Father to love us, our God abundantly to provide for us. We have long experienced his love and grace; with confidence let us trust him, and ascribe to him the praise we owe for all his past kindness and everlasting promises. Note, If God be our Father, we can want no manner of thing that is good. 2. Salutations to the brethren. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus; let every member of the church be assured of my most condial regard, and kindest wishes. The brethren which are with me greet you with best remembrances. All the saints salute you, and join in Christian respects towards you; chiefly they that are of Cesar’s household, the domestics of his family, now converted to the faith, and one in affection with you. Note, It is a comfort to a real Christian to consider, that multitudes, whom he never saw or knew, bear him upon their hearts, and remember him in their prayers. 3. His closing benediction. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in all its incomprehensible extent, and inconceivable faintest, be with you all; may the whole church, and every member, share it in the richest abundance. Amen! THE