Final Charge. Acknowledgement of Philippian Bounty _VI. Closing Exhortations (Philippians 4:1)_ § 15. Philippians 4:1. With heightened feeling St. Paul resumes the vein of exhortation commenced in Philippians 3:1 : WHEREFORE (in view of the grand hope of our calling).. SO STAND FAST IN THE LORD (se... [ Continue Reading ]
The entreaty to EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE TO BE OF ONE MIND IN THE LORD, is a pointed application of Philippians 1:27 and Philippians 2:1 they have a serious difference of judgment in carrying out the will of Christ. These ladies bear good Greek names; one of them is, possibly, the same as the Lydia of Ac... [ Continue Reading ]
The Gk. 'Synzygos' (YOKE-FELLOW) is better read as a proper name, on which the Apostle plays, as upon 'Onesimus' (serviceable) in Philemon 1:11 : YEA, I ASK ALSO THEE, TRUE SYNZYGOS—worthy of thy name—help them (Euodia and Syntyche) to come to an understanding. Others suppose Epaphroditus to be addr... [ Continue Reading ]
GENTLENESS (ascribed, under the same word, to Christ in 2 Corinthians 10:1) is the opposite of self-assertion and rivalry. Like 'patience' in James 5:8, it is enforced by the nearness of the Lord's advent, the prospect of which quenches worldly passions: cp. 1 Corinthians 7:29; Luke 12:29. Though we... [ Continue Reading ]
ANXIETY is precluded by the direction, LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN UNTO GOD—since 'he careth for you' (1 Peter 5:7 cp. Matthew 6:31). PRAYER is devout address to God in general, SUPPLICATION the specific appeal for help, and request the particular petition made. IN EVERYTHING includes temporal w... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEACE OF GOD is that which ensues on reconciliation through Christ and the bestowment of the Holy Spirit, who breathes the Father's love into the heart: see Romans 5:1; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:13. The consciousness of this fortifies the mind against trouble: it SHALL GUARD (or GARRISON) YOUR HEA... [ Continue Reading ]
So much for reflexion and appreciation; for practice, the writer points once more, as in Philippians 3, to himself,—to his personal teaching (WHAT THINGS YOU BOTH LEARNED AND RECEIVED) and behaviour (AND HEARD OF AND SAW IN ME). THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU is a virtual repetition of Philippia... [ Continue Reading ]
Since the offering is a sacrifice to God, _He_ will recompense it (cp. Hebrews 6:10; Proverbs 19:17): MY GOD WILL FILL UP EVERY NEED OF YOURS—as you have striven to meet His servant's need—ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES. Temporal and spiritual needs are together included in the promise; God's 'wealth' cont... [ Continue Reading ]
The Doxology (cp. 2 Corinthians 9:15, in relation to its context) magnifies the bountiful Giver as OUR FATHER: see Matthew 6:8; Matthew 6:32. § 20. Philippians 4:21. In conclusion, the Apostle bids a greeting to EVERY SAINT IN CHRIST JESUS—his good will knows no exception: see Philippians 1:1; Phili... [ Continue Reading ]
The Benediction (RV) is nearly identical with that of Galatians, Philemon, and 2 Timothy.... [ Continue Reading ]