King James Version
Philippians 4
23 verses with commentary
Exhortations to Stand Firm
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.</strong><br><br>Paul's affection overflows: <em>agapētoi kai epipothētoi</em> ("beloved and longed for"), <em>chara kai stephanos</em> ("joy and crown"). They're his eschatological reward (2:16). <em>Stēkete en kyriō</em> ("stand fast in the Lord")—military metaphor recalls...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Therefore.**—By this word, just as at the conclusion of the description of the “depth of the riches of the wisdom of God” (in Romans 11:33-36), or of the glorious climax of the doctrine of the resurrection (in 1Corinthians 15:50-57), St. Paul makes the vision of future glory to be an inspiring force, giving life to the sober, practical duties of the present time. For the faith, which is the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. to make all men see--**Greek, "to enlighten all" (Ep 1:18; Psa 18:28; He 6:4). "All" (compare Col 1:28).
**fellowship--**The oldest manuscripts read, "economy," or "dispensation" (compare Col 1:25, 26; and see on Ep 1:10, above). "To make all see how it hath seemed good to God at this time to dispense (through me and others, His stewards) what heretofore was a mystery." Ellicott explains it...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.</strong><br><br>Two women, likely leaders (worked with Paul in gospel, v. 3), have conflict. <em>To auto phronein en kyriō</em> ("think the same in the Lord") echoes 2:2. Unity requires Christ-centeredness. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Pa...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Euodias.**—The name should be *Euodia, *as is seen by Philippians 4:3. Of Euodia and Syntyche nothing is known. Many strange attempts have been made to find symbolism in these names. Evidently they were women of note, leaders at Philippi, where, we may remember, the gospel was first preached to women (Acts 16:13), and the church first formed in a woman’s house (Acts 16:14; Acts 16:40). We ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. The design of God in giving Paul grace to proclaim to the Gentiles the mystery of salvation heretofore hidden.
**now--**first: opposed to "hidden from the beginning of the world" (Ep 3:5).
**unto the principalities and--**Greek adds "the"
**powers--**unto the various orders of good angels primarily, as these dwell "in the heavenly places" in the highest sense; "known" to their adoring jo...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.</strong><br><br><em>Gnēsie syzuge</em> ("true yokefellow")—identity unknown. Women <em>synēthlesan</em> ("contended together") in gospel work. <em>Book of life</em> (Phil 4:3; Rev 20:15) assures their sal...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **I intreat.**—This rendering is too strong. It is, *I ask, *or *request.* The word means properly, to ask a question; secondarily, to make a request on equal terms, as of right. Hence never used (except, perhaps, in 1John 5:16) of prayer from us to God.
**True yokefellow,—**This obscure phrase has greatly exercised conjecture. (1) It is curious historically to note the opinion, as old as Clem...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. which he purposed--**Greek, "made." Ellicott translates, "wrought."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →Rejoice in the Lord Always
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.</strong><br><br><em>Chairete en kyriō pantote</em> ("rejoice in the Lord always")—double imperative emphasizes joy as command, not feeling. <em>En kyriō</em> grounds joy in Christ, not circumstances. Philippians' refrain. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, contentment, and gratitude—Paul's prison epis...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4-7) St. Paul returns once more to the exhortation to joy so characteristic of this Epistle. But it is a joy in the sense of the Lord’s being at hand. Hence it turns at once to thanksgiving and prayer, and finally is calmed and deepened into peace.
(4) **Rejoice in the Lord . . . and again I say, Rejoice.**—The original word is the word always used in classical Greek (see the corresponding word i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. Translate, "our boldness and our access (Ep 2:18) in confidence through our faith in Him." Alford quotes as an instance, Ro 8:38, &c. "THE access" (Greek) implies the formal introduction into the presence of a monarch.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.</strong><br><br><em>To epieikes</em> ("gentleness, reasonableness, forbearance") visible to all. <em>Ho kyrios engys</em> ("the Lord is near")—spatially (omnipresent) or temporally (imminent return). Likely latter: Parousia-expectation moderates conflict. This verse contributes to Philippians chapter 4's themes of joy, peace, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Your moderation.**—The word here rendered “moderation,” properly denotes a sense of what is seemly, or equitable, as distinct from what is required by strict duty or formal law. Such distinction the world recognises when it speaks of what is enjoined, not so much by duty as by “good taste, or “right feeling,” or (with some peculiarity of application) by “chivalrous” feeling, or the “spirit o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
13. "I entreat you not to be dispirited."
**for you--**in your behalf.
**which is--**rather, "which are your glory," namely, inasmuch as showing that God loved you so much, as both to give His Son for you, and to permit His apostles to suffer "tribulations" for you [Chrysostom] in preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. See on Ep 3:1, "prisoner for you Gentiles." My tribulations are your spiritu...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.</strong><br><br><em>Mēden merimnate</em> ("be anxious for nothing")—<em>merimnaō</em> ("worry, be anxious"). Instead: <em>proseuchē kai deēsis meta eucharistias</em> ("prayer and petition with thanksgiving"). Gratitude prevents entitled complaining. This verse c...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Be careful for nothing.**—An exact repetition of our Lord’s command, “Take no thought” (in Matthew 6:25; Matthew 6:34). The prohibition is of that painful anxiety which is inevitable in all who feel themselves alone in mere self-dependence amidst the difficulties and dangers of life. It is possible to sink below this anxiety in mere levity and thoughtlessness; it is possible to rise above it...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. For this cause--**Resuming the thread of Ep 3:1, "For this cause." Because ye have such a standing in God's Church [Alford].
**bow my knees--**the proper attitude in humble prayer. Posture affects the mind, and is not therefore unimportant. See Paul's practice (Ac 20:36); and that of the Lord Himself on earth (Lu 22:41).
**unto the Father--**The oldest manuscripts omit "of our Lord Jesus...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</strong><br><br><em>Hē eirēnē tou theou hē hyperechousa panta noun</em> ("peace of God surpassing all understanding")—incomprehensible to reason. <em>Phrourēsei</em> ("will guard")—military metaphor: peace garrisons heart/mind against anxiety. This verse contributes to Philippians ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **The peace of God**—*i.e.* (like the “righteousness of God,” “the life of God”), the peace which God gives to every soul which rests on Him in prayer. It is peace—the sense of unity in the largest sense—the “peace on earth” proclaimed at our Lord’s birth, left as His last legacy to His disciples, and pronounced at His first coming back to them from the grave (Luke 2:14; John 14:27). Hence it ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. the whole family--**Alford, Middleton, and others translate, "every family": alluding to the several families in heaven and in earth supposed to exist [Theophylact, Æcumenius, in Suicer, 2.633], the apostle thus being supposed to imply that God, in His relation of Father to us His adopted children, is the great prototype of the paternal relation wherever found. But the idea that "the holy an...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are 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 these things. honest: or, venerable
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are 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 these things.</strong><br><br>Eightfold <em>hosa</em> ("whatever is...") list: <em>alēthē, semna, dikaia, hagna, prosphilē, euphēm...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8, 9) Here, repeating the word “Finally,” the Apostle again draws to a conclusion, in a comprehensive exhortation to stand fast in all that is good on the foundation which he had laid in the name of Christ. The exhortation is marked by the reiteration of affectionate earnestness, in which, however, we may (as always) trace an underlying method. In each pair of epithets there seems to be reference...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. according to--**that is in abundance consonant to the riches of His glory; not "according to" the narrowness of our hearts. Col 1:11, "Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power."
**by--**Greek, "through"; "by means of His Spirit."
**in--**The Greek implies, "infused into."
**the inner man--**(Ep 4:22, 24; 1Pe 3:4); "the hidden man of the heart." Not predicated of unbe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>Fourfold learning: <em>emathete, parelabete, ēkousate, eidete</em> (learned, received, heard, saw). <em>Prāssete</em> ("practice")—do what you learned. Result: <em>ho theos tēs eirēnēs</em> ("God of peace") with you. This verse contributes to Philip...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Ye have both learned, and received.**—The reference is here to St. Paul’s teaching, which he “delivered” to them (see 1Corinthians 15:1-3; Galatians 1:12) as a message, “received” by revelation of God, and which they “received” accordingly.
**Heard, and seen in me.**—Here the reference is to his example, as subsidiary to his teaching and confirmatory of its truth.
**The God of peace.**—The i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. That--**So that.
**dwell--**abidingly make His abode (Joh 14:23). Where the Spirit is there Christ is (Joh 14:16, 18).
**by faith--**Greek, "through faith," which opens the door of the heart to Jesus (Joh 3:20). It is not enough that He be on the tongue, or flit through the brain: the heart is His proper seat [Calvin]. "You being rooted and grounded in love" (compare Ep 3:19), is in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →God's Provision
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. hath: or, is revived
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br><em>Echarēn...megalōs</em> ("I rejoiced greatly")—Philippian support renewed. <em>Anethalet</em> e("flourished again")—botanical metaphor. <em>Ēkaireis the</em> ("you lacked opportunity")—not negligence but circumstances. T...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10-20) These verses form a singularly graceful and dignified postscript, acknowledging the offerings of the Philippians sent by Epaphroditus, in a tone mingling apostolic commendation and blessing with a true brotherly thankfulness.
(10) **Now at the last.**—There is in these words an expression of some hitherto disappointed expectation, not wholly unlike the stronger expression of wounded feelin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. May be able--**even still further. Greek, "May be fully able."
**breadth ... length ... depth ... height--**namely, the full dimensions of the spiritual temple, answering to "the fulness of God" (Ep 3:19), to which the Church, according to its capacity, ought to correspond (compare Ep 4:10, 13) as to "the fulness of Christ." The "breadth" implies Christ's world-wide love, embracing all men...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content</strong> (Οὐχ ὅτι καθ' ὑστέρησιν λέγω, ἐγὼ γὰρ ἔμαθον ἐν οἷς εἰμι αὐτάρκης εἶναι, <em>Ouch hoti kath' hysterēsin legō, egō gar emathon en hois eimi autarkēs einai</em>)—<em>Ouch...kath' hysterēsin</em> ("not because of need")—Paul clarifies: gratitude isn't manipulation born of desper...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **I have learned.**—The “I” is here emphatic. There is evident reference to the habit peculiar to St. Paul, and made by him his especial “glory” (1Corinthians 9:14), of refusing that maintenance from the churches which was his of right. Compare his words to the Ephesian presbyters, “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. passeth--**surpasseth, exceeds. The paradox "to know ... which passeth knowledge," implies that when he says "know," he does not mean that we can adequately know; all we know is, that His love exceeds far our knowledge of it, and with even our fresh accessions of knowledge hereafter, will still exceed them. Even as God's power exceeds our thoughts (Ep 3:20).
**filled with--**rather, as Gre...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →I know both how to be abased, and I know how to 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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I know both how to be abased, and I know how to 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</strong> (οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν· ἐν παντὶ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι καὶ χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν, καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι, <em>oida kai tapeinousthai, oida kai perisseuein; en panti kai en pasin mem...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Every where and in all things.**—The original has no such distinction of the two words. It is, *in all and everything;* in life as a whole, and in all its separate incidents.
**I am instructed.**—The word again is a peculiar and almost technical word. It is, *I have been instructed; I have learnt the secret*—a phrase properly applied to men admitted into such mysteries as the Eleusinian, en...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. unto him--**contrasted with ourselves and our needs. Translate, "that is able above all things (what is above all things) to do exceeding abundantly above what we ask or (even) think": thought takes a wider range than prayers. The word, above, occurs thrice as often in Paul's writings, as in all the rest of the New Testament, showing the warm exuberance of Paul's spirit.
**according to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me</strong> (Πάντα ἰσχύω ἐν τῷ ἐνδυναμοῦντί με, <em>Panta ischyō en tō endynamounti me</em>)—<em>Panta ischyō</em> ("I can do all things")—not unlimited power for any desire but strength for <em>whatever circumstances God appoints</em> (context: contentment in v. 11-12). <em>En tō endynamounti me</em> ("in the One strengthening me")—pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **I can do all things.**—Properly, *I have strength in all things, *rather (according to the context) to bear than to do. But the universal extension of the maxim beyond the immediate occasion and context is not inadmissible. It represents the ultimate and ideal consciousness of the Christian. The first thing needful is to throw off mere self-sufficiency, to know our weakness and sin, and acc...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction</strong> (πλὴν καλῶς ἐποιήσατε συγκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψει, <em>plēn kalōs epoiēsate synkoinōnēsantes mou tē thlipsei</em>)—<em>Plēn</em> ("nevertheless, yet") transitions from self-sufficiency (vv. 11-13) to gratitude for Philippian support. <em>Kalōs epoiēsate</em> ("you did well")—commendation. <em>Synkoinō...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Ye have well done.**—Properly, *Ye did well, *in sending the offerings. In this, says St. Paul, they “did communicate with his affliction,” that is (see Philippians 1:7), they made it their own, helping him to bear it, by sympathy and sacrifice for his sake. The whole is an illustration of his own words (Acts 20:35), “It is blessed to receive” what is lovingly given; but it is “rather bless...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong> (Οἴδατε δὲ καὶ ὑμεῖς, Φιλιππήσιοι, ὅτι ἐν ἀρχῇ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, ὅτε ἐξῆλθον ἀπὸ Μακεδονίας, οὐδεμία μοι ἐκκλησία ἐκοινώνησεν εἰς λόγον δόσεως καὶ λήμψεως εἰ μὴ ὑμεῖς μόνοι, <em>Oidate de kai hymeis, Philipp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Now ye Philippians know also.**—Properly, *But ye also yourselves know.* The mention of the proper name is always emphatic (comp. 2Corinthians 6:11); here it evidently marks the dignity of their exclusive position of benefaction.
**In the beginning of the gospel.**—At the beginning (that is) of the gospel to them and their sister churches in Macedonia. The time referred to is his leaving Ma...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 4 Ep 4:1-32. Exhortations to Christian Duties Resting on Our Christian Privileges, as United in One Body, though Varying in the Graces Given to the Several Members, that We May Come unto a Perfect Man in Christ.
1. Translate, according to the Greek order, "I beseech you, therefore (seeing that such is your calling of grace, the first through third chapters) I the prisoner in the Lord (tha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity</strong> (ὅτι καὶ ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ καὶ ἅπαξ καὶ δὶς εἰς τὴν χρείαν μοι ἐπέμψατε, <em>hoti kai en Thessalonikē kai hapax kai dis eis tēn chreian moi epempsate</em>)—<em>Kai en Thessalonikē</em> ("even in Thessalonica")—Paul's next stop after Philippi (Acts 17:1-9). <em>Hapax kai dis</em> ("once and again," literally "once and t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Even in Thessalonica.**—Not only after he left Macedonia, but even before that time, when he had just passed from Philippi to Thessalonica. At Thessalonica, as at Corinth—both very rich and luxurious communities—he refused maintenance, and lived mainly by the labour of his own hands (1Thessalonians 2:9; 2Thessalonians 3:8). But it appears from this passage that even then he received “once a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. lowliness--**In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [Trench].
**meekness--**that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the ac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-16**
Unto every believer is given some gift of grace, for their mutual help. All is given as seems best to Christ to bestow upon every one. He received for them, that he might give to them, a large measure of gifts and graces; particularly the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not a mere head knowledge, or bare acknowledging Christ to be the Son of God, but such as brings trust and obedience....
Read full commentary →Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account</strong> (οὐχ ὅτι ἐπιζητῶ τὸ δόμα, ἀλλὰ ἐπιζητῶ τὸν καρπὸν τὸν πλεονάζοντα εἰς λόγον ὑμῶν, <em>ouch hoti epizētō to doma, alla epizētō ton karpon ton pleonazonta eis logon hymōn</em>)—<em>Ouch...epizētō to doma</em> ("not that I seek the gift")—Paul again clarifies (cf. v. 11): he's not hinting for more support...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Fruit that may abound** (rather, *abounds*) **to your account.**—The metaphor is still kept, hardly disturbed by the introduction of the word “fruit,” since this is so constantly used in the sense of “recompense” that it readily lends itself to pecuniary associations. There is, says St. Paul, “the fruit” of reward, which “is over” as a surplus, or rather a balance, “placed to their account....
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. lowliness--**In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [Trench].
**meekness--**that spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the ac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. I have all: or, I have received all
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God</strong> (ἀπέχω δὲ πάντα καὶ περισσεύω· πεπλήρωμαι δεξάμενος παρὰ Ἐπαφροδίτου τὰ παρ' ὑμῶν, ὀσμὴν εὐωδίας, θυσίαν δεκτήν, εὐάρεστον τῷ θεῷ, <em>apechō de panta kai perisseuō; peplērōmai dexamenos para Epaphroditou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **I have all, and abound.**—The original is stronger, *I have all to the full* (as in Matthew 6:2; Matthew 6:5; Matthew 6:16), *and more than to the full. “I* have all, and more than all, I need.” Yet not content with this, he adds, “I am full,” thoroughly complete in all things. The exuberance of courtesy and gratitude is strongly marked.
**An odour of a sweet smell.**—See Ephesians 5:2, and...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
4. In the apostle's creed, the article as to THE Church properly follows that as to THE Holy Ghost. To the Trinity naturally is annexed the Church, as the house to its tenant, to God His temple, the state to its founder [Augustine, Enchiridion, c. 15]. There is yet to be a Church, not merely potentially, but actually catholic or world-wide; then the Church and the world will be co-extensive. Rome ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
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<strong>But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus</strong> (ὁ δὲ θεός μου πληρώσει πᾶσαν χρείαν ὑμῶν κατὰ τὸ πλοῦτος αὐτοῦ ἐν δόξῃ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, <em>ho de theos mou plērōsei pasan chreian hymōn kata to ploutos autou en doxē en Christō Iēsou</em>)—<em>Ho theos mou</em> ("my God")—personal, possessive. <em>Plērōsei</em> ("will supply, fill")—future pro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **My** **God.**—The expression is emphatic. St. Paul had accepted the offerings as made, not to himself, but to the God whose minister he was. Hence he adds, “my God”—the God, whom ye serve in serving me.
**All your need.**—Properly, *every need of yours, *spiritual and temporal.
**In glory.**—We have already noticed the constant reference to “glory” in the Epistles of the Captivity. Where th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
5. Similarly "faith" and "baptism" (the sacramental seal of faith) are connected (Mr 16:16; Col 2:12). Compare 1Co 12:13, "Faith" is not here that which we believe, but the act of believing, the mean by which we apprehend the "one Lord." "Baptism" is specified, being the sacrament whereby we are incorporated into the "one body." Not the Lord's Supper, which is an act of matured communion on the pa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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<strong>Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen</strong> (τῷ δὲ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ ἡμῶν ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν, <em>tō de theō kai patri hēmōn hē doxa eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn; amēn</em>)—<em>Tō theō kai patri hēmōn</em> ("to God and our Father")—doxology directed to God as Father. <em>Hē doxa</em> ("the glory")—ultimate purpose. <em>Eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn</e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **Now unto God and our Father . . .**—The doxology of this verse seems suggested by the very use of “glory” in the previous verse. “Glory” may be derivatively the privilege of man; but “*the* glory” (for the original has the article here)—the essential and incommunicable glory—must be ascribed to God alone. Whether we supply here the word “is” or “be” matters not. His it is; to Him let it be ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. above--**"over all." The "one God over all" (in His sovereignty and by His grace) is the grand source and crowning apex of unity (Ep 2:19, end).
**through all--**by means of Christ "who filleth all things" (Ep 4:10; 2:20, 21), and is "a propitiation" for all men (1Jo 2:2).
**in you all--**The oldest manuscripts omit "you." Many of the oldest versions and Fathers and old manuscripts read, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →Final Greetings
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you</strong> (Ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί, <em>Aspasasthe panta hagion en Christō Iēsou. aspazontai hymas hoi syn emoi adelphoi</em>)—<em>Aspasasthe</em> ("greet, salute")—imperative for Philippians to greet <em>panta hagion</em> ("every saint"). <em>En Christō Iēsou</em>...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **The brethren, which are with me.**—The list of those who were with St. Paul at one time or another during his imprisonment may be gathered from the Epistles to the Colossians (Colossians 4:10-15) and Philemon (Philippians 1:23-24); where see Notes. How many of these where with him at this particular time we cannot tell. They are distinguished from “all the saints”—the body of the Church in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. But--**Though "one" in our common connection with "one Lord, one faith, &c., one God," yet "each one of us" has assigned to him his own particular gift, to be used for the good of the whole: none is overlooked; none therefore can be dispensed with for the edifying of the Church (Ep 4:12). A motive to unity (Ep 4:3). Translate, "Unto each one of us was the grace (which was bestowed by Chri...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
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<strong>All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household</strong> (ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς πάντες οἱ ἅγιοι, μάλιστα δὲ οἱ ἐκ τῆς Καίσαρος οἰκίας, <em>aspazontai hymas pantes hoi hagioi, malista de hoi ek tēs Kaisaros oikias</em>)—<em>Pantes hoi hagioi</em> ("all the saints")—Roman church sends greetings. <em>Malista de</em> ("especially, chiefly")—highlighting particular group. <em>H...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **of Cæsar’s household.**—The “household of Cæsar” included a multitude of persons of all ages and ranks and occupations. Dr. Lightfoot, in a very interesting excursus on this verse, remarking that these Christians of Cæsar’s household are alluded to as if well known to the Philippians, has examined the various names mentioned in Romans 16. (three years before this time), and finds many of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Wherefore--**"For which reason," namely, in order to intimate that Christ, the Head of the Church, is the author of all these different gifts, and that giving of them is an act of His "grace" [Estius].
**he saith--**God, whose word the Scripture is (Psa 68:18).
**When he ascended--**God is meant in the Psalm, represented by the ark, which was being brought up to Zion in triumph by David, ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.
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<strong>The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen</strong> (Ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ τοῦ πνεύματος ὑμῶν, <em>Hē charis tou kyriou Iēsou Christou meta tou pneumatos hymōn</em>)—<em>Hē charis</em> ("the grace")—unmerited favor, gospel's essence. <em>Tou kyriou Iēsou Christou</em> ("of the Lord Jesus Christ")—full title emphasizes deity and messiahship. <em>Meta tou pneuma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.**—The true reading is, *be with your spirit* (as in Galatians 6:18; Philemon 1:25; 2Timothy 4:22). The reading of our version is the more ordinary form of salutation. In one form or another it is “the token in every Epistle” (2Thessalonians 3:17). The grace given by the Spirit of God is received in “the spirit” of man, but in order that th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
9. Paul reasons that (assuming Him to be God) His ascent implies a previous descent; and that the language of the Psalm can only refer to Christ, who first descended, then ascended. For God the Father does not ascend or descend. Yet the Psalm plainly refers to God (Ep 4:8, 17, 18). It must therefore be God the Son (Joh 6:33, 62). As He declares (Joh 3:13), "No man hath ascended up to heaven, but H...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Exhortations to mutual forbearance and union.(1-6)
To a due use of spiritual gifts and graces.(7-16)
To purity and holiness.(17-24)
And to take heed of the sins practised among the heathen.(25-32)
**Verses 1-6**
Nothing is pressed more earnestly in the Scriptures, than to walk as becomes those called to Christ's kingdom and glory. By lowliness, u...
Read full commentary →