Philippians 1:4

every prayer every request. The Greek word is narrower than that, e. g. Ephesians 1:16, which includes the whole action of worship. See below on Philippians 4:6.

for you all See, for the same phrase, or kindred words, Philippians 1:7-8; Philippians 1:25; Philippians 2:17; Philippians 2:26. We seem to see, in this emphasis on the word "all," a gentle reference to the danger of partizanship and divisions at Philippi. See Introduction, p. 19.

request Lit. and better, the request just mentioned.

with joy These words strike the key-note of a main strain of the Epistle. They are here the emphatic words of the sentence. He illustrates the assurance of his thankfulness for them by saying that every request for them is lighted up with happiness. For St Paul's joy over his converts" consistency cp. 2 Corinthians 2:3; 2Co 7:4; 2 Corinthians 7:13; below, Philippians 2:2, Php 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 3:9; Philemon 1:7.