Philippians 4:7

And An important link. The coming promise of the Peace of God is not isolated, but in deep connexion.

the peace of God The chastened but glad tranquillity, caused by knowledge of the God of peace, and given by His Spirit to our spirit. Cp. Colossians 3:15 (where read, "the peace of Christ"); John 14:27. The long and full previous context all leads up to this; the view of our acceptance in and for Christ alone (Philippians 3:3-9); the deepening knowledge of the living Lord and His power (10); the expectation, in the path of spiritual obedience, of a blessed future (11 21); watchful care over communion with Christ, and over a temper befitting the Gospel, and over the practice of prayer (Philippians 4:1-6).

Here is the true "Quietism" of the Scriptures.

all understanding "All mind," "all thinking power." Our truest reasonrecognizes that this peace exists, because God exists; our articulate reasoningcannot overtake its experiences; they are always above, below, beyond. Cp. Ephesians 3:19.

shall keep Observe the definite promise; not merely an aspiration, or even an invocation. Cp. Isaiah 26:3. The Latin versions, mistakenly, read custodiat.

R.V., shall guard. This is better, except as it breaks in on the immemorial music of the Benediction. All the older English versions have "keep", except the Genevan, which has "defend." "Guard" (or "defend") represents correctly the Greek verb, which is connected with nouns meaning "garrison," "fort," and the like, and also prevents the mistake of explaining the sentence "shall keep you in Christ, prevent you from going out ofChrist." What it means is that, "inChrist Jesus," who is the one true spiritual Region of blessing, the peace of God shall protect the soul against its foes. hearts The word in Scripture includes the whole "inner man"; understanding, affections, will.

minds Lit. and better, thoughts, acts of mind. The holy serenity of the believer's spirit, in Christ Jesus, shall be the immediate means of shielding even the details of mental action from the tempter's power. Cp. Ephesians 6:16, where the "faith" which accepts and embraces the promise occupies nearly the place given here to the peace which is the substance of the promise.

through Christ Jesus Lit. and better, in. See last note but two.