Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Philippians 4:8

The thought of this paragraph (Philippians 4:8-9) is closely connected with that of the preceding by the resumption of the phrase ἡ εἰρήνη τ. Θ. (Philippians 4:7) in a new form ὁ Θ. τῆς εἰρήνης (Philippians 4:9). The peace of God will be the guardian of their thoughts and imaginations, only they must do their part in bending their minds to worthy objects. Lft [33]. and Ws [34]. have elaborate classifications of Paul's list of moral excellences. It is not probable, in the circumstances, that any such was before the Apostle's mind. τὸ λοιπόν is probably used to show that he is hastening to a close. See on chap. Philippians 3:1 supr. Beyschl. well remarks on the “inexhaustibility” of the Christian moral ideal which is here presented. It embraces practically all that was of value in ancient ethics. ἀληθῆ and δίκαια express the very foundations of moral life. If truth and righteousness are lacking, there is nothing to hold moral qualities together. σεμνά. “Reverend.” The due appreciation of such things produces what M. Arnold would call “a noble seriousness” (so also Vinc.). προσφιλῆ. Our “lovely” in its original force gives the exact meaning, “those things whose grace attracts”. The idea seems to be esp [35]. applied to personal bearing towards others. See Sir 4:7, προσφιλῆ συναγωγῇ σεαυτὸν ποιεῖ; Sir 20:13, ὁ σοφὸς ἐν λόγῳ ἑαυτὸν προσφιλῆ ποιήσει. Cf. W. Pater's description of the Church in the second century: “She had set up for herself the ideal of spiritual development under the guidance of an instinct by which, in those serious moments, she was absolutely true to the peaceful soul of her Founder. ‘Goodwill to men,' she said, in whom God Himself is well-pleased.' For a little while at least there was no forced opposition between the soul and the body, the world and the spirit, and the grace of graciousness itself was pre-eminently with the people of Christ” (Marius, ii., p. 132). εὔφημα. Exactly = our “high-toned”. (So also Ell [36].) “Was einen guten Klang hat” (Lips [37].). It is an extremely rare word. εἴ τ. ἀρετ. κ. τ. λ. “Whatever excellence there be or fit object of praise.” The suggestion of Lft [38]., “Whatever value may exist in (heathen) virtue,” etc., goes slightly beyond the natural sense, from the reader's point of view. Cf. Sayings of Jew. Fathers, chap. ii., 1, “Rabbi said, which is the right course that a man should choose for himself? Whatsoever is a pride to him that pursues it and brings him honour from men.” On the important range of meanings belonging to ἀρετή, see Dsm [39]., BS [40]., p. 90 ff. ἔπαινος, as Hort (on 1 Peter 1:7) points out, corresponds exactly to ἀρετή and implies it, including in itself the idea of moral approbation. He observes that it refers chiefly to “the inward disposition to acts as actions” (see the whole valuable note). τ. λογίζ. “Make them the subject of careful reflection.” Meditatio … praecedit: deinde sequitur opus (Calv.).

[33] Lightfoot.

[34]. Weiss.

[35] especially.

[36] Ellicott.

[37] Lipsius.

[38] Lightfoot.

[39] Deissmann (BS. = Bibelstudien, NBS. = Neue Bibelstudien).

[40] . Bibelstudien

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Expositor's Greek Testament (Nicoll)

Philippians 4:8

Old Testament

New Testament