Philippians 1:4

“always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy”

“Always in every”: “Note his use of always, every, and for you all. These expressions suggest the ‘overflowings of. full heart'” (Jackson p. 23). Paul practiced what he preached (1 Thessalonians 5:16; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 12:12 “devoted to prayer”). “Supplication”:. petition, request or prayer. “On behalf of you all”: Even though this church was "sound" and had caused him. tremendous amount of joy; spiritual needs always exist. There were imperfections (Philippians 1:9-11; Philippians 2:2; Philippians 4:2) and dangers (Philippians 3:2). In addition, Paul prayed for all and not just. certain group of friends. As one writer said concerning Paul, “He hates cliques or unnecessary dissensions (cf. 1 Peter 4:2 and see also 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 11:21)” (Hendriksen p. 46). “Paul knowing what the Philippians have need of--unity, humility, mutual concern----prays for them. The Philippians, on the other hand, knowing what Paul needs--release from prison-prays for him (Philippians 1:19). There exists then between the apostle and his beloved congregation. mutual understanding and affection, which prompts each to plead that God will meet the particular needs of the other. Intercession indeed is the fundamental response of love within the brotherhood of believers” (Hawthorne p. 17). “With joy”: “In contrast to many other churches, the Philippian church gave Paul almost unmixed joy as he contemplated it. Evidently it harbored neither such subversive teaching as had earlier found its way into the churches of Galatia nor such ethical libertinism as was defended by some members of the Corinthian church” (Bruce p. 31). “Often he prayed for his brethren with deep grief and tears, but not so for this devoted church”. [Note:. A Commentary on the New Testament Epistles. 'Philippians'. David Lipscomb p. 157.] Even though Paul was under arrest, he could always find something for which to be grateful. Unfortunately, many of us allow life's little disappointments (which Paul had Philippians 1:15) to overshadow the real spiritual successes that surround us. What was "wrong" with the church, did not occupy the sum-total of Paul's thoughts.