Philippians 4:5

Let your moderation be known— Let your meekness, &c.—The Lord is nigh you. Both the parts of this verse shew, that St. Paul considers the Philippians in a state of persecution. Gentleness, or meekness, (which is the import of the original (το επιεικες),) was peculiarly suited hereto; and the Lord's being at hand, was a proper motive to excite them to bear their sufferings with such temper. And as the adversaries against whom, at least principally, he encourages them, were the Jews, or Judaizing converts, the Lord's being at hand may well enough be interpreted, of the overthrow which the Lord would suddenly bring upon the Jews; which, by the destruction of the temple, and the abolishing the greater part of the Jewish service, would, in a manner, put an end to their contest, as well as be a signal vengeance taken on the most virulent enemies of the Christian cause.