Philippians 4 - Introduction

From particular admonitions he proceedeth to general exhortations: shewing how he rejoiced at their liberality towards him lying in prison, not so much for the supply of his wants, as for the grace of God in them: and so concludeth with prayer and salutations.

Anno Domini 62.

TO the foregoing condemnation of the doctrines and practices of the Judaizers, the Apostle,astheapplicationofhis discourse, subjoined, in the beginning of this chapter, an exhortation to the Philippians, to stand firm in the belief of the doctrine of Christ, and in the constant practice of his precepts.

In what follows, St. Paul proceeds to a new subject. Euodias and Syntyche, two Christian women of note at Philippi, having differed on some points of doctrine, or practice, the Apostle besought them to lay aside their disputes, and be united to each other in affection, Philippians 4:2.—And to bring about their reconciliation, he requested a person in Philippi, whom he calls his true yoke-fellow, to help them to compose their differences; because they were sincere in the belief of the gospel, and had formerly assisted himself and Clement, and other faithful preachers, in the work of Christ, Philippians 4:3.—Next, he gave the Philippians directions concerning their temper and conduct as Christians. They were to cherish spiritual joy, moderation, freedom from anxious cares, and to be often employed in prayer, Philippians 4:4.—All these graces and virtues they were to practise, according as they had learned them from him, and had seen them exemplified in him, Philippians 4:8.—Then, in very delicate terms, he thanked the Philippians for their affection to him, expressed by the care that they had taken to supply his wants, Philippians 4:10.—But lest, from the warmth of his gratitude, they might fancy that he had been out of measure distressed with his poverty, he told them, that the want of the necessaries of life was not an evil insupportable to him; for he had learned in every state to be content; and was able to bear all sorts of distress, through Jesus Christ, Philippians 4:11.—yet he commended them for attending to his state, Philippians 4:14.—and told them that he accepted their present the more willingly, because they were the only church that he had received any thing from while he preached in Macedonia, Philippians 4:15.—From which they would see, that he was not covetous of gifts; and that he received their present only because he sought from them pious actions, as the fruit of his labours among them, which, in the end, would abound to their own advantage, Philippians 4:17.—Knowing, however, that it would give them joy, he told them that, though their liberal gift sent by Epaphroditus, henow had every thing he wished, and was filled with comfort, Philippians 4:18.—Withal, to encourage them in such good works, he assured them that God would supplyall their wants abundantly, Philippians 4:19.—In which persuasion he addressed a short doxology to God, Philippians 4:20.

The Apostle having, in this handsome manner, thanked the Philippian church for their present, he desired the bishops and deacons to salute every saint at Philippi in his name, and sent them the salutation of the brethren, who were with him at the writing of this letter, Philippians 4:21.—adding, that all the saints in Rome saluted them, but chiefly they of Caesar's household, Philippians 4:22.: for the gospel being made known in the palace by means of the Apostle's bonds, chap. Philippians 1:12 it had made such an impression on some of the emperor's domestics, that they embraced and professed the Christian faith. Having, therefore, friends in the palace, the Apostle hoped to be released through their good offices, under the blessing of God, chap. Philippians 1:25 Philippians 2:24. Nor was he disappointed in his expectation; for, after having been confined two years, he was set at liberty.—St. Paul concluded this Epistle as usual, with his apostolical benediction, sealed with an Amen, to shew his sincerity in all the things that he had written, Philippians 4:23.