Bible Commentary

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 14. Notwithstanding ] “Again the Apostle’s nervous anxiety to clear himself interposes” (Lightfoot). We would rather call it loving care than nervous anxiety. He is tender over their feelings, as he thinks how “their deep poverty has abounded to the riches of their … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:14”

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 13. I can do all things ] More exactly, I have strength for all things; whether to do or to bear. The Latin versions, beautifully, render, omnia possum. The “all things” are, of course, not all things absolutely; he is not the Omnipotent. They are … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:13”

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 12. to be abased ] “To be low,” in resources and comforts. The word is used in classical … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:12”

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. 11. want ] Better, perhaps, need, as less extreme in meaning. The Greek word occurs elsewhere only Mar 12:44; of the great poverty of the Widow. I ] Slightly emphatic. He implies an appeal … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:11”

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 10 20. He renders loving thanks for their Alms, brought him by Epaphroditus 10. But ] The directly didactic message of the Epistle is now over, and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:10”

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 9. Those things &c.] On the apparent egotism of this appeal, see on Php 3:17. R.V. renders, somewhat better, The things &c. have doth learned &c.] Better, both learned &c. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:9”

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. 8 9. as a last spiritual entreaty, let their regenerate minds be … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:8”

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 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 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:7”

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 6. Be careful for nothing ] Better, in modern English, In nothing be anxious (R.V.). Wyclif, “be ye no thing bisie”; all the other older English versions are substantially as A.V.; Luther, Sorget … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:6”

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. 5. moderation ] R.V., “ forbearance ”; margin, “ gentleness ”; Wyclif, “ patience ”; Tyndale and Cranmer, “ softenes ”; Geneva, “ patient mynde ”; Rheims, “ modestie ”; Lat. versions, modestia; Beza, quitas; Luther, Lindigkeit. The word is full of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Philippians 4:5”