Philippians 4:8 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

8 Finally, G3063 brethren, G80 whatsoever things G3745 are G2076 true, G227 whatsoever things G3745 are honest, G4586 whatsoever things G3745 are just, G1342 whatsoever things G3745 are pure, G53 whatsoever things G3745 are lovely, G4375 whatsoever things G3745 are of good report; G2163 if there be any G1536 virtue, G703 and G2532 if there be any G1536 praise, G1868 think G3049 on these things. G5023

Cross Reference

James 3:17 STRONG

But G1161 the wisdom G4678 that is from above G509 is G2076 first G4412 pure, G3303 G53 then G1899 peaceable, G1516 gentle, G1933 and easy to be intreated, G2138 full G3324 of mercy G1656 and G2532 good G18 fruits, G2590 without partiality, G87 and G2532 without hypocrisy. G505

Titus 2:7 STRONG

In G4012 all things G3956 shewing G3930 thyself G4572 a pattern G5179 of good G2570 works: G2041 in G1722 doctrine G1319 shewing uncorruptness, G90 gravity, G4587 sincerity, G861

Romans 12:9-21 STRONG

Let love G26 be without dissimulation. G505 Abhor G655 that which is evil; G4190 cleave G2853 to that which is good. G18 Be kindly affectioned G5387 one to another G1519 G240 with brotherly love; G5360 in honour G5092 preferring G4285 one another; G240 Not G3361 slothful G3636 in business; G4710 fervent G2204 in spirit; G4151 serving G1398 the Lord; G2962 Rejoicing G5463 in hope; G1680 patient G5278 in tribulation; G2347 continuing instant G4342 in prayer; G4335 Distributing G2841 to the necessity G5532 of saints; G40 given G1377 to hospitality. G5381 Bless G2127 them which persecute G1377 you: G5209 bless, G2127 and G2532 curse G2672 not. G3361 Rejoice G5463 with G3326 them that do rejoice, G5463 and G2532 weep G2799 with G3326 them that weep. G2799 Be of the same G846 mind G5426 one toward another. G1519 G240 Mind G5426 not G3361 high things, G5308 but G235 condescend G4879 to men of low estate. G5011 Be G1096 not G3361 wise G5429 in G3844 your own conceits. G1438 Recompense G591 to no man G3367 evil G2556 for G473 evil. G2556 Provide G4306 things honest G2570 in the sight G1799 of all G3956 men. G444 If G1487 it be possible, G1415 as much as lieth in G1537 you, G5216 live peaceably G1514 with G3326 all G3956 men. G444 Dearly beloved, G27 avenge G1556 not G3361 yourselves, G1438 but G235 rather give G1325 place G5117 unto wrath: G3709 for G1063 it is written, G1125 Vengeance G1557 is mine; G1698 I G1473 will repay, G467 saith G3004 the Lord. G2962 Therefore G3767 if G1437 thine G4675 enemy G2190 hunger, G3983 feed G5595 him; G846 if G1437 he thirst, G1372 give G4222 him G846 drink: G4222 for G1063 in so G5124 doing G4160 thou shalt heap G4987 coals G440 of fire G4442 on G1909 his G846 head. G2776 Be G3528 not G3361 overcome G3528 of G5259 evil, G2556 but G235 overcome G3528 evil G2556 with G1722 good. G18

1 Timothy 4:12 STRONG

Let G2706 no man G3367 despise G2706 thy G4675 youth; G3503 but G235 be thou G1096 an example G5179 of the believers, G4103 in G1722 word, G3056 in G1722 conversation, G391 in G1722 charity, G26 in G1722 spirit, G4151 in G1722 faith, G4102 in G1722 purity. G47

2 Peter 1:3-7 STRONG

According as G5613 his G846 divine G2304 power G1411 hath given G1433 unto us G2254 all things G3956 that pertain unto G4314 life G2222 and G2532 godliness, G2150 through G1223 the knowledge G1922 of him that hath called G2564 us G2248 to G1223 glory G1391 and G2532 virtue: G703 Whereby G1223 G3739 are given G1433 unto us G2254 exceeding great G3176 and G2532 precious G5093 promises: G1862 that G2443 by G1223 these G5130 ye might be G1096 partakers G2844 of the divine G2304 nature, G5449 having escaped G668 the corruption G5356 that is in G1722 the world G2889 through G1722 lust. G1939 And G2532 G1161 beside G846 this, G5124 giving G3923 all G3956 diligence, G4710 add G2023 to G1722 your G5216 faith G4102 virtue; G703 and G1161 to G1722 virtue G703 knowledge; G1108 And G1161 to G1722 knowledge G1108 temperance; G1466 and G1161 to G1722 temperance G1466 patience; G5281 and G1161 to G1722 patience G5281 godliness; G2150 And G1161 to G1722 godliness G2150 brotherly kindness; G5360 and G1161 to G1722 brotherly kindness G5360 charity. G26

Galatians 5:22 STRONG

But G1161 the fruit G2590 of the Spirit G4151 is G2076 love, G26 joy, G5479 peace, G1515 longsuffering, G3115 gentleness, G5544 goodness, G19 faith, G4102

Titus 1:8 STRONG

But G235 a lover of hospitality, G5382 a lover of good men, G5358 sober, G4998 just, G1342 holy, G3741 temperate; G1468

2 Corinthians 8:21 STRONG

Providing G4306 for honest things, G2570 not G3756 only G3440 in the sight G1799 of the Lord, G2962 but G235 also G2532 in the sight G1799 of men. G444

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 STRONG

Prove G1381 all things; G3956 hold fast G2722 that which G3588 is good. G2570 Abstain G567 from G575 all G3956 appearance G1491 of evil. G4190

Hebrews 13:18 STRONG

Pray G4336 for G4012 us: G2257 for G1063 G3754 we trust G3982 we have G2192 a good G2570 conscience, G4893 in G1722 all things G3956 willing G2309 to live G390 honestly. G2573

1 Peter 2:12 STRONG

Having G2192 your G5216 conversation G391 honest G2570 among G1722 the Gentiles: G1484 that, G2443 whereas G1722 G3739 they speak against G2635 you G5216 as G5613 evildoers, G2555 they may G1392 by G1537 your good G2570 works, G2041 which they shall behold, G2029 glorify G1392 God G2316 in G1722 the day G2250 of visitation. G1984

1 John 3:3 STRONG

And G2532 every man G3956 that hath G2192 this G5026 hope G1680 in G1909 him G846 purifieth G48 himself, G1438 even as G2531 he G1565 is G2076 pure. G53

1 Peter 1:22 STRONG

Seeing ye have purified G48 your G5216 souls G5590 in G1722 obeying G5218 the truth G225 through G1223 the Spirit G4151 unto G1519 unfeigned G505 love of the brethren, G5360 see that ye love G25 one another G240 with G1537 a pure G2513 heart G2588 fervently: G1619

Ephesians 5:9 STRONG

(For G1063 the fruit G2590 of the Spirit G4151 is in G1722 all G3956 goodness G19 and G2532 righteousness G1343 and G2532 truth;) G225

Romans 13:13 STRONG

Let us walk G4043 honestly, G2156 as G5613 in G1722 the day; G2250 not G3361 in rioting G2970 and G2532 drunkenness, G3178 not G3361 in chambering G2845 and G2532 wantonness, G766 not G3361 in strife G2054 and G2532 envying. G2205

Proverbs 20:7 STRONG

The just H6662 man walketh H1980 in his integrity: H8537 his children H1121 are blessed H835 after H310 him.

1 Timothy 3:11 STRONG

Even so G5615 must their wives G1135 be grave, G4586 not G3361 slanderers, G1228 sober, G3524 faithful G4103 in G1722 all things. G3956

Isaiah 26:7 STRONG

The way H734 of the just H6662 is uprightness: H4339 thou, most upright, H3477 dost weigh H6424 the path H4570 of the just. H6662

2 Corinthians 13:7 STRONG

Now G1161 I pray G2172 to G4314 God G2316 that ye G5209 do G3361 G4160 no G3367 evil; G2556 not G3756 that G2443 we G2249 should appear G5316 approved, G1384 but G235 that G2443 ye G5210 should do G4160 that which is honest, G2570 though G1161 we G2249 be G5600 as G5613 reprobates. G96

Colossians 4:5 STRONG

Walk G4043 in G1722 wisdom G4678 toward G4314 them that are without, G1854 redeeming G1805 the time. G2540

Titus 2:2 STRONG

That the aged men G4246 be G1511 sober, G3524 grave, G4586 temperate, G4998 sound G5198 in faith, G4102 in charity, G26 in patience. G5281

1 Thessalonians 4:12 STRONG

That G2443 ye may walk G4043 honestly G2156 toward G4314 them that are without, G1854 and G2532 that ye may have G2192 lack G5532 of nothing. G3367

James 1:27 STRONG

Pure G2513 religion G2356 and G2532 undefiled G283 before G3844 God G2316 and G2532 the Father G3962 is G2076 this, G3778 To visit G1980 the fatherless G3737 and G2532 widows G5503 in G1722 their G846 affliction, G2347 and to keep G5083 himself G1438 unspotted G784 from G575 the world. G2889

Matthew 22:16 STRONG

And G2532 they sent out G649 unto him G846 their G846 disciples G3101 with G3326 the Herodians, G2265 saying, G3004 Master, G1320 we know G1492 that G3754 thou art G1488 true, G227 and G2532 teachest G1321 the way G3598 of God G2316 in G1722 truth, G225 G2532 neither G3756 carest G3199 thou G4671 for G4012 any G3762 man: for G1063 thou regardest G991 not G1519 G3756 the person G4383 of men. G444

1 John 3:18 STRONG

My G3450 little children, G5040 let us G25 not G3361 love G25 in word, G3056 neither G3366 in tongue; G1100 but G235 in deed G2041 and G2532 in truth. G225

1 Peter 4:8 STRONG

And G1161 above G4253 all things G3956 have G2192 fervent G1618 charity G26 among G1519 yourselves: G1438 for G3754 charity G26 shall cover G2572 the multitude G4128 of sins. G266

Titus 3:14 STRONG

And G1161 let G3129 ours G2251 also G2532 learn G3129 to maintain G4291 good G2570 works G2041 for G1519 necessary G316 uses, G5532 that G3363 they be G5600 not G3363 unfruitful. G175

Titus 2:14 STRONG

Who G3739 gave G1325 himself G1438 for G5228 us, G2257 that G2443 he might redeem G3084 us G2248 from G575 all G3956 iniquity, G458 and G2532 purify G2511 unto himself G1438 a peculiar G4041 people, G2992 zealous G2207 of good G2570 works. G2041

1 Timothy 3:7-8 STRONG

Moreover G1161 G2532 he G846 must G1163 have G2192 a good G2570 report G3141 of G575 them which are without; G1855 lest G3363 he fall G1706 into G1519 reproach G3680 and G2532 the snare G3803 of the devil. G1228 Likewise G5615 must the deacons G1249 be grave, G4586 not G3361 doubletongued, G1351 not G3361 given G4337 to much G4183 wine, G3631 not G3361 greedy of filthy lucre; G146

Romans 2:29 STRONG

But G235 he is a Jew, G2453 which is one inwardly; G1722 G2927 and G2532 circumcision G4061 is that of the heart, G2588 in G1722 the spirit, G4151 and not G3756 in the letter; G1121 whose G3739 praise G1868 is not G3756 of G1537 men, G444 but G235 of G1537 God. G2316

2 Samuel 23:3 STRONG

The God H430 of Israel H3478 said, H559 the Rock H6697 of Israel H3478 spake H1696 to me, He that ruleth H4910 over men H120 must be just, H6662 ruling H4910 in the fear H3374 of God. H430

Acts 10:22 STRONG

And G1161 they said, G2036 Cornelius G2883 the centurion, G1543 a just G1342 man, G435 and G2532 one that feareth G5399 God, G2316 and G5037 of good report G3140 among G5259 all G3650 the nation G1484 of the Jews, G2453 was warned from God G5537 by G5259 an holy G40 angel G32 to send G3343 for thee G4571 into G1519 his G846 house, G3624 and G2532 to hear G191 words G4487 of G3844 thee. G4675

2 Corinthians 6:8 STRONG

By G1223 honour G1391 and G2532 dishonour, G819 by G1223 evil report G1426 and G2532 good report: G2162 as G5613 deceivers, G4108 and G2532 yet true; G227

Acts 22:12 STRONG

And G1161 one G5100 Ananias, G367 a devout G2152 man G435 according G2596 to the law, G3551 having a good report G3140 of G5259 all G3956 the Jews G2453 which dwelt G2730 there,

Romans 13:3 STRONG

For G1063 rulers G758 are G1526 not G3756 a terror G5401 to good G18 works, G2041 but G235 to the evil. G2556 Wilt thou G2309 then G1161 not G3361 be afraid G5399 of the power? G1849 do G4160 that which is good, G18 and G2532 thou shalt have G2192 praise G1868 of G1537 the same: G846

1 Corinthians 4:5 STRONG

Therefore G5620 judge G2919 nothing G3361 G5100 before G4253 the time, G2540 until G2193 G302 the Lord G2962 come, G2064 who G3739 both G2532 will bring to light G5461 the hidden things G2927 of darkness, G4655 and G2532 will make manifest G5319 the counsels G1012 of the hearts: G2588 and G2532 then G5119 shall every man G1538 have G1096 praise G1868 of G575 God. G2316

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 STRONG

Though G1437 I speak G2980 with the tongues G1100 of men G444 and G2532 of angels, G32 and G1161 have G2192 not G3361 charity, G26 I am become G1096 as sounding G2278 brass, G5475 or G2228 a tinkling G214 cymbal. G2950 And G2532 though G1437 I have G2192 the gift of prophecy, G4394 and G2532 understand G1492 all G3956 mysteries, G3466 and G2532 all G3956 knowledge; G1108 and G2532 though G1437 I have G2192 all G3956 faith, G4102 so G5620 that I could remove G3179 mountains, G3735 and G1161 have G2192 not G3361 charity, G26 I am G1510 nothing. G3762 And G2532 though G1437 I bestow G5595 all G3956 my G3450 goods G5224 to feed G5595 the poor, and G2532 though G1437 I give G3860 my G3450 body G4983 to G2443 be burned, G2545 and G1161 have G2192 not G3361 charity, G26 it profiteth me G5623 nothing. G3762 Charity G26 suffereth long, G3114 and is kind; G5541 charity G26 envieth G2206 not; G3756 charity G26 vaunteth G4068 not G3756 itself, G4068 is G5448 not G3756 puffed up, G5448 Doth G807 not G3756 behave itself unseemly, G807 seeketh G2212 not G3756 her own, G1438 is G3947 not G3756 easily provoked, G3947 thinketh G3049 no G3756 evil; G2556 Rejoiceth G5463 not G3756 in G1909 iniquity, G93 but G1161 rejoiceth G4796 in the truth; G225 Beareth G4722 all things, G3956 believeth G4100 all things, G3956 hopeth G1679 all things, G3956 endureth G5278 all things. G3956 Charity G26 never G3763 faileth: G1601 but G1161 whether G1535 there be prophecies, G4394 they shall fail; G2673 whether G1535 there be tongues, G1100 they shall cease; G3973 whether G1535 there be knowledge, G1108 it shall vanish away. G2673 For G1063 we know G1097 in G1537 part, G3313 and G2532 we prophesy G4395 in G1537 part. G3313 But G1161 when G3752 that which is perfect G5046 is come, G2064 then G5119 that which is in G1537 part G3313 shall be done away. G2673 When G3753 I was G2252 a child, G3516 I spake G2980 as G5613 a child, G3516 I understood G5426 as G5613 a child, G3516 I thought G3049 as G5613 a child: G3516 but G1161 when G3753 I became G1096 a man, G435 I put away G2673 childish things. G3516 For G1063 now G737 we see G991 through G1223 a glass, G2072 darkly; G1722 G135 but G1161 then G5119 face G4383 to G4314 face: G4383 now G737 I know G1097 in G1537 part; G3313 but G1161 then G5119 shall I know G1921 even as G2531 also G2532 I am known. G1921 And G1161 now G3570 abideth G3306 faith, G4102 hope, G1680 charity, G26 these G5023 three; G5140 but G1161 the greatest G3187 of these G5130 is charity. G26

1 Timothy 5:10 STRONG

Well reported of G3140 for G1722 good G2570 works; G2041 if G1487 she have brought up G5044 children, if G1487 she have lodged strangers, G3580 if G1487 she have washed G3538 the saints' G40 feet, G4228 if G1487 she have relieved G1884 the afflicted, G2346 if G1487 she have diligently followed G1872 every G3956 good G18 work. G2041

1 Timothy 3:4 STRONG

One that ruleth G4291 well G2573 his own G2398 house, G3624 having G2192 his children G5043 in G1722 subjection G5292 with G3326 all G3956 gravity; G4587

1 Timothy 2:2 STRONG

For G5228 kings, G935 and G2532 for all G3956 that are G5607 in G1722 authority; G5247 that G2443 we may lead G1236 a quiet G2263 and G2532 peaceable G2272 life G979 in G1722 all G3956 godliness G2150 and G2532 honesty. G4587

Philippians 3:1 STRONG

Finally, G3063 my G3450 brethren, G80 rejoice G5463 in G1722 the Lord. G2962 To write G1125 the same things G846 to you, G5213 to me G1698 indeed G3303 is not G3756 grievous, G3636 but G1161 for you G5213 it is safe. G804

Ephesians 6:14 STRONG

Stand G2476 therefore, G3767 having G4024 your G5216 loins G3751 girt about G4024 with G1722 truth, G225 and G2532 having on G1746 the breastplate G2382 of righteousness; G1343

2 Corinthians 8:18 STRONG

And G1161 we have sent G4842 with G3326 him G846 the brother, G80 whose G3739 praise G1868 is in G1722 the gospel G2098 throughout G1223 all G3956 the churches; G1577

Commentary on Philippians 4 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 4

Php 4:1-23. Exhortations: Thanks for the Supply from Philippi: Greeting; and Closing Benediction.

1. "Wherefore"; since we have such a glorious hope (Php 3:20, 21).

dearly beloved—repeated again at the close of the verse, implying that his great love to them should be a motive to their obedience.

longed for—"yearned after" in your absence (Php 1:8).

crown—in the day of the Lord (Php 2:16; 1Th 2:19).

so—as I have admonished you.

stand fast—(Php 1:27).

2. Euodia and Syntyche were two women who seem to have been at variance; probably deaconesses of the church. He repeats, "I beseech," as if he would admonish each separately, and with the utmost impartiality.

in the Lord—the true element of Christian union; for those "in the Lord" by faith to be at variance, is an utter inconsistency.

3. And—Greek, "Yea."

true yoke-fellow—yoked with me in the same Gospel yoke (Mt 11:29, 30; compare 1Ti 5:17, 18). Either Timothy, Silas (Ac 15:40; 16:19, at Philippi), or the chief bishop of Philippi. Or else the Greek, "Sunzugus," or "Synzygus," is a proper name: "Who art truly, as thy name means, a yoke-fellow." Certainly not Paul's wife, as 1Co 9:5 implies he had none.

help those women—rather, as Greek, "help them," namely, Euodia and Syntyche. "Co-operate with them" [Birks]; or as Alford, "Help in the work of their reconciliation."

which laboured with me—"inasmuch as they labored with me." At Philippi, women were the first hearers of the Gospel, and Lydia the first convert. It is a coincidence which marks genuineness, that in this Epistle alone, special instructions are given to women who labored with Paul in the Gospel. In selecting the first teachers, those first converted would naturally be fixed on. Euodia and Syntyche were doubtless two of "the women who resorted to the riverside, where prayer was wont to be made" (Ac 16:13), and being early converted, would naturally take an active part in teaching other women called at a later period; of course not in public preaching, but in a less prominent sphere (1Ti 2:11, 12).

Clement—bishop of Rome shortly after the death of Peter and Paul. His Epistle from the Church of Rome to the Church of Corinth is extant. It makes no mention of the supremacy of the See of Peter. He was the most eminent of the apostolical fathers. Alford thinks that the Clement here was a Philippian, and not necessarily Clement, bishop of Rome. But Origen [Commentary, John 1:29] identifies the Clement here with the bishop of Rome.

in the book of life—the register-book of those whose "citizenship is in heaven" (Lu 10:20; Php 3:20). Anciently, free cities had a roll book containing the names of all those having the right of citizenship (compare Ex 32:32; Ps 69:28; Eze 13:9; Da 12:1; Re 20:12; 21:27).

4. (Isa 61:10.)

alway—even amidst the afflictions now distressing you (Php 1:28-30).

again—as he had already said, "Rejoice" (Php 3:1). Joy is the predominant feature of the Epistle.

I say—Greek, rather, "I will say."

5. moderation—from a Greek root, "to yield," whence yieldingness [Trench]; or from a root, "it is fitting," whence "reasonableness of dealing" [Alford], that considerateness for others, not urging one's own rights to the uttermost, but waiving a part, and thereby rectifying the injustices of justice. The archetype of this grace is God, who presses not the strictness of His law against us as we deserve (Ps 130:3, 4); though having exacted the fullest payment for us from our Divine Surety. There are included in "moderation," candor and kindliness. Joy in the Lord raises us above rigorism towards others (Php 4:5), and carefulness (Php 4:6) as to one's own affairs. Sadness produces morose harshness towards others, and a troublesome spirit in ourselves.

Let … be known—that is, in your conduct to others, let nothing inconsistent with "moderation" be seen. Not a precept to make a display of moderation. Let this grace "be known" to men in acts; let "your requests be made to God" in word (Php 4:6).

unto all men—even to the "perverse" (Php 2:15), that so ye may win them. Exercise "forbearance" even to your persecutors. None is so ungracious as not to be kindly to someone, from some motive or another, on some occasion; the believer is to be so "unto all men" at all times.

The Lord is at hand—The Lord's coming again speedily is the grand motive to every Christian grace (Jas 5:8, 9). Harshness to others (the opposite of "moderation") would be taking into our own hands prematurely the prerogatives of judging, which belongs to the Lord alone (1Co 4:5); and so provoking God to judge us by the strict letter of the law (Jas 2:12, 13).

6. Translate, "Be anxious about nothing." Care and prayer are as mutually opposed as fire and water [Bengel].

by prayer and supplication—Greek, "by the prayer and the supplication" appropriate to each case [Alford]. Prayer for blessings; and the general term. Supplication, to avert ills; a special term, suppliant entreaty (see on Eph 6:18).

thanksgiving—for every event, prosperity and affliction alike (1Th 5:18; Jas 5:13). The Philippians might remember Paul's example at Philippi when in the innermost prison (Ac 16:25). Thanksgiving gives effect to prayer (2Ch 20:21), and frees from anxious carefulness by making all God's dealings matter for praise, not merely for resignation, much less murmuring. "Peace" is the companion of "thanksgiving" (Php 4:7; Col 3:15).

let your requests be made known unto God—with generous, filial, unreserved confidence; not keeping aught back, as too great, or else too small, to bring before God, though you might feel so as to your fellow men. So Jacob, when fearing Esau (Ge 32:9-12); Hezekiah fearing Sennacherib (2Ki 19:14; Ps 37:5).

7. And—The inseparable consequence of thus laying everything before God in "prayer with thanksgiving."

peace—the dispeller of "anxious care" (Php 4:6).

of God—coming from God, and resting in God (Joh 14:27; 16:33; Col 3:15).

passeth—surpasseth, or exceedeth, all man's notional powers of understanding its full blessedness (1Co 2:9, 10; Eph 3:20; compare Pr 3:17).

shall keep—rather, "shall guard"; shall keep as a well-garrisoned stronghold (Isa 26:1, 3). The same Greek verb is used in 1Pe 1:5. There shall be peace secure within, whatever outward troubles may besiege.

hearts and minds—rather, "hearts (the seat of the thoughts) and thoughts" or purposes.

through—rather as Greek, "in Christ Jesus." It is in Christ that we are "kept" or "guarded" secure.

8. Summary of all his exhortations as to relative duties, whether as children or parents, husbands or wives, friends, neighbors, men in the intercourse of the world, &c.

true—sincere, in words.

honest—Old English for "seemly," namely, in action; literally, grave, dignified.

just—towards others.

pure—"chaste," in relation to ourselves.

lovely—lovable (compare Mr 10:21; Lu 7:4, 5).

of good report—referring to the absent (Php 1:27); as "lovely" refers to what is lovable face to face.

if there be any virtue—"whatever virtue there is" [Alford]. "Virtue," the standing word in heathen ethics, is found once only in Paul's Epistles, and once in Peter's (2Pe 1:5); and this in uses different from those in heathen authors. It is a term rather earthly and human, as compared with the names of the spiritual graces which Christianity imparts; hence the rarity of its occurrence in the New Testament. Piety and true morality are inseparable. Piety is love with its face towards God; morality is love with its face towards man. Despise not anything that is good in itself; only let it keep its due place.

praise—whatever is praiseworthy; not that Christians should make man's praise their aim (compare Joh 12:43); but they should live so as to deserve men's praise.

think on—have a continual regard to, so as to "do" these things (Php 4:9) whenever the occasion arises.

9. both—rather, "The things also which ye have learned … these practice"; the things which besides recommending them in words, have been also recommended by my example, carry into practice.

heard—though ye have not yet sufficiently "received" them.

seen—though ye have not as yet sufficiently "learned" them [Bengel].

and—"and then," as the necessary result (Php 4:7). Not only "the peace of God," but "the God of peace" Himself "shall be with you."

10. But—transitional conjunction. But "now" to pass to another subject.

in the Lord—He views everything with reference to Christ.

at the last—"at last"; implying he was expecting their gift, not from a selfish view, but as a "fruit" of their faith, and to "abound" to their account (Php 4:11, 17). Though long in coming, owing to Epaphroditus' sickness and other delays, he does not imply their gift was too late.

your care … hath flourished again—Greek, "Ye have flourished again (revived, as trees sprouting forth again in spring) in your care for me."

wherein ye were also careful—in respect to which (revival, namely, the sending of a supply to me) "ye were also (all along) careful, but ye lacked opportunity"; whether from want of means or want of a messenger. Your "lack of service" (Php 2:30), was owing to your having "lacked opportunity."

11. I have learned—The I in Greek is emphatical. I leave it to others if they will, to be discontented. I, for my part, have learned, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the dealings of Providence (Heb 5:8), to be content in every state.

content—The Greek, literally expresses "independent of others, and having sufficiency in one's self." But Christianity has raised the term above the haughty self-sufficiency of the heathen Stoic to the contentment of the Christian, whose sufficiency is not in self, but in God (2Co 3:5; 1Ti 6:6, 8; Heb 13:5; compare Jer 2:36; 45:5).

12. abased—in low circumstances (2Co 4:8; 6:9, 10).

everywhere—rather, "in each, and in all things" [Alford].

instructed—in the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world.

13. I can do all things—Greek, "I have strength for all things"; not merely "how to be abased and how to abound." After special instances he declares his universal power—how triumphantly, yet how humbly! [Meyer].

through Christ which strengtheneth me—The oldest manuscripts omit "Christ"; then translate, "In Him who giveth me power," that is, by virtue of my living union and identification with Him, who is my strength (Ga 2:20). Compare 1Ti 1:12, whence probably, "Christ" was inserted here by transcribers.

14. He here guards against their thinking from what he has just said, that he makes light of their bounty.

ye did communicate with my affliction—that is, ye made yourselves sharers with me in my present affliction, namely, by sympathy; of which sympathy your contribution is the proof.

15. Now—"Moreover." Arrange as Greek, "Ye also know (as well as I do myself)."

in the beginning of the gospel—dating from the Philippian Christian era; at the first preaching of the Gospel at Philippi.

when I departed from Macedonia—(Ac 17:14). The Philippians had followed Paul with their bounty when he left Macedonia and came to Corinth. 2Co 11:8, 9 thus accords with the passage here, the dates assigned to the donation in both Epistles agreeing; namely, "in the beginning of the Gospel" here, and there, at the time of his first visit to Corinth [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ]. However, the supply meant here is not that which he received at Corinth, but the supply sent to him when "in Thessalonica, once and again" (Php 4:16), [Alford].

as concerning giving and receiving—In the account between us, "the giving" was all on your part; "the receiving" all on mine.

ye only—We are not to wait for others in a good work, saying, "I will do so, when others do it." We must go forward, though alone.

16. even in Thessalonica—"even" as early as when I had got no further than Thessalonica, ye sent me supplies for my necessities more than once.

17. a gift—Greek, "the gift." Translate, "It is not that I seek after the gift, but I do seek after the fruit that aboundeth to your account"; what I do seek is your spiritual good, in the abounding of fruits of your faith which shall be put down to your account, against the day of reward (Heb 6:10).

18. But—Though "the gift" is not what I chiefly "seek after" (Php 4:17), yet I am grateful for the gift, and hereby acknowledge it as ample for all my needs. Translate, "I have all" that I want, "and more than enough." Literally, as English Version, "I abound" over and above my needs.

I am full—Greek, "I am filled full."

the odour of a sweet smell—(See on Eph 5:2). The figure is drawn from the sweet-smelling incense which was burnt along with the sacrifices; their gift being in faith was not so much to Paul, as to God (Mt 25:40), before whom it "came up for a memorial" (Ac 10:4), sweet-smelling in God's presence (Ge 8:21; Re 8:3, 4).

sacrifice acceptable—(Heb 13:16).

19. my—Paul calls God here "my God," to imply that God would reward their bounty to His servant, by "fully supplying" (translate so, literally, fill to the full) their every "need" (2Co 9:8), even as they had "fully" supplied his "need" (Php 4:16, 18). My Master will fully repay you; I cannot. The Philippians invested their bounty well since it got them such a glorious return.

according to his riches—The measure of His supply to you will be the immeasurable "riches of His grace" (Eph 1:7).

in glory—These words belong to the whole sentence. "Glory" is the element in which His rich grace operates; and it will be the element IN which He will "supply fully all your need."

by Christ Jesus—by virtue of your being "IN" (so Greek, not "by") Christ Jesus, the Giver and Mediator of all spiritual blessings.

20. God and our Father—Translate, "Unto our God and Father."

be glory—rather as the Greek, "be the glory." Not to us, but to Him be "the glory" alike of your gift, and of His gracious recompense to you.

21. Salute every saint—individually.

greet—salute you.

The brethren which are with me—Perhaps Jewish believers are meant (Ac 28:21). I think Php 2:20 precludes our thinking of "closer friends," "colleagues in the ministry" [Alford]; he had only one close friend with him, namely, Timothy.

22. they that are of Cæsar's household—the slaves and dependents of Nero who had been probably converted through Paul's teaching while he was a prisoner in the Prætorian barrack attached to the palace. Philippi was a Roman "colony," hence there might arise a tie between the citizens of the mother city and those of the colony; especially between those of both cities who were Christians, converted as many of them were by the same apostle, and under like circumstances, he having been imprisoned at Philippi, as he now is at Rome.

23. (Ga 6:18).

be with you all. Amen—The oldest manuscripts read, "Be with your spirit," and omit "Amen."