THE EPISTLE
OF
PAUL THE APOSTLE
TO THE
PHILIPPIANS

Philippians 4

1Paul calleth to stedfastness in Christ, 2and after some particular admonitions, 3exhorteth generally to religious joy, 5moderation, 6trust in God with prayer, 8and to every branch of moral goodness. 10He testifieth his joy in the care shewn by the Philippians for his supply in prison, though being always content he was above want; 15and commendeth their former liberality to him, not for his own sake, but for the good that would redound to them from it. 18He acknowledgeth the receipt of their late bounty, assuring them that God would both accept and reward it. 20He giveth glory to God, and concludeth with salutations, and a blessing.


1THEREFORE,1 my brethren 2dearly beloved and longed for, 3my joy 4anda crown, 5so 6stand fast 7in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

1 Namely, seeing our civil deportment is in the heavens, and there such glory in body and soul is prepared for us by Christ, as is declared at the close of the previous chapter, to which these words have reference.

2 Gr. much desired, that is, whom I love with great desire and inclination of heart, and whom I long much after. See Philip. 1:8.

3 That is, which give me cause to joy and rejoice for your faith and christian conduct.

4 That is, an honor and ornament of my ministry by which you are converted unto Christ. As such a virtuous woman is called a crown of her husband, Prov. 12:4, and godly children the crown of their parents, Prov. 17:6; 1 Thes. 2:19; Rev. 3:11.

a 1 Thes. 2:19.

5 Namely, as you have done thus far. Or, as I have now instructed you.

6 That is, continue steadfast. A similitude taken from soldiers, who give no place nor flee in battle, but continue standing. See 1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 5:1; Eph. 6:11; Col. 4:12; 2 Thes. 2:15.

7 That is, in the faith and obedience of the Lord Christ, Or, by the power of the Lord.

2I beseech 8Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the 9same mind 10in the Lord.

8 These two women, as appears from what follows, were members of the congregation of the Philippians, and had done much good for the advance of the Gospel, but there was some misunderstanding and strife arisen between them, which was offensive and hurtful to the congregation.

9 Namely, not only concerning doctrine, but also concerning the inclination of their minds. See Philip. 2:2; 3:16.

10 That is, with such an holy unity as the Lord commands us, and which is acceptable unto Him.

3And I intreat thee also, 11true 12yokefellow, 13help 14those women which 15laboured with me in the gospel, 16with Clement also, and with other my 17fellowlabourers, 18whose names 19areb20in the book of life.

11 See of this word in Philip. 2:20, (naturally); 1 Tim. 1:2; Titus 1:3.

12 Or, companion. The Greek word signifies one who draws one yoke together with another. Whereby is not understood Paul’s wife, as some have thought; for, it is certain that Paul was not married when he wrote the first epistle to the Corinthians, as appears, 1 Cor. 7:7, and we read nowhere, neither is it probable that he was married afterwards. Also the Greek language will not bear well that this should be spoken of a woman. But hereby is understood someone of the teachers in the congregation of the Philippians, who faithfully bare and drew the yoke of the ministry of the Gospel with the apostle, as he elsewhere calls such an one his fellow soldier, Philip. 2:25; Philemon verse 2. A similitude taken from two oxen which draw together one yoke, see 2 Cor. 6:14.

13 Namely, to bring them again to unity.

14 Namely, who were mentioned previously.

15 This must be understood, not that they preached the Gospel openly with Paul, for, this the apostle forbids women, 1 Cor. 14:34, 35; 1 Tim. 2:12, but that they in particular steadfastly endured much adversity and tribulation, for the confession of the doctrine of the Gospel. The apostle here uses a similitude taken from those who strive for a prize, see 2 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 10:32.

16 This may be joined either with the word help, or, with the word laboured. Whether this Clement was afterwards an overseer of the congregation of Rome, is uncertain.

17 Namely, in the work of the ministry of the Gospel. See Rom. 16:3, 9, 21; Philip. 2:25; Philemon verses 1, 24.

18 The apostle speaks this of them who are his fellow laborers according to the judgment of charity, 1 Cor. 13:7.

19 Namely, written, a similitude taken from the registration of citizens or soldiers in a register, to know them, and to account them for true citizens or soldiers.

b Exod. 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Rev. 3:5; 20:12; 21:27.

20 That is, in the register of them who are elected to eternal life, whereby is understood God’s decree of eternal election. See Exod. 32:32, 33; Luke 10:20; Rev. 3:5; 17:8; 20:12, 15.

421Rejoicec in the Lord 22alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

21 See Rom. 12:12; 2 Cor. 13:11; Philip. 3:1.

c 1 Thes. 5:16.

22 Namely, not only in time of prosperity, but also in adversity and tribulation, which are a blessing to the Christians, James 1:2. See Philip. 2:17, 18.

5Let your 23moderation be known unto all men. 24Thed Lord is at hand.

23 Or, equity, reasonableness, which is a special, excellent and necessary virtue, when one does not stand upon the utmost right, but yields and, as it were, gives place to his neighbor for peace and edification, as much as God’s Word and a good conscience may allow. See Rom. 15:1, 2; 1 Cor. 9:19; 2 Tim. 2:24; Titus 3:2.

24 That is, is everywhere with us, and hears and sees all our words and deeds. Or, near in respect of His coming to judgment, when we must give an account of all our words and deeds, James 5:9.

d 1 Cor. 10:11; Heb. 10:25.

625Be carefule for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let 26your requests 27be made known unto God.

25 Namely, with fearful anxiety, proceeding from distrust of God’s providence, Mat. 6:25. Otherwise the faithful ought to take care also for their own, 1 Tim. 5:8.

e Psalm 55:22; Mat. 6:25; 1 Tim. 6:8, 17; 1 Peter 5:7.

26 That is, the things which you desire and request.

27 This is spoken after the manner of men; for, otherwise God knows of Himself all our need and wants better than we ourselves. See Mat. 6:32.

7Andf28the peace of God, 29which passeth all understanding, shall 30keep your hearts and 31minds through Christ Jesus.

f John 14:27; Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:14.

28 See of this peace Rom. 5:1; 14:17.

29 That is, which is such a great and excellent good, that it cannot be comprehended by any human understanding, much less uttered by the tongues of men.

30 The Greek word signifies to keep something with a guard or garrison against the enemies, see 1 Peter 1:5.

31 Or, your thoughts.

8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are 32honest,g whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are 33pure,h whatsoever things are 34lovely, 35whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue,i and if there be any praise, 36think on these things.

32 Or, decent, respectable.

g Rom. 13:13.

33 Or, chaste.

h 1 Thes. 4:3, 4, 5.

34 Or, friendly.

35 Or, whatsoever sounds well, of which they speak well.

i goodness*

36 Namely, to propose and to follow after it with a serious purpose and diligence.

937Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and 38the God of peace 39shall be with you.

37 Here the apostle declares in greater detail what he had previously exhorted in general, that they should imitate him, Philip. 3:27.

38 See Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thes. 5:23.

39 Namely, with His gracious presence, assistance and blessing.

10But I rejoiced 40in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care 41ofj me hath 42flourished again; wherein ye were also 43careful, but ye lacked 44opportunity.

40 See verse 4.

41 That is, on my necessity in these bonds. Or, to take care for me.

j 2 Cor. 11:9.

42 Gr. are become growing again, or, have become sprouting. A similitude taken from the trees, which in winter seem to be dead, and do bud and become green again towards the summer.

43 Namely, before this, although you have not sent it.

44 Namely, to send the gift over to me conveniently.

11Not that I speak 45in respect of want: for I 46havek learned, 47in whatsoever state I am, therewith 48to be content.

45 That is, as if I must have suffered or could not suffer.

46 Namely, out of God’s Word as well as by experience and exercise.

k 1 Tim. 6:6.

47 That is, with those things which I have, although they be few and sober. Or, with what I am.

48 That is, to be satisfied and acquiesced. See of this virtue 1 Tim. 6:6; Heb. 13:5.

1249I know both how to be 50abased,l and I know how to 51abound: every where and in all things I am 52instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

49 That is, I have learned, as before.

50 Namely, by poverty and want, and to be content therein.

l 1 Cor. 4:11; 2 Cor. 11:27.

51 That is, having abundance of maintenance, (and) how to use it aright.

52 The apostle uses here a Greek word which properly signifies: to be initiated in the mysteries of any religion, which were not revealed to every man; and means thereby that he fully understands and has learned this thing.

1353I can do 54all things through Christ which 55strengtheneth me.

53 This he adds that he may not seem to ascribe this virtue to himself and to his own abilities.

54 Namely, all the foresaid and such like things.

55 Namely, by the grace and the working of His Holy Spirit, without which we can neither think nor do anything that is good, John 15:5; 2 Cor. 3:5; Philip. 1:29; 2:13.

14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did 56communicate 57with my affliction.

56 That is, have taken it to heart as if it concerned yourselves, Heb. 13:3. Or, have also communicated unto me in the same.

57 Namely, which I here suffer in bonds, want and poverty.

15Nowm ye Philippians know also, that 58in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated 59with me as 60concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

m 2 Cor. 11:9.

58 That is, from that time onwards when I have preached the Gospel among you for the first time.

59 Or, had communion with me in reckoning, etc. Namely, whether it be for mine own use, or to deliver to other poor congregations.

60 A similitude from faithful stewards or merchants, who diligently set down in their books of account what and from whom they receive anything, what they paid out, and for what it was spend, to keep and to be able to give a good account.

16For even in 61Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

61 See of this city, and the apostle’s abode in it in Acts 17.

17Not because I 62desire a gift: but I desire 63fruit that may abound 64to your account.

62 That is, not as if I was so eager for the gifts which you sent me.

63 That is, that your faith may be abundantly shown by such fruits. Or, that you may richly obtain the fruit and recompense of this your liberality.

64 That is, that I may, as it were, set down in my book of account, that I have received this of you. He alludes here also to the previous similitude.

18But I have 65all, and 66abound: 67I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, 68ann odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

65 Namely, what you have sent unto me, as is declared afterwards.

66 That is, more than enough for my maintenance, in order that you need not send anymore, as the following words, I am full, also imply.

67 That is, have enough and abundant.

68 Gr. a savor of fragrance. The apostle alludes here to the peace offerings of the Old Testament, which were types of our spiritual peace offerings in the New Testament, amongst which are also the works of liberality towards the ministers of the Word and the poor, which he declares by this description to be very acceptable to the Lord, to stir them up thereunto more and more. See Heb. 13:16.

n Heb. 13:16.

19But 69my God shall 70supply 71all your need 72according to his riches 73in glory 74by Christ Jesus

69 Namely, in Whom I believe and Whom I serve in His congregation.

70 That is, give you abundantly.

71 That is, all that you need and have want of for your sustentation.

72 Namely, seeing all the goods of this world belong to Him, Psalm 24:1; 1 Cor. 10:26. Or, according to the riches of His bounty, Eph. 2:4.

73 That is, very gloriously and liberally.

74 Gr. in Christ Jesus.

20Now unto God and our 75Father be glory 76for ever and ever. Amen.

75 That is, Who is become our Father through Christ, and we His children, to whom He is Fatherly minded, and for whom He shall provide in a Fatherly manner, Mat. 6:32; John 20:17.

76 Gr. unto ages of ages.

21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are 77with me greet you.

77 Namely, here at Rome.

22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are 78of Cæsar’s household.

78 Gr. out of, that is, some who serve him in the court of the emperor Nero, and are of his household. See Philip. 1:13.

2379The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

79 See Gal. 6:18.