1 Therefore,A rehearsal of the conclusion: that they bravely continue until they have gotten the victory, trusting in the Lord's strength.my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy andMy honour.crown, so stand fast in theIn that unification of which the Lord is the bond.Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
2 He also calls on some by name, partly because they needed private exhortation, and partly also to stir up others to be more prompt and ready.I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and [with] other my fellowlabourers, whose names [are] in theGod is said, after the manner of men, to have a book, in which the names of his elect are written, to whom he will give everlasting life. Ezekiel calls it the writing of the house of Israel, and the secret of the Lord; (Eze_13:9).book of life.
4 He adds particular exhortations: and the first is, that the joy of the Philippians should not be hindered by any afflictions that the wicked imagine and work against them.Rejoice in theSo is the joy of the world distinguished from our joy.Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
5 The second is, that taking all things in good part, they behave themselves moderately with all men.Let yourYour quiet and settled mind.moderation be known unto all men.The taking away of an objection: we must not be anxious because of impatience, seeing that God is at hand to give us help in time for all our miseries.The Lord [is] at hand.
6 The third is, that we are not too anxious for anything, but with sure confidence give God thanks, and desire from him whatever we have need of, that with a quiet conscience we may wholly and with all our hearts submit ourselves to him.Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication withSo David began very often with tears, but ended with thanksgiving.thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And theThat great quietness of mind, which God alone gives in Christ.peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep yourHe divides the mind into the heart, that is, into that part which is the seat of the will and affections, and into the higher part, by which we understand and reason about matters.hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 A general conclusion, that as they have been taught both in word and example, so they build their lives to the rule of all holiness and righteousness.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever thingsWhatever things are such that they beautify and set you apart with a holy gravity.[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.
9 Which yee haue both learned & receiued, and heard, and seene in mee: those things doe, and the God of peace shalbe with you.
10 He witnesses that their liberality was acceptable to him, with which they helped him in his extreme poverty: but yet so moderating his words, that he might declare himself void of all suspicion of dishonesty, and that he has a mind content both with prosperity and adversity, and to be short, that he rests himself only in the will of God.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.
11 Not that I speak in respect ofAs though I am speaking concerning my want.want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
12 I know both how to beHe uses a general word, and yet he speaks but of one type of cross, which is poverty, for poverty commonly brings all types of discomforts with it.abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I amThis is a metaphor taken from holy things or sacrifices, for our life is like a sacrifice.instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I am able to do al things through the helpe of Christ, which strengtheneth me.
14 Notwithstanding yee haue well done, that yee did communicate to mine affliction.
15 He witnesses that he remembers also their former benefits, and again puts away sinister suspicion of greedy desire, in that that he received nothing from anyone else.Now ye Philippians know also, that in theAt the beginning, when I preached the Gospel among you.beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16 For euen when I was in Thessalonica, yee sent once, and afterward againe for my necessitie,
17 He witnesses again that he admits well of their benefit, not so much for his own sake as for theirs, because they gave it not so much to him, as they offered it to God as a sacrifice, of which the Lord himself will not be forgetful.Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things [which were sent] from you, anHe alludes to the sweet smelling savours that were offered under the old Law.odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
19 And my God shall fulfill all your necessities through his riches with glorie in Iesus Christ.
20 Vnto God euen our Father be praise for euermore, Amen.
21 Salute all the Saintes in Christ Iesus. The brethren, which are with me, greete you.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are ofThose who belong to the emperor Nero.Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you all, Amen. Written to the Philippians from Rome, and sent by Epaphroditus.
