(Philippians 4:4.) i. He must have felt that there was a great need for this attitude in Philippi.

iii. Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity. ii. This reflects one of the most important principles regarding giving in the Scriptures: that we are never the poorer for having given.

Thank you for registering. The peace which passes understanding is not born of wealth, or prosperity, or honour, or any of those thousand advantages, III. Cookie Notice: [Note: See Frank Minirth and Paul Meier, Happiness Is a Choice. ii. Philippians 4:8; so the Galatians are more strongly bound, because [not only Paul preached, Philippians 4:8, but] they also received or took up the Gospel which was preached. Instead of taking sides or trying to solve their problem, Paul simply told them to be of the same mind in the Lord. The disruption that was expected to be for a few weeks or a month has stretched into eight months and counting. “Probably the gift does not come to very much, if estimated in Roman coin; but he makes a great deal of it, and sits down to write a letter of thanks abounding in rich expressions like these.” (Spurgeon), ii.

Those who are of Caesar’s household: “By this he designates the functionaries and servants and slaves of the Emperor’s household, with whom Paul, as a prisoner for several years, undoubtedly came in contact on several occasions.” (Muller), ii.

(227) For unquestionably it differs from the joy of the world in this respect — that we know from experience that the joy of the world is deceptive, frail, and fading, and Christ even pronouces it to be accursed (Luke 6:25). b. Noble... just... pure... lovely... good report... virtue... praiseworthy: These, Paul would say, are the fruit and the food of the mind that is guarded by the peace of God. ], —The keynote of the epistle is again struck, and repeated with emphasis. We are slow to believe in divine forgiveness, or to expect victory where once we have been overcome. My God shall supply all your need: We shouldn’t think that the Philippians were wealthy benefactors of Paul who could easily spare the money.

He really could say, “Follow me as I follow Jesus.”.

(10-14) Paul’s perspective on the gift from the Philippians. c. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account: Paul wasn’t so much interested in the gift on his own behalf, but in the fruit that abounds to your account. Joy in the Lord is the cure for all discord.” (Spurgeon). It really was a joy in the Lord. General Epistles The timing of the return of the homeowner is unknown to the servants. He wants to know. Church buildings remained intact, but rituals and rhythms, religious habits and patterns were significantly altered (and remain so for many). These women who labored with me in the gospel is a telling phrase. a. Jesus’ insistent call for attentive living might also be read as apocalyptic pastoral care.1 Despite their dull perception, Jesus urges them: stay alert and woke. And the God of peace will be with you: If the Philippians did as Paul had instructed, not only would they have had the peace of God, but the God of peace would have also been with them.

Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Philippians 4:1-9 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: The first word in chapter 4—the Greek word hoste (so that, so then, wherefore, therefore)—connects chapter 4 to chapter 3. Major Prophets (d) So is the joy of the world distinguished from our joy.

In a matter of days, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted faith leaders and communities to abandon brick and mortar and reconvene in virtual sanctuaries.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household: This special greeting is evidence that Paul was still used by God during his Roman imprisonment, when the gospel extended even into the household of Caesar. Again I will say, rejoice! I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: Paul reminds us that his contentment was not only theoretical. “While labouring to plant the church there, he was supported partly by working with his hands, 1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9; and partly by the contributions sent him from Philippi.