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÷÷PHILIPPIANS 4
PHILIPPIANS 4
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Exhortations | Be United, Joyful and in Prayer | Final Appeals | Instructions | Last Advice |
| (3:17-4:1) | (3:17-4:1) | (3:17-4:1) | 4:1 | (3:17-4:1) |
| 4:2-7 | 4:2-7 | 4:2-3 | 4:2-3 | 4:2-3 |
| 4:4-7 | 4:4 | 4:4-9 | ||
| 4:5-7 | ||||
| 4:8-9 | 4:8-9 | 4:8-9 | 4:8-9 | |
| Acknowledgment of the Philippian Gift | Philippian Generosity | Thanks for the Gift | Thanks for Help Received | |
| 4:10-14 | 4:10-20 | 4:10-14 | 4:10-13 | 4:10-20 |
| 4:14-20 | ||||
| 4:15-20 | 4:15-20 | |||
| Final Greetings | Greetings and Blessing | Final Greetings | Greetings and Final Wish | |
| 4:21-23 | 4:21-23 | 4:21-22 | 4:21-22 | 4:21-22 |
| 4:23 | 4:23 | 4:23 |
READING CYCLE THREE (see
“Bible
Interpretation Seminar”)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which
means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the
light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare
your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is
the key to following the original author’s intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every
paragraph has one and only one subject.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED TEXT: 4:1
1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
4:1 “my beloved brothers” Paul combined two of the typical NT terms for believers: “beloved”
[twice] and “brothers.” This affectionate combination showed his great love for this church as is
seen in the next phrase and the parallel in Phil. 1:8.
▣ “whom I long to see“ This same strong term (epipotheō) is also used in
Phil. 1:8; 2:26; 2 Cor. 9:14.
▣ “my joy and crown” The term “crown” (stephanos) meant a victor’s crown
in an athletic contest. This same exuberance can be seen in Paul’s comments to another Macedonian
church (cf. 1 Thess. 2:19-20; 3:9). This church was the proof of Paul’s effective apostleship
(cf. 1 Cor. 9:2; 1 Thess. 2:19).
SPECIAL TOPIC: CROWNS FOR BELIEVERS
▣ “stand firm” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. This military
metaphor refers to the Christian’s ability to remain faithful amidst problems (cf. Phil. 1:27;
1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:11-14). It also relates to perseverance (see
SPECIAL
TOPIC: PERSEVERANCE), which is only possible “in the Lord” (cf. Gal. 6:9;
Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21).
This is another biblical paradox in the relationship between God’s sovereignty
and humanity’s free will (compare Ezek. 18:31 with Ezek. 36:26-27). In this verse believers are
commanded to “stand firm,” while in Jude 1:24 it is God who keeps them standing. Somehow, both are true.
SPECIAL
TOPIC: PREDESTINATION vs. HUMAN FREE WILL
SPECIAL TOPIC: EASTERN
LITERATURE (BIBLICAL PARADOXES)
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:2-3
2Urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the
Lord. 3Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4:2 “Euodia…Syntyche” Apparently, even in this loving church there is still internal
tension. This does not refer to doctrinal tension, which was mentioned in chapter 3, but to
fellowship tension of some sort. This first proper name means “a prosperous journey or success.” The
second name means “pleasant acquaintance” or “good luck.” Their names did not match their current
actions. In Macedonia women had more freedom than anywhere in the ancient Roman world
(cf. Acts 16:12-15). Sometimes freedom turns into personal preference or even license.
▣ “live in harmony in the Lord” The key to harmony is the believers’ relationship
to Christ which radically transforms their relationships with their covenant brothers and sisters.
Believers’ love for God is clearly seen in their love for one another (cf. Eph. 4:1-6; 2:1-5;
1 John 4:20-21).
| 4:3 | |
| NASB, NKJV | ”true companion” |
| NRSV | ”loyal companion” |
| TEV | ”faithful partner” |
| NJB | ”partner” |
| Peshitta | ”true yoke-fellow” |
This is often translated literally as “yoke-fellow” (cf. Arndt and
Gingrich, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, p.783). However, it
is a MASCULINE SINGULAR NOUN which, in a list of so many other names, possibly
was a proper name itself, Suzygus (cf. NJB and Moulton and Milligan, The Vocabulary
of the Greek Testament, p. 607), which would have been a play on the meaning of the name.
It is possible that this was Paul’s way of referring to Luke. The “we” sections
of Acts start and stop at Philippi. Luke may have stayed there to help the new converts and
collect the offering for the church in Jerusalem.
▣ “to help these women” This is a PRESENT MIDDLE IMPERATIVE which
literally means “take hold with.” Paul was admonishing one of the members of the Philippian
church to help these two women overcome their differences in the Lord (cf. Gal. 6:1-4).
SPECIAL TOPIC: WOMEN IN
THE BIBLE
| ▣ | |
| NASB | ”who shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel” |
| NKJV, Peshitta | ”labored with me” |
| NRSV | ”struggled beside me” |
| TEV | ”have worked hard with me” |
| NJB | ”have struggled hard” |
This term is only used here and in Phil. 1:27. It is a military or athletic
term for a “hard fight.” It is metaphorical for the intensity of gospel work. These women helped
Paul in his evangelistic mission work. Many of Paul’s helpers mentioned in Romans 16 were women.
Even missionaries have disagreements (cf. Acts 15:36-41). How they solve them as Christians is
the issue, and the witness!
▣ “Clement” This is a common name in the Roman world. This person is mentioned
nowhere else in the NT. However, Origen of Alexandria, Eusebius, and Jerome believed that
it refers to Clement of Rome who wrote a letter to the Corinthian church sometime toward the
end of the first century (A.D. 95). However, this identification seems highly
speculative.
▣ “and the rest of my fellow workers” Paul was willing to use many helpers in his
gospel work. He was no prima-donna; he apparently delegated responsibility to other men and women.
It is interesting to note in Romans 16 how many women’s names appear as helpers of Paul.
▣ “whose names are in the book of life” This may refer to the registration of the
covenant people in the OT (cf. Dan. 7:10; 12:1) which was metaphorical of God’s memory. There
are two books mentioned in Dan. 7:10 and Rev. 20:12-15:
- the book of remembrances
- the book of life
The book of remembrances includes the names and deeds of both the redeemed and
the lost (cf. Ps. 56:8; 139:16; Isa. 65:6; Mal. 3:16). The book of life includes the names
of the redeemed and can be seen in Exod. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Isa. 4:3; Dan. 12:1; Luke 10:20;
Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27. God knows those who are His. He
will reward His followers and judge the wicked (cf. Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20:11-15). In the
Greco-Roman world this term referred to the official registration of a city; if so, it might
have been another play on this city’s official status as a Roman colony (cf. Phil. 1:27; 3:20).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE
TWO BOOKS OF GOD
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
4:4 There are two PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE forms of the term “rejoice”
in Phil. 4:4. The term can be translated as a farewell, but in this context they must be
translated “rejoice” (cf. 1 Thess. 5:16). This is a major theme in Philippians.
Notice the number of times the terms “all” and “every” are used in Phil. 4:4-13
as in Phil. 1:1-8. Joy must not be linked to circumstances. The key is the believers’ relationship
to Christ (“in the Lord”).
| 4:5 | |
| NASB | ”gentle spirit“ |
| NKJV, NRSV | ”gentleness” |
| TEV | ”a gentle attitude” |
| NJB | ”good sense” |
| Peshitta | ”humility” |
This call to Christian lifestyle began in Phil. 3:1, but the discussion of
the false teachers drew Paul’s mind away until this point where he renews the emphasis. The term
itself is best translated “kind,” “gentle,” or “yielding” (cf. 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 3:2; James 3:17;
1 Pet. 2:18).
▣ “be known to all men” This verse has been interpreted in two ways:
- believers are to have this gentleness toward other believers so that those
outside the church will notice and be attracted to Christ (cf. Matt. 5:16) - this gentleness is to be applied to all people, regardless of their relationship
to the Lord, as a witness to His power in the lives of these converted pagans and
as a deterrent to unfair criticism by unbelievers (cf. Rom. 12:17; 14:18;
2 Cor. 8:21; 1 Pet. 2:12,15; 3:16)
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NRSV, NJB | ”The Lord is near” |
| NKJV, Peshitta | ”the Lord is at hand” |
| TEV | ”The Lord is coming soon” |
This word “near” is used of time (cf. Matt. 24:32,33). The Second Coming
is a recurrent theme in Philippians. This has a very similar meaning to the Aramaic word
maranatha (cf. 1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:10). The any-moment expectation of the Second
Coming was and is an encouragement to Christian living (cf. Rom. 13:12; James 5:8-9).
It is also possible that this could have referred to the Lord’s moment-by-moment
presence with believers (cf. Matt. 28:20; Rom. 10:8 and F. F. Bruce’s Answers to
Questions, p. 201).
4:6 “Be anxious for nothing” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. The church
at Philippi was under great tension, both from without and within. Anxiety is not an appropriate
characteristic for the Christian life (cf. Matt. 6:25-34 and 1 Pet. 5:7). There is nothing that
should worry believers except possibly their standing fast in the Lord and serving Him. The great
enemy of peace is anxiety.
▣ “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving” This is a key answer
to anxiety—prayer, for others and ourselves, mixed with thanksgiving. It is interesting
how often Paul uses the term “thanksgiving” in combination with prayer (cf. Eph. 5:20; Col. 4:2;
1 Thess. 5:17-18; 1 Tim. 2:1). There is an obvious contrast between “for nothing” and “in everything.”
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S
PRAISE, PRAYER, AND THANKSGIVING
▣ “Let your requests be made known to God” This a PRESENT PASSIVE IMPERATIVE.
There are several passages in the NT which emphasize that believers should persist in prayer
(cf. Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 18:2-8). Possibly, thanksgiving and perseverance are the two missing elements
in a proper theology of prayer. God knows what is needed but He desires the fellowship and trust
involved in prayer. God has limited Himself in many areas to the prayers of His children; “We have
not because we ask not” (cf. James 4:2).
SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER
4:7 “the peace of God” It is interesting that in this context the peace of God is mentioned
in Phil. 4:7 and the God who gives it is mentioned in Phil. 4:9. The first emphasizes what God
gives and the second His character. Peace is used in several different senses in the NT:
- it can be a title (cf. Isa. 9:6; Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 4:9;
1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Thess. 3:16) - it can refer to the peace of the gospel in an objective sense (cf. John 14:27; 16:33; Col. 1:20)
- it can refer to the peace of the gospel in a subjective sense (cf. Eph. 2:14-17; Col. 3:15)
Sometimes 2 and 3 are combined as in Rom. 5:1.
▣ “which surpasses all comprehension” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. It
has been interpreted in two ways:
- God’s peace is better than human reason
- God’s peace is beyond human reason
The parallel passage in Eph. 3:20 is helpful. God’s ways are beyond our ways
(cf. Isa. 55:8-9). An example of this peace that passes all human ability to understand is found
in the life of Paul in this very chapter (cf. Phil. 4:11-13). The peace of God must be unconnected
with circumstances and locked securely to the person and work of Christ.
For “surpasses” (huperechō) see
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S USE
OF HUPER COMPOUNDS
▣ “shall guard your hearts and your minds” God’s peace acts as a soldier guarding
believers. This same beautiful truth of God’s garrisoning of His children can be seen in
1 Peter 1:4, 5. The two Greek terms “heart” (kardia) and “mind” (nous) are
synonymous in speaking about the whole person (feeling and thinking). Paul emphasizes Christian
thinking throughout this letter. See note at Phil. 3:15.
▣ “in Christ Jesus” He is the key to Paul’s theology. All of God’s benefits and
blessings flow to fallen mankind through the life, teachings, death, resurrection, Second
Coming and personal union with Jesus Christ. Believers are vitally united with Him. This is
theologically synonymous with John’s “abide in me” of John 15.
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9
8Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
4:8-9 This continues the emphasis on the believer’s thought life. The rabbis saw the mind
as the seed-bed of the soul. What we think becomes who we are. These verses are much needed
in the life of the modern western church in a day of such socially accepted evil. Paul’s list is
similar to the Stoics’ lists of virtues. Paul was exposed to Greek philosophy as a citizen of Tarsus.
He even quotes several Greek writers (cf. Acts 17:28; 1 Cor. 15:37 and Titus 1:12).
SPECIAL TOPIC: VICES AND
VIRTUES IN THE NT
4:8 “Finally” See note at Phil. 3:1.
▣ “true” This is truth in contrast to falsehood, however, it is not academic truth,
but rather a lifestyle of godly living. This very term is used of God in Rom. 3:4.
SPECIAL TOPIC: TRUTH
IN PAUL’S WRITINS
▣ “honorable” This literally means “dignified.” This term is often translated “grave”
and is used for church leaders in 1 Tim. 3:8,11 and Titus 2:2. It seems to have been used in the
sense of “dignity” with “attractiveness” toward both the saved and the lost.
▣ “right” This refers to one conforming to the standard of God’s character, thereby
being a morally upright person. In the OT the Hebrew term for “right” comes from the word for
“measuring reed” and refers to God’s nature as the standard by which all humans are judged. This
does not mean that humans can be perfectly right with God on their own effort, but that God has
freely imputed the righteousness of Christ to those who believe in Him by faith Once given, God’s
character transforms the receiver!
▣ “pure” This is used in the sense of moral purity (cf. 1 John 3:3).
▣ “lovely” This term is used only here in the NT. It seems to mean “pleasing,” “amiable,”
“congenial,” or “pleasant.” This is another call for believers to live attractive lives.
| ▣ | |
| NASB | ”of good report” |
| NKJV | ”praiseworthy” |
| NRSV | ”commendable” |
| TEV | ”deserve praise” |
| NJB | ”admire” |
| Peshitta | ”good report” |
This term is used only here in the NT. It refers to that which is
“praise-worthy” or “attractive.”
▣ “if there is any excellence” The grammatical form of these
eight items used in Phil. 4:8 changes after the sixth one and becomes a FIRST CLASS
CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which was assumed to be true. The term “excellent” is used only
here in Paul’s writings and only three times in Peter’s (cf. 1 Pet. 2:9; 2 Pet. 1:3, 5). It refers
to doing something well with its accompanying prestige. It was a common word in the Greek moral
philosophers (Stoics). It is used to express goodness in its fullest practical expression.
▣ “worthy of praise” This meant “that which was approved both by God and by
man” (cf. Phil. 1:11). It refers to being socially acceptable to a culture for the purpose of
attracting people to God (cf. 1 Tim. 3:2,7,10; 5:7; 6:14).
| ▣ | |
| NASB | ”dwell on these things” |
| NKJV | ”meditate on these things” |
| NRSV, Peshitta | ”think about these things” |
| TEV | ”fill your minds with those things” |
| NJB | ”let your minds be filled with” |
This is a PRESENT MIDDLE IMPERATIVE. This commercial term
(logizomai) implies a process of calculating or reasoning that was continual and
priority. Dwell on these things so that they can shape your thinking and living
(see note at Phil. 3:15). God will do His part in the believers’ lives through grace, but
they must participate by removing those things that they know will draw their heart away from
the Lord (cf. 1 Thess. 5:21-22).
4:9 “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen” All four of these
VERBS are AORIST ACTIVE INDICATIVES. These relate to Paul’s
activities in Philippi. Both the content of believers’ theology and their lifestyle
(cf. Ezra 7:10) are crucial if believers are to reflect who the Lord is and attract others to Him.
It is interesting that the second word “received” (paralambanō)
became an official term for “received tradition” and was used in that sense by Paul in
1 Cor. 11:23; 15:3.
▣ “seen” This emphasis began in Phil. 3:17. As Paul followed Christ, believers are
to follow him.
▣ “Practice these things” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE, “keep
on practicing these things!” Do not be just hearers, but doers (cf. Luke 11:28; James 1:22). It
is very similar to the Hebrew concept, Shema (cf. Deut. 5:1; 6:4; 9:1; 20:3; 27:9-10),
which meant “to hear so as to do.” Christianity must not be turned into a creed isolated from
daily godly living.
▣ “the God of peace” As verse 7 emphasizes the peace that God gives, this verse
emphasizes the very nature of the One who gives it. This emphasis on the peace-giving God
can be seen in Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Thess. 5:23; Heb. 13:20. Jesus is called the
Lord of peace in 2 Thess. 3:16.
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:10-14
10But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
4:10 “I rejoiced” Paul is so appreciative of this church’s help (money, concern,
prayers, Epaphroditus).
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NRSV | “that now at last you have revived your concern for me” |
| NKJV | “that now at last your care for me has flourished again” |
| TEV | “after so long a time you once more had the chance of showing that you care for me” |
| NJB | “now that at last your consideration for me has blossomed again” |
At first glance this seems to be a negative statement in English. It is
very similar to the phrase found in Rom. 1:10. The term “revived” means “to bloom again.” Paul
is simply stating that they had the desire to help him but they had not had an opportunity
(IMPERFECT TENSE of both the VERB and the INFINITIVE
of Phil. 4:10b). This probably refers to a monetary gift (cf. Phil. 4:14). For a good article
see Gordon Fee, To What End Exegesis? pp. 282-289.
4:11 “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” This is
an AORIST TENSE employing a Stoic term (autarkēs). The Stoic
philosophers used this term translated “contented” as the goal of their philosophy, which
was a passionless distancing from the affairs of life, “a self-sufficiency.” Paul was not
saying that he was self-sufficient, but that he was Jesus-sufficient (“in the Lord,”
Phil. 4:10). The peace of God is not connected with circumstances, but with the person
and work of Christ. This contentment is both a Christian worldview and friendship with the
Savior. The theological concept of Christian contentment is also found in 2 Cor. 9:8;
1 Tim. 6:6,8; Heb. 13:5.
4:12 This verse has three PERFECT TENSE VERBS and six PRESENT
INFINITIVES. It is a beautiful, artistic affirmation of Paul’s trust in God’s
moment-by-moment provision “in Christ.”
▣ “I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in
prosperity” The two “I knows” are PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVES. Paul knew
about want and plenty! The first term is translated “humbled” in Phil. 2:8, where it is used
of Jesus. Here it means “less than what is needed for daily life.”
The second word means “much more than is needed for daily life.” There are two
dangers facing believers in their Christian lifestyle: poverty and wealth (cf. Pro. 30:7-9). The
danger is that with poverty one becomes discouraged with God and with wealth one becomes
self-sufficient apart from God.
▣ “prosperity. . .abundance” See
SPECIAL TOPIC: ABOUND
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NRSV, TEV | ”I have learned the secret” |
| NKJV | ”I have learned” |
| NJB | ”I have mastered the secret” |
This literally means “I have been initiated.” This is another
PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. This term is used only here in the NT. It was
used in the mystery religions for one who was initiated into their cult. Paul was asserting
that he has learned by experience and by theology that the true secret of happiness is
found in Christ, not in circumstances (cf. The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life
by Hannah Whithall Smith).
4:13 The term “Christ” found in the King James Version does not occur in this verse in
the oldest Greek manuscripts (א*, A, B, or D*).
However, the PRONOUN “Him” certainly refers to Jesus. This is the flipside
of the truth found in John 15:5. Biblical truth is often presented in tension-filled pairs.
Usually one side emphasizes God’s involvement and the other, mankind’s. This eastern method
of presenting truth is very difficult for western people to grasp. Many of the tensions
between denominations are a misunderstanding of this type of dialectical presentations of truth.
To focus on one aspect or the other is to miss the point! These isolated proof texts have
developed into systems of theology which are in fact only “half truths”!
SPECIAL
TOPIC: EASTERN LITERATURE (BIBLICAL PARADOXES)
▣ “strengthens” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, “the one who
continues to strengthen” (cf. Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:17). Believers
need to be strengthened by Christ. They also need to be strong (cf. 1 Cor. 16:13 Eph. 6:10;
2 Tim. 2:1). This is the paradoxical tension found so often in Scripture. Christianity is a
covenant; God initiates it and sets the conditions and privileges, but humans must respond
and obey and continue! These believers were under internal and external pressure from false
teachers and persecutors! As Paul was content in all circumstances, so must they be (and us, too).
4:14 These believers shared with Paul in the spreading of the gospel (cf. Phil. 1:5)
and the persecution that it brought.
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:15-20
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:15-20
15You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. 18But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
4:15,16 This has been understood to be a contradiction to 2 Cor. 11:8-9, which implies
that the other churches of Macedonia also helped Paul. However, the time element is significant.
Paul is saying that at this particular time no other church besides this church at Philippi
had helped him. Paul was very hesitant to accept financial contributions (cf. 1 Cor. 9:4-18;
2 Cor. 11:7-10; 12:13-18; 1 Thess. 2:5-9; and 2 Thess. 3:7-9).
4:15 “You yourselves also know” This is an emphatic “you” and a PERFECT ACTIVE
INDICATIVE. Paul shared himself with this church and they reciprocated.
SPECIAL
TOPIC: CHURCH (EKKLĒSIA)
| ▣ | |
| NASB, NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta | “shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving” |
| TEV | “shared my profits and losses” |
| NJB | “made common account with me in the matter of expenditure and receipts” |
There is a series of commercial terms in Phil. 4:15-18 which can be
verified and defined from the Koine Greek papyri found in Egypt and the ostraca (broken
pottery used as writing material). This first one was a banking term for an open account.
Paul was acutely aware of the problems caused by money. As a rabbi he was not
allowed to take money for his teaching. The false accusations by the factions at Corinth
reinforced his need to refuse monetary help from the churches. Paul must have felt uniquely
comfortable with this congregation.
4:17 “I seek. . .seek” This is a very strong Greek term used twice to show Paul’s
ambiguous feelings about his thanksgiving for the gift and yet his not actively seeking their
help. He realized that they would receive a blessing from God for their stewardship and
generosity in the gospel. For this he was glad.
▣ “the profit which increases to your account” This is another commercial metaphor
which refers to the interest that accrued and was deposited in another’s account. Giving to gospel
causes results in gospel blessings (cf. Phil. 4:19).
4:18 “I have received everything in full” This is another business term for a receipt
of a payment in full. Paul felt this church had done everything expected and far more. (The
use of the term “abound” or “abundance” and the PREFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE
“amply supplied”).
▣ “Epaphroditus” He was the Philippian church’s representative sent to deliver the
monetary gift and stay on to help Paul (cf. Phil. 2:25-30).
▣ “a fragrant aroma; an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” This came from
an OT metaphor of an accepted sacrifice on the altar of burnt offerings (cf. Gen. 8:21;
Exod. 29:18,25,41; Lev. 1:9,13; Ezek. 20:41). This same type of metaphor is used by Paul
in 2 Cor. 2:15 and Eph. 5:2.
The help given to Paul as a minister of the gospel is in reality given to God
and will be repaid and blessed by Him!
4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs” This is not a blank check from God! “Needs”
must be defined. This must be seen in light of the principles of spiritual giving found in
2 Corinthians 8 and 9, particularly 9:6-15. This is not a promise that can be taken out of
context and be applied to every human desire. In this context it relates to Paul’s provision
for ministry. God will always supply those who are generous givers with more to give. This does
not mean that they will have more for personal use, but more to give to gospel causes!
SPECIAL TOPIC: PRAYER,
UNLIMITED YET LIMITED
▣ “according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” It must be remembered that this
whole chapter is motivated by the work of Christ and that all that is accomplished in the
Christian life is by the help of the Lord, “in the Lord,” (cf. Phil. 4:1, 2, and 4). All of
God’s blessings come through Christ.
4:20 “to our God and Father be glory forever and ever” This is very similar to Paul’s
closing prayer in other books. The term “forever and ever” is literally “to the ages of the ages,”
which is a Greek idiom for “forever.”
SPECIAL TOPIC: PAUL’S PRAISE,
PRAYER, AND THANKSGIVING
The description of God as Father is one of the greatest truths of the Bible
(cf. Hosea 11). The family metaphors used for God (Father, Son) help humans understand His
nature and character. God accommodates Himself to human understanding by using human titles,
human analogies, and negation.
SPECIAL
TOPIC: FATHERHOOD OF GOD
▣ “Amen” is the Hebrew word for “faith” or “faithfulness” (cf. Hab. 2:4). Originally
this term was used to describe a stable stance, sure footing. It came to be used metaphorically
of someone who was faithful, stable, steadfast, dependable, trustworthy. Later it came to be
commonly used in the sense of an affirmation of a trustworthy statement.
÷PHILIPPIANS 4:21-23
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: PHILIPPIANS 4:21-23
21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
4:21-23 It is possible that this was written in Paul’s own hand which became a common
technique to verify the authenticity of his letters (cf. 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18;
2 Thess. 3:17; Philemon 1:19). This was also a common practice in the Koine Greek papyri
found in Egypt. Most of Paul’s letters were penned by a scribe (cf. Rom. 16:22).
4:21 “Greet every saint” This is the only use of the word “saint” in the NT in the
SINGULAR. It is followed in Phil. 4:22 by the PLURAL form. Even
Phil. 4:21 is used in a corporate sense. To be saved makes one a part of a family, a body, a
field, a building, a people! It is impossible to be a spiritual “lone ranger.” The gospel is
received individually but results in a collective fellowship.
Be carful of the modern western overemphasis on individual rights and freedoms.
Christianity is a corporate experience. Even well-known Reformation (Luther) slogans like
“the Priesthood of the Believer” are biblically inaccurate. The NT people of God are described
by the OT priestly phrases (cf. 1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6). But note that they are all
PLURAL, “a kingdom of priests.”
Remember, believers are individually gifted at salvation for the common good
(cf. 1 Cor. 12:7). We are saved to serve. Our modern cultural milieu has changed the biblical
focus into “what’s in it for me?” thereby turning salvation into a ticket to heaven instead of
a life of ministry. Believers are not saved so that they might exercise their freedoms nor
actualize their potential, they are saved from sin to serve God (cf. Romans 6).
4:22 “especially those of Caesar’s household” This obviously relates to servants, slaves,
and minor officials in Rome in governmental service (cf. Phil. 1:13). Paul’s gospel had even
invaded the Emperor’s own staff and would one day cause the whole pagan system to collapse.
| 4:23 | |
| NASB, NRSV, NJB | ”be with your spirit” |
| NKJV, TEV, Peshitta | ”be with you all” |
This refers to the human person. In the NT it is often very difficult to know
if the author is referring to the Holy Spirit (with a capital “S”) or the human spirit which is
motivated by the Holy Spirit (with a little “s”). In this context it is obviously a little “s.”
SPECIAL
TOPIC: SPIRIT IN THE NT
There is a manuscript variation in the Pauline closing (cf. Gal. 6:18 and
Philemon 25). Some Greek texts, אc, K, and the
Textus Receptus (NKJV), have “with you all,” which was Paul’s close in 1 Cor. 16:24;
2 Cor. 13:13; 2 Thess. 3:18 and Titus 3:15. The majority of ancient Greek papyrus and uncial
manuscripts have “with your spirit.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are
responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You,
the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this
section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
- What is the key phrase of this chapter?
- What does it mean “to stand firm”?
- What are the principles for solving disunity in a local church?
- Give the aspects of prayer that Paul mentions in verses 4-7.
- Describe in your own words the significance of verses 8 and 9 to our day.
- Is verse 10 a negative statement by Paul to chide the Philippians for not helping him?
- What is the true secret of happiness expressed in verses 11-13?
- List and explain the three commercial terms found in verses 15, 17 and 18.
- Explain how the context affects the proper interpretation of verse 19a.
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