"All the saints" probably refers to the Christians at Rome. Of these, some were employees of the imperial government. [Note: Cf. Robertson, 4:463.] Paul had already referred to the praetorian guards, some of whom had evidently become believers (Philippians 1:13). Since Philippi as a colony had close ties with Rome, it is likely that some of the Roman Christians had friends in the Philippian church. read more
This benediction is similar to Paul’s initial greeting (Philippians 1:2; cf. Philemon 1:25; Galatians 6:18). God’s bestowal of the unmerited favor and supernatural enablement of the Lord Jesus Christ on the spirits (attitudes) of the Philippians would enable them to succeed. God’s grace would enable them to do all that the apostle had exhorted them to do in this letter. We need God’s grace for this purpose too.Paul’s personal view of life lies at the center of this epistle structurally as well... read more
4Final Charge. Acknowledgement of Philippian BountyVI. Closing Exhortations (Philippians 4:1-9)§ 15. Philippians 4:1-3. With heightened feeling St. Paul resumes the vein of exhortation commenced in Philippians 3:1: Wherefore (in view of the grand hope of our calling).. so stand fast in the Lord (see Philippians 1:27)—’so,’ i.e. in ’imitating’ the Apostle and ’marking those’ of like ’walk’ (Philippians 3:17); this appeal sums up the foregoing homily. For the endearing epithets accumulated here,... read more
(21) The brethren, which are with me.—The list of those who were with St. Paul at one time or another during his imprisonment may be gathered from the Epistles to the Colossians (Colossians 4:10-15) and Philemon (Philippians 1:23-24); where see Notes. How many of these where with him at this particular time we cannot tell. They are distinguished from “all the saints”—the body of the Church in general. read more
(22) of Cæsar’s household.—The “household of Cæsar” included a multitude of persons of all ages and ranks and occupations. Dr. Lightfoot, in a very interesting excursus on this verse, remarking that these Christians of Cæsar’s household are alluded to as if well known to the Philippians, has examined the various names mentioned in Romans 16:0. (three years before this time), and finds many of them identical with names actually found in sepulchral inscriptions, as belonging to members of the... read more
(23) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.—The true reading is, be with your spirit (as in Galatians 6:18; Philemon 1:25; 2 Timothy 4:22). The reading of our version is the more ordinary form of salutation. In one form or another it is “the token in every Epistle” (2 Thessalonians 3:17). The grace given by the Spirit of God is received in “the spirit” of man, but in order that the whole man, “body, soul, and spirit, be preserved blameless to the coming of the Lord Jesus” (1... read more
Euodia and Syntyche Philippians 4:2 This is a dual biography in a nutshell. These persons are nowhere else referred to. The outline is faint enough; yet on thoughtful consideration it reveals not a few interesting facts. I. The persons here mentioned were women. They were members of the Philippian Church, which is often spoken of as a 'woman's church'. It is frequently said by way of criticism that two-thirds of the members of the entire Christian Church are of the gentler sex. But shall the... read more
Chapter 19GIFTS AND SACRIFICES.Philippians 4:10-23 (R.V).THE Apostle had urged joy. in the Lord, and a moderation visible to all men. If any one supposes that in doing so he recommended a stoical temper, insensible to the impressions of passing things, the passage which now comes before us will correct that error. It shows us how the Apostle could "rejoice in the Lord," and yet reap great satisfaction from providential incidents. "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have... read more
IV. CHRIST, THE BELIEVER’S STRENGTH, SUFFICIENT FOR ALL CIRCUMSTANCES CHAPTER 4 1. Stand fast and rejoice (Philippians 4:1-4 ) 2. Dependence on God and true heart occupation (Philippians 4:5-9 ) 3. I can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:10-13 ) 4. The fellowship of the Philippians (Philippians 4:14-20 ) 5. The greeting (Philippians 4:21-23 ) Philippians 4:1-4 And now the final testimony of the prisoner of the Lord, telling us from his own experience that Christ is sufficient... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 4:21-23
V. GREETINGS AND BENEDICTION 4:21-23Paul concluded this warm, positive epistle with some greetings and a final benediction. He did this to cement good relations with the Philippians and to point them again in closing to the Lord Jesus Christ. This closing section of the epistle balances the salutation that opened it (Philippians 1:1-2). read more