Philippians 4:8-20

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:20

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever . Amen ; rather, with R.V., unto our God and Father be the glory. The thought of God's present mercies, and the hope of glory to come mentioned in the last verse, suggest the doxology. Observe, St. Paul says , "our God and Father" here. He said, "my God" in Philippians 4:19 , where he was speaking of the reward which God would give for kindness shown to himself; but now "our God," as the one Object of praise and worship from... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren - As for what remains - τὸ λοιπὸν to loipon - or as a final counsel or exhortation.Whatsoever things are true - In this exhortation the apostle assumes that there were certain things admitted to be true, and pure, and good, in the world, which had not been directly revealed, or which were commonly regarded as such by the people of the world, and his object is to show them that such things ought to be exhibited by the Christian. Everything that was honest and just toward God... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:9

Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do - That is, what you have witnessed in me, and what you have learned of me, and what you have heard about me, practice yourselves. Paul refers them to his uniform conduct - to all that they had seen, and known, and heard of him, as that which it was proper for them to imitate. The same thing, substantially, he urges in Philippians 3:17; see the notes at that verse. It could have been only the consciousness of a... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly - The favor which Paul had received, and for which he felt so much gratitude, had been received of the Philippians; but he regarded “the Lord” as the source of it, and rejoiced in it as the expression of his kindness. The effect was to lead his heart with cheerfulness and joy up to God.That now at the last - After so long a time. The reason why he had not before received the favor, was not neglect or inattention on their part, but the difficulty of having... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want - Though Paul was doubtless often in circumstances of necessity, yet he did not make these remarks on that account. In his journeys, in his imprisonments, he could not but be at times in want; but be had learned to bear all this; and that which most impressed itself on his mind was the interest which the church ought to show in the cause of religion, and the evidence which it would thus furnish of attachment to the cause. As to his own personal trials, he had... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased - To be in circumstances of want.And I know how to abound - To have an abundance. lie had been in circumstances where he had an ample supply for all his needs, and knew what it was to have enough. It requires as much grace to keep the heart right in prosperity, as it does in adversity, and perhaps more. Adversity, of itself, does something to keep the mind in a right state; prosperity does nothing.Everywhere and in all things - In all my travels and imprisonments,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things - From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity. His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:14

Notwithstanding, ye have well done - Though he had learned the grace of contentment, and though he knew that Christ could enable him to do all things, it was well for them to show sympathy for his sufferings; for it evinced a proper regard for a benefactor and an apostle.Ye did communicate - You took part with my affliction. That is, you sympathized with me, and assisted me in bearing it. The relief which they had sent, not only supplied his wants, but it sustained him by the certainty that he... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:15

In the beginning of the gospel - “At the time when I first preached the gospel to you; or when the gospel began its benign influence on your hearts.”When I departed from Macedonia - See Acts 17:14. The last place that Paul visited in Macedonia, at that time, was Berea. There a tumult was excited by the Jews, and it was necessary for him to go away. He left Macedonia to go to Athens; and left it in haste, amidst scenes of persecution, and when he needed sympathizing aid. At that time, as well as... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:16

For even in Thessalonica; - see the notes, Acts 17:1. Paul remained there long enough to establish a flourishing church. He met, indeed, with much opposition and persecution there; and, hence, it was necessary that his wants should be supplied by others. read more

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