Bible Commentaries

So stand fast; as those whose citizenship is in heaven, and who have the glorious hopes just named.

Euodias, and-Syntyche; two Christian women at Philippi.

In the Lord; in love to him and efforts to promote his cause. Differences among Christians, especially in religious matters, are a great hinderance to the gospel, and should as soon as practicable be healed.

True yoke-fellow; a person whose name and office are to us unknown. The words may possibly be addressed to Epaphroditus, the bearer of the epistle, whom, as present, he does not think it necessary to name.

Labored with me; not in preaching-as public teachers-but in ways appropriate to women, exerting their influence to promote the success of the gospel. Pious women may do much to promote the cause of Christ, and in a way which shall furnish increasing evidence that God has enrolled their names among the heirs of heaven.

Moderation; mildness, especially towards opposers.

The Lord is at hand; to deliver you, and punish your persecutors. The shortness and uncertainty of time should moderate our desire for earthly things, and lead us so to use them, that in the account we must soon give, the Judge may say, "Well done, good and faithful servants; enter ye into the joy of your Lord."

Careful; anxious, solicitous.

The peace of God; that which he gives, and like that which he enjoys. John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3.

Shall keep; in a state of joyous composure and security. The original word means, keep as a military watch. Habitual affectionate communion with God, asking him for all good which is needed, praising him for all that is received, and trusting him for future supplies, prevents anxious cares, inspires peace, calmness, and composure, and furnishes a delight surpassing all finite comprehension.

Honest; honorable and worthy of being respected.

Any virtue-praise; any thing truly virtuous or praiseworthy.

Think on these things; attend to and practise them. Professors of religion should be careful never to falsify their word, or be mean or dishonorable, unjust, impure, or unamiable; but conscientiously and habitually to practise whatever deserves to be respected and is praiseworthy.

Your care of me; in sending him assistance.

Ye were-careful; ready to assist, but had not opportunity.

Not-in respect of want; his necessities were not the reason of his mentioning this subject. Compare verse Philippians 4:17.

To be abased; to be destitute.

To abound; to have an abundance.

Instructed; literally, initiated, as into something of which the world at large is ignorant. God has taught me to bear prosperity with meekness, and adversity with contentment.

Do all things; to which he was in duty called.

In the beginning of the gospel; when he first preached it to them.

Communicated with me; by sending him relief.

Not because I desire a gift; he did not make this suggestion merely or principally for his own sake.

Fruit; the fruit of your Christian liberality, as something set to your account in heaven to be graciously rewarded.

None need neglect any known duty, or be discontented and unhappy in any condition of life. Let them trust in the Lord and do good to all as they have opportunity, especially to his people for his sake, and he will support them, and supply all their wants-not according to the narrowness, weakness, and unworthiness of their conceptions, but according to the riches of his grace in Christ Jesus.

They that are of Cesar’s household; persons attached to the emperor’s household, who had been converted by the labors of Paul or his associates.