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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:19

Verse 19 19My God will supply Some read impleat — in the optative — May he supply. (258) While I do not reject this reading, I approve more of the other. He expressly makes mention of God as his, because he owns and acknowledges as done to himself whatever kindness is shewn to his servants. They had therefore been truly sowing in the Lord’s field, from which a sure and abundant harvest might be expected. Nor does he promise them merely a reward in the future life, but even in respect of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:20

Verse 20 20Now to our God and Father This may be taken as a general thanksgiving, by which he closes the epistle; or it may be viewed as bearing more particularly upon the last clause in reference to the liberality shewn to Paul. (259) For in respect of the assistance which the Philippians had afforded him, it became him to reckon himself indebted to them for it in such a manner as to acknowledge, that this aid had been afforded to them by the mercy of God. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-20

Paul thanks the Philippians for their contribution. There is noticeable throughout mingled dignity and delicacy. He is careful on the one hand to maintain his independence, and on the other hand to show his sense of their kindness. I. THE REVIVED THOUGHT SHOWN IN THEIR CONTRIBUTION . "But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity." The occurrence was associated in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

The art of Divine contentment. The Philippians, having sent by Epaphroditus certain love-tokens to the apostle, must have a receipt from the magnanimous receiver. Most likely they were not of much intrinsic value, but Paul's great heart rejoices over them and calls them "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice well-pleasing unto God." At the same time, he lets them know that he could have been content without these love-tokens, though he is delighted with them; for he has learned the lesson... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:14-19

Almsgiving a part of Christian life and worship. I. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THOSE who GIVE AND THOSE WHO RECEIVE ALMS IS ONE OF COMMUNION . ( Philippians 4:15 .) It is a mistake to suppose that the benefit of almsgiving is all on the side of the recipients. They who possess, possess in order that they may show their brotherhood with those who possess not. To receive is just as much an act of brotherhood as to give. Never regard the bestowing of alms as an act... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:14-20

The sympathy of the Philippians with St. Paul. I. THEIR GIFTS . 1 . They had fellowship with him in his affliction. They made it their own; they showed the reality of their sympathy by their gifts. They were themselves in a great trial of afflictions, in deep poverty. They did not make their afflictions or their poverty an excuse for not aiding the apostle; they assisted him again and again. They did well, he says. Christian sympathy is a beautiful thing; it sweetens the cup of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need ; rather, as R.V., every need of yours, My God ; the pronoun is emphatic, as in Philippians 1:3 . God will accept your offerings as made to him; you have supplied my need, he will supply every need of yours. According to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus . Not by ; it should be "in Christ Jesus." The reward is given to his saints through union with him: "Beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, they are changed into the same image... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:19

The true source of supply in spiritual need. The apostle seems to say, "You have supplied all my wants; my God shall supply all yours in turn." Consider— I. THE AUTHOR OF SUPPLY . "My God shall supply all your need." 1 . The expressions , " my God ," seems to say that what the apostle had found him to be in all his wants , his converts would be sure to find him , likewise. "My God," 2 . The expression , implies , not merely God ' s ability and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:19

A full supply. The Philippians had "sent once and again unto" St. Paul's need (Verse 16). In return the apostle assures them that the recompense which is beyond his power will be made for him by his God, who will supply all their need. We are most enriched when we most sacrifice ourselves ( Proverbs 11:24 ). What we give to the work of Christ we shall receive back with far more than the worth of our offerings. I, WE ALL HAVE GREAT NEEDS THAT ONLY GOD CAN FULFIL .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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