Philippians 4:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:4

Christian joy. No doubt the apostle used a common expression of parting salutation, similar to our "farewell," when he wrote the word which we translate "rejoice." But it is certain that he was not one to employ conventional language as an empty form. Old familiar words, often repeated quite thoughtlessly, were taken by him in their full original signification. So when Christ said, "Peace be with you," he uttered a familiar phrase of parting; but he breathed into it a deep meaning, and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:4-5

Rejoicing always. I. THE POSSIBILITY OF IT . The command to rejoice always appears to be one which it is impossible that we should obey. This impossibility vanishes when we remember that we are to rejoice "in the Lord." Note the frequency of this expression in this Epistle. St. Paul profoundly realizes that the Christian soul is living in a sphere not recognizable by the outward senses, but which is ever present to the eye of faith. If we are living in the Lord we can always... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:4-7

The key-note of the Epistle: holy joy, with its blessed results. I. THE DUTY OF REJOICING . 1 . The Christian should learn to rejoice always. The word "always" is emphatic. There lies the difficulty, there too lies the blessedness, of rejoicing in the Lord. It is easy to rejoice in moments of excitement, but to rejoice always , in affliction, in pain, in weariness, in disappointment, is difficult indeed. St. Paul had learned the lesson which he teaches—he rejoiced in... read more

Albert Barnes

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

Rejoice in the Lord alway - see the notes at Philippians 3:1. It is the privilege of Christians to do this, not at certain periods and at distant intervals, but at all times they may rejoice that there is a God and Saviour; they may rejoice in the character, law, and government of God - in his promises, and in communion with him. The Christian, therefore, may be, and should be, always a happy man. If everything else changes, yet the Lord does not change; if the sources of all other joy are... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philippians 4:4-7

Philippians 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord alway For, as believers in Christ, as children and heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ of the heavenly, incorruptible inheritance, and as persons assured that all things, even those that are the most distressing in appearance, shall work together for your good, you have sufficient reason for rejoicing always. And again I say, Rejoice The apostle repeats the exhortation, because the honour of Christ, and the comfort of his followers, greatly... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:1-9

4:1-23 ENCOURAGEMENT AND THANKSConcerning thoughts and conduct (4:1-9)With words of warmest friendship, Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm and not be shaken by problems that arise, whether inside the church or outside. He appeals to two women who had quarrelled to become friends again. The women had once worked with Paul, and no doubt they would be a help to the church if they were united. He asks a close friend in the church to do all he can to help these women forget their... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.In the Lord ... The type of rejoicing commanded here is possible only for the redeemed in Christ. After almost 2,000 years, the incredibly beautiful power of this letter still shines. How could such a document have been written from a prison? Surely its writer was "in the Lord Jesus Christ." read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Philippians 4:4

Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord alway:— The Apostle, in this advice, seems to have a respect to thesuffering condition in which it appears, by other passages in the Epistle, that he considered them. This is confirmed by the strain of his advice in the next verses. See ch. Philippians 2:18 Philippians 3:1. 1 Thessalonians 5:16. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:4

4. ( :-.) alway—even amidst the afflictions now distressing you ( :-). again—as he had already said, "Rejoice" (Philippians 3:1). Joy is the predominant feature of the Epistle. I say—Greek, rather, "I will say." read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Philippians 4:2-9

C. Specific duties 4:2-9This last section (Philippians 4:2-9) of the body of the epistle (Philippians 1:27 to Philippians 4:9) deals with the same two subjects as the preceding two sections, unity and steadfastness, but in more detail. Paul gave his readers specific instructions about what they should do. Unity needed restoring, and steadfastness needed encouraging. read more

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