Philippians 4:10-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content . He explains himself; it is not want that prompted his words. Literally, I learned (the verb is aorist); that is , when he became a Christian. The A.V. is verbally inaccurate in the following words, which mean literally, "In the circumstances in which I am." But the sense is the same. St. Paul is speaking of his present condition: he is content with it, though it involves all... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:11

Contentment. To be contented with one's lot is a thing to be desired; to be contented with one's self is a thing to be dreaded. Our lot is that which God has been pleased to choose for us. Our self is that character or disposition which is being daily built up by our co-operation with God's grace. I. ST . PAUL 'S DISCONTENT WITH HIMSELF . (See Philippians 2:12-14 .) It is his sense of need which aroused the desire for, and therefore secured the possession of, spiritual... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:11-12

The secret of contentment. I. CONTENTMENT IS A RARE AND PRECIOUS CHRISTIAN GRACE . It must be distinguished from spiritual self-satisfaction, which is sinful and fatal, and is concerned with our own inner condition, while true contentment has regard to our external circumstances. It must also be distinguished from the recklessness of folly and from the apathy of despair. It is a quiet restfulness in the midst of all kinds of changing events. 1 . It is rare and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound . St. Paul had experience both of sorrow and of joy, both of distress and of comfort; he knew how to bear himself in both, because his chiefest joy was "in the Lord." This abiding joy raised him above the vicissitudes of this mortal state, and gave him an αὐτάρεκια , a Christian independence, which enabled him to act becomingly both in adversity and in prosperity. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed ; literally, as R.V.,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:12-13

The difficulties of prosperity. 1 . Contentment needs to be cultivated, not only when we possess little, but likewise when we possess much. It may be thought that to be contented with plenty is an easy task. But this is not so. It is often easier to know how to be abased than to know how to abound. We may be in greater danger when our prayers are answered than when the answer is withheld. 2 . St. Paul, having learned many things, can teach us many things. Not only does he know... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me ; rather, as R.V., in him that strengtheneth me. The best manuscripts omit the word "Christ" in this place. In him. It is only in Christ, in spiritual union with him, that the Christian is αὐτάρκης , self-sufficient. His presence gives strength to do and suffer all things. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:13

Christian omnipotence. The language of faith resembles in form the language of boastful presumption. But the two are essentially dissimilar. So long as our ground of confidence is not in ourselves, but in Christ, it is no mark of humility, but rather a sign of unbelief and ingratitude, for one to make little of it. There is a legitimate boasting in Christ which is quite different from the boasting of the braggart in his own resources. "My soul will make her boast in the Lord"—this the... 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

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