Philippians 4:10-13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:10

Verse 10 10But I rejoiced He now declares the gratitude of his mind towards the Philippians, that they may not regret their beneficence, (246) as is usually the case when we think that our services are despised, or are reckoned of no account. They had sent him by Epaphroditus supplies for the relief of his necessity; he declares that their present had been acceptable to him, and he says, that he rejoiced that they had plucked up new vigor so as to exercise care respecting him. The metaphor is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:11

Verse 11 11Not that I speak with respect to want Here we have a second correction, by which he guards against its being suspected that his spirit was pusillanimous and broken down by adversities. For it was of importance that his constancy and moderation should be known by the Philippians, to whom he was a pattern of life. Accordingly he declares, that he had been gratified by their liberality in such a way that he could at the same time endure want with patience. Want refers here to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:12

Verse 12 12I know both how to be abased There follows here a distinction, with the view of intimating that he has a mind adapted to bear any kind of condition. (248) Prosperity is wont to puff up the mind beyond measure, and adversity, on the other hand, to depress. From both faults he declares himself to be free. I know, says he,to be abased — that is, to endure abasement with patience. Περισσεύειν is made use of twice, but in the former instance it is employed as meaning, to excel; in the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:13

Verse 13 13I can do all things through Christ As he had boasted of things that were very great, (249) in order that this might not be attributed to pride or furnish others with occasion of foolish boasting, he adds, that it is by Christ that he is endowed with this fortitude. “I can do all things, ” says he, “but it is in Christ, not by my own power, for it is Christ that supplies me with strength.” Hence we infer, that Christ will not be less strong and invincible in us also, if, conscious of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again . St. Paul thanks the Philippian Church for the gifts brought by Epaphroditus; his expressions, so courteous and yet so dignified, bespeak, like the Epistle to Phlippians, like all his writings, the perfect gentleman in the best sense of the word. I rejoiced in the Lord ; he fulfils his own precept ( Phlippians 1:4 ). His joy rises kern the gift to the love which prompted the gift, and thence... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-13

St. Paul's happy temper. I. HIS JOY OVER THE AFFECTION OF THE PHILIPPIANS . 1 . Their loving thought for him gave him great joy. He greatly loved his converts; their love for him was, next after the blessed love of Christ, his greatest comfort and support. He rejoiced in the proof of their love; it was sweet to him; it was good for them, an evidence of their spiritual progress. 2 . He may perhaps have feared that their love was growing cold ; now he rejoiced.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-13

The secret of contentment. The apostle now turns to his personal relations with the Philippians, and commends them for their considerate and timely liberality in the times of his distress. I. THE APOSTLE 'S JOY IN THEIR LIBERALITY . "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that at length ye retired your interest in me; in which, indeed, ye did interest yourselves, but ye had no opportunity." 1 . There never was a man who more keenly appreciated Christian kindness than the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-17

Man in model aspects. "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which... 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

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