Philippians 4:11

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

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philippians 4:11-14

Philippians 4:11-14. Not that I speak in respect of want As if he had said, I do not speak thus feelingly of the renewal of your care because I was unhappy in poverty; for I have learned From God, he only can teach this; in whatever state I am In whatever circumstances God is pleased to place me, whether in plenty or want, in honour or reproach, in health or sickness, ease or pain; therewith to be content Joyfully and thankfully patient. Nothing less is Christian contentment. We may... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

Thanks for the Philippians’ gifts (4:10-23)The Philippians thought constantly of Paul’s needs, but were not able to send anything to him in his imprisonment until now. Paul’s joy at receiving this gift is not because he has a greedy desire for money, because he has long ago learnt to be satisfied with whatever he has. His contentment comes not through money or possessions, but through the assurance that Christ enables him to meet every situation (10-13).Paul repeats that his pleasure is not... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philippians 4:11

Not. App-105 , in respect of . App-104 . want . Greek husteresis. Only here and Mark 12:44 . have. Omit, content . Greek. autarkes Only here. Compare 1 Timothy 6:6 read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.Not that I speak in respect of want ... This statement has elicited two opinions of scholars: (1) "Paul uses the word content (a moment later) in the sense of his being independent of circumstances; but his all-sufficient resources are by the grace of Christ who lives in him."[28] (2) Sir William M. Ramsay believed that Paul had inherited, or otherwise come into possession of, a large sum of... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Philippians 4:11

Philippians 4:11. Not that I speak in respect of want— Nor do I speak upon the account of my want. He had told them, in the verse before, that he rejoiced greatly in the revival of their care for him; and here he presents their mistaking the true cause of his joy. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:11

11. I have learned—The I in Greek is emphatical. I leave it to others if they will, to be discontented. I, for my part, have learned, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, and the dealings of Providence ( :-), to be content in every state. content—The Greek, literally expresses "independent of others, and having sufficiency in one's self." But Christianity has raised the term above the haughty self-sufficiency of the heathen Stoic to the contentment of the Christian, whose sufficiency is not in... read more

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