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
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
I can do all things - From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity. His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be... read more
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
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
can do = am strong for. Greek. ischuo Compare App-172 . Christ . App-98 . but the texts read "Him". strengtheneth , Greek. endunamoo , See Acts 9:22 , read more
I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.This is a summary of what Paul had just been writing with regard to his having an inward sufficiency "in the Lord" to cope with any of life's circumstances, no matter how severe, and no matter how favorable. Paul truly felt that it was impossible for life to confront him with anything that he and the Lord could not handle! Those who think they find traces of Stoicism in Paul's attitude here know nothing, either of Stoicism or of the heart of the... read more
13. I can do all things—Greek, "I have strength for all things"; not merely "how to be abased and how to abound." After special instances he declares his universal power—how triumphantly, yet how humbly! [MEYER]. through Christ which strengtheneth me—The oldest manuscripts omit "Christ"; then translate, "In Him who giveth me power," that is, by virtue of my living union and identification with Him, who is my strength (Galatians 2:20). Compare 1 Timothy 1:12, whence probably, "Christ" was... read more
A. The recent gift 4:10-14First, Paul thanked his brethren for their recent gift that Epaphroditus had delivered to him (Philippians 4:10-14). read more
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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