Philippians 4:2-13 NIV

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway ,.... This is a repetition of the exhortation in the preceding chapter; See Gill on Phlippians 3:1 ; with this addition "alway"; for there is always cause and matter for rejoicing in Christ, even in times of affliction, distress, and persecution; since he is always the same; his grace is always sufficient; his blood has a continual virtue in it, and always speaks for peace and pardon; his righteousness is an everlasting one, and so is his salvation, and such is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:5

Let your moderation be known unto all men ,.... The Vulgate Latin reads, "your modesty". The Syriac and Arabic versions, "your meekness", or "humility"; graces which accompany moderation, and are very necessary to it, but not that itself. The Ethiopic version renders it, "your authority", which by no means agrees; for moderation lies not in exerting authority and power to the uttermost, at least with rigour, but in showing clemency and lenity; not dealing with men according to the severity... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing ,.... This must be understood not in the most extensive sense, but with a limitation and restriction. There are many things that saints are to be careful for, as men and Christians; they are to be careful of their bodies, as well as of their souls; of the health of them, which is to be preserved by all lawful means, and not exposed to unnecessary danger; and for their families, to provide things honest for them, proper food and raiment, and the necessaries of life; for... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God which passeth all understanding ,.... Not that peace which God calls his people to among themselves in their effectual calling; and which he requires of them to cultivate and maintain; and which he encourages in them by the promise of his gracious presence among them; and which indeed he is the author of, and therefore is so called, Colossians 3:15 ; and which may be said to surpass or exceed all speculative knowledge, and understanding; for the one puffs up and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true ,.... To close all with respect to the duties of Christianity incumbent on the professors of it, the apostle exhorts to a regard to everything that is true; that is agreeable to the Scriptures of truth, to the Gospel the word of truth, or to the law and light of nature; and whatever was really so, even among the very Heathens, in opposition to falsehood, lying, and hypocrisy whatsoever things are honest ; in the sight of men; or grave, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:9

These things which ye have both learned ,.... Meaning from himself, in a doctrinal way: and received ; not only into their heads but hearts, had embraced cordially, with great affection, in the love thereof, as well as given a full assent to: and heard ; either publicly or privately, from the pulpit, or in conversation; or had heard of him when absent, or from him when present: and seen in me : in his life and conversation, which were well known, and were a pattern to them that... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly ,.... The apostle proceeds to the last part of this epistle, and to take notice of the present which these Philippians had sent him, on account of which this his rejoicing was; and which was not small but great, and was not of a carnal but spiritual kind; it was a joy in the Holy Ghost, which is opposed to meats and drinks, and earthly enjoyments; it was a joy in the Lord; "in our Lord", as the Syriac version renders it; it was not so much on account of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want ,.... Either of want of will in them; of their slowness and backwardness in their care of him, postponing him to others, caring for him last of all; this gave him no uneasiness, he did not take it ill, knowing and owning himself to be less than the least of all saints: or of his own want before this present came; and his sense is, that he did not express himself with so much joy, because of the penury and distress he was in before the things came to him... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased ,.... Or "humbled"; to be treated with indignity and contempt, to be trampled upon by man, to suffer hardships and distress, to be in a very mean and low condition, to work with his own hands, and minister to his own and the necessities of others in that way; yea, to be in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, and have no certain dwelling place; and he knew how to behave under all this; not to be depressed and cast down, or to fret, repine, and murmur: and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things ,.... Which must not be understood in the greatest latitude, and without any limitation; for the apostle was not omnipotent, either in himself, or by the power of Christ; nor could he do all things that Christ could do; but it must be restrained to the subject matter treated of: the sense is, that he could be content in every state, and could know how to behave himself in adversity and prosperity, amidst both poverty and plenty; yea, it may be extended to all the duties... read more

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:7

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:9

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:10

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:11

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:12

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:13

Group of Brands