Philippians 4:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Philippians 4:1-9

The apostle begins the chapter with exhortations to divers Christian duties. I. To stedfastness in our Christian profession, Phil. 4:1. It is inferred from the close of the foregoing chapter: Therefore stand fast, etc. Seeing our conversation is in heaven, and we look for the Saviour to come thence and fetch us thither, therefore let us stand fast. Note, The believing hope and prospect of eternal life should engage us to be steady, even, and constant, in our Christian course. Observe here, 1.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 4:4-5

4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord at all times. I will say it again--Rejoice! Let your gracious gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is near. Paul sets before the Philippians two great qualities of the Christian life. (i) The first is the quality of joy. "Rejoice ... I will say it again--Rejoice!" It is as if having said, "Rejoice!" there flashed into his mind a picture of all that was to come. He himself was lying in prison with almost certain death awaiting him; the Philippians were... read more

John Gill

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway - Be continually happy; but this happiness you can find only in the Lord. Genuine happiness is spiritual; as it can only come from God, so it infallibly tends to him. The apostle repeats the exhortation, to show, not only his earnestness, but also that it was God's will that it should be so, and that it was their duty as well as interest. read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 4 4.Rejoice in the Lord It is an exhortation suited to the times; for, as the condition of the pious was exceedingly troublous, and dangers threatened them on every side, it was possible that they might give way, overcome by grief or impatience. (223) Hence he enjoins it upon them, that, amidst circumstances of hostility and disturbance, they should nevertheless rejoice in the Lord, (224) as assuredly these spiritual consolations, by means of which the Lord refreshes and gladdens us,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:1-6

Genuine Churchism. "Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:1-7

Various exhortations. I. STEADFASTNESS . "Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved." As in the first chapter our performing our duties as citizens is followed by the exhortation to stand fast, so here our possession of the privileges of heavenly citizens is more formally made the ground of the same exhortation. We are to stand fast so as has been pointed out, i.e. as heavenly citizens. There might be a standing fast... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:1-9

The life of joy and peace. Celestial citizenship, "other-worldliness," as it has been called, should have a further issue than the expectation of the advent. It should have practical issues in a life of great peace and joy. It is, therefore, to such a life Paul calls his Philippian converts. Let us look at the interesting details. I. CELESTIAL CITIZENSHIP CALLS FOR UNITY AND COOPERATION IN THE WORK OF THE LORD . ( Philippians 4:1-3 .) Nothing is so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say , Rejoice; rather, as R.V., again I will say. St. Paul returns to the key-note of the Epistle, Christian joy. He writes again the same things (see Philippians 2:1 ); he will say it again, he. never wearies of repeating that holy joy is a chief Christian duty. Rejoice in the Lord; in his presence, in communion with him, and that always; for he who rejoices in the Lord, as Chrysostom says, always rejoices, even in affliction: "Sorrowful, yet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:4

Christian joy a duty. "Rejoice in the Lord." This sentence is the keynote of the Epistle. The world holds that believers have no joys. I. BELIEVERS OUGHT TO REJOICE . 1 . Because it is a commanded duty. "Rejoice in the Lord." 2 . Because , if commanded , it is provided by the Holy Spirit , for it is part of the Spirit ' s fruit. ( Galatians 5:22 .) 3 . Because joy is characteristic of the Christian. The early Christians "ate their meat with gladness... read more

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