Philippians 4:4-8

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

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 4:6-7

4:6-7 Do not worry about anything; but in everything with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all human thought, will stand sentinel over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the Philippians life was bound to be a worrying thing. Even to be a human being and so to be vulnerable to all the chances and the changes of this mortal life is in itself a worrying thing; and in the Early Church, to the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 4:8-9

4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things have the dignity of holiness on them, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are winsome, whatever things are fair-spoken, if there are any things which men count excellence, and if there are any things which bring men praise, think of the value of these things. Practise these things which you have teamed and received, and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. The human... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Philippians 4:8-9

In this passage Paul lays down the way of true teaching. He speaks of the things which the Philippians have learned. These are the things in which he personally instructed them. This stands for the personal interpretation of the gospel which Paul brought to them. He speaks of the things which the Philippians have received. The word is paralambanein ( Greek #3880 ) which characteristically means to accept a fixed tradition. This then stands for the accepted teaching of the Church which... 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

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

Group of Brands