Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:7-8

Divine peace. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." These words direct attention to the highest good in the universe—peace; highest because it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true . He repeats the "finally" of Philippians 2:1 , He again and again prepares to close his Epistle, but cannot at once bid farewell to his beloved Philippians. He urges them to fill their thoughts with things good and holy. Christ is the Truth: all that is true comes from him; the false, the vain, is of the earth, earthy. Perhaps the verb ( ἐστίν ) may be emphatic. Sceptics may deny the existence of absolute truth; men may scoffingly ask,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

Subjects for Christian study. The gospel does more than hold out a refuge to the guilty; it takes all who accept Christ under its supreme and exclusive direction. Therefore, in his parting words to his converts, the last counsel of the apostle is of a beautifully practical character: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are venerable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

The contemplation of goodness. I. OUR MINDS SHOULD BE OCCUPIED WITH THE CONTEMPLATION OF GOOD THINGS . 1 . It is not enough that our deeds are pure, our thoughts must be pure also, 2 . Good thoughts spring from the study of good things. We cannot touch pitch and remain undefiled. But the consideration of worthy characters and actions will insensibly fill our minds with a kindred spirit. This fact. should govern our choice of literature, friends, scenes,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

Exhortation to cultivate habits of holy thought. I. THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNING THE THOUGHTS . 1 . The thoughts are an index of the character. The current of thought seems ever changeful, dependent on the varying circumstances of the passing hour. It may be so within certain limits; but in truth its general direction is determined by the character. The thoughts run in channels worn for them By the oft-repeated actions which form our habits, good or bad. If the peace of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

Categories of morality. Conclusion announced. "Finally, brethren." This is his second attempt to conclude. In the usual form he intimates that all he has to say, in addition to what he has already said, he is now to state shortly. In other Epistles Paul gives a considerable place to ordinary morality, including the relative duties. He does not deem it necessary (there being no urgency) to write at length to the Philippians upon this subject. He only puts it into his conclusion, where... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

Meditation and action. Having insisted on the duties of prayer and thanksgiving and the reward which accompanies them, St. Paul proceeds to point out the need of meditation on all that is of God, and of practically living out the God-like life upon earth. To such also is attached a special reward. I. THE NEED OF MEDITATION . This is. universal. All persons meditate on that which is to them of absorbing interest. By meditation the stock of our ideas is increased and a mental... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do . St. Paul turns from contemplation to practical life: they must translate into action the lessons which they received from him. The verbs are aorists and refer to the time when he was among them. He taught not by word only, but by living example; they saw in him when present, and heard of him when he was absent, a pattern of the Christian life. And the God of peace shall be with you . God dwells with... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

The apostle himself an example to believers. "Those things, which ye both learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." I. THE APOSTLE 'S PRECEPTS . "Learned and received." The reference is to his oral teaching, which included all the principles out of which these graces or virtues take their origin and growth. II. THE APOSTLE 'S EXAMPLE . As set before them in what they heard of him when absent, and in what they saw of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

The transmission of the knowledge of Christ. "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." This verse is supposed by some to close the letter. The remaining verses are considered to be the postscript in which the apostle gracefully acknowledges the generous contributions he had received from them through the hands of Epaphroditus. The text directs attention to the transmission of the knowledge of Christ.... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:7-8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:8-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:9

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