Philippians 4 - Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions of the Bible

Bible Comments
  • Philippians 4:1-9 open_in_new

    Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

    It is a great joy to a minister, as it was to the apostle Paul, to have converts; but that joy is greatly diminished when they do not stand fast: then, indeed, every supposed joy becomes a sorrow, and instead of the roses which yield a sweet perfume to the Lord's servant, thorns begin to prick and wound his heart.

    Philippians 4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

    Only two women, and we do not know who they were; yet Paul gives them a «beseech» each: «I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.» If there are only two of the most obscure sisters in the church who are quarrelling, their differences ought to be brought to an end at once. There should be no disagreements amongst Christians, love should reign, peace should predominate. If there is anything contrary to such a state as that, God grant that it may soon be brought to an end!

    Philippians 4:3. And I entreat thee also, true yoke fellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

    Brother, do all the good you can to help everybody else to do good. Help those whose names are in the book of life, even if they are not known anywhere else. Also help the «Clement» whose name is known; be sure to help him; indeed, help everybody. There is an office, in the Church of Christ, which we do not sufficiently recognize; but which ought to be abundantly filled. Paul mentions it in writing to the Corinthians. He says, «And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.» It is the office of certain Christians to be «helps.» May we always have many such «helps» amongst us! Did you ever notice that, almost every time that Bartholomew is mentioned in Scripture, we read, «and Bartholomew»? He is never spoken of alone; but it is written, «Philip, and Bartholomew,» or «Bartholomew, and Matthew.» It is good to have some Bartholomews who are always helping somebody else, so that, when there is any good work to be done, Bartholomew is always ready to share in it; for he shall also have a part in the reward at the last.

    Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

    The very word «rejoice,» seems to imply a reduplication; it is joy, and re-joy, joy over again; but here, you see, it is a fourfold rejoicing; joy, and re-joy; and again I say, joy, and re-joy; and this is to be the Christian's continual experience, for the apostle says, «Rejoice in the Lord always.»

    Philippians 4:5-6. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

    Have no care, but much prayer. Prayer is the cure for care. If you are in trouble, «Let your requests be made known,» not to your neighbors, but «unto God.»

    Philippians 4:7-8. 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.

    Be on the side of everything that is good and right, everything that helps on true human progress, everything that increases virtue and purity. As a Christian man, take an interest in everything that helps to make men true, honest, just, pure, and lovely.

    Philippians 4:9. 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.

    May the Lord fulfill that gracious word to all of us, «The God of peace shall be with you»! Amen.

    This exposition consisted of readings from 1 John 4:1 and Philippians 4:1-9.

  • Philippians 4:1-21 open_in_new

    Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the lord, my dearly beloved.

    Paul had a very warm affection for the church at Philippi. You remember how that church was established,-first with the baptized household of Lydia, and afterwards with the baptized household of the jailer. These saints at Philippi were in a special sense Paul's spiritual children, they were very generous and kind to him and his heart was very warm with love to them, so he called them, «my brethren dearly beloved,» and then again, «my dearly beloved.»

    Philippians 4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

    These two women had fallen out with one another, they evidently differed upon some question or other so that they were not «of the same mind in the Lord,» and Paul thought it so important that there should be perfect unity and love in the church at Philippi, as well as everywhere else, that he besought these two women, of whom we know nothing else, that they would be «of the same mind in the Lord.» Notice that he beseeches each of them in exactly the same way: «I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche.» He has a «beseech» for each of them. Perhaps, if he had written, «I beseech Euodias and Syntyche,» the latter lady might have fancied that he was not quite so earnest about her as he was about Euodias so he puts it, «I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.» Have any of you fallen out, my dear friends? I do not know of any of you who have done so, but if you have, I say to all you, men or women, «I beseech you, that you be of the same mind in the Lord.» There is nothing like perfect unity in a Christian church; if there is even a little division, it will grow to something much worse by-and-by; so I beseech you «be of the same mind in the Lord.»

    Philippians 4:3. And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow,-

    Their minister,-

    Philippians 4:3. Help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life?

    They helped me, and they have helped you, so help them with encouraging words and in every other way that you can.

    Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always:

    Not only now and then, on high days and holiday, have a time of joy, but «rejoice in the Lord always.»

    Philippians 4:4. And again I say, Rejoice.

    He had said this before, as you will see in the first verse of the third chapter, which begins, «Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord;» now he writes it again, and repeats it in the same verse: «Rejoice. Rejoice.» It is so important that believers should be full of joy that Paul writes three times over in a short space, «Rejoice in the Lord;» «Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.»

    Philippians 4:5. Let your moderation be known unto all men.

    Be men who are God-governed, because God governs those who run to excess in nothing. Some go to excess in one way, and some in another; but all excess is to be avoided: «Let your moderation be known unto all men.»

    Philippians 4:5-6. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing;

    This is not a good translation of the original, it does not convey the sense of the Greek, it should to, «Be anxious for nothing.» Of course you ought to be careful about everything. You cannot be too careful, but you never ought to be care-full, you must care to be right with God, yet you must not be filled with care about anything. «Be anxious for nothing.» Do not fret, do not worry, do not make other people miserable by your fretting and fuming and fueling.

    Philippians 4:6. But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests to made known unto God

    Ah! this is the way to find the cure for all your anxieties; take all your trouble to God with a prayer and with a song. Do not go without either the thanksgiving or the prayer; but bear your burden at once to God, and ask him to bear it for you.

    Philippians 4:7-8. 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.

    If anything is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, be you on that side. A Christian is on the side of everything that makes for purity, chastity, and honesty, that is for the good of men and the glory of God. Whenever anyone is making out a list of those who will fight for everything that is right and good, every Christian should say to the man with the ink-horn, «Set down my name, sir.»

    Philippians 4:9-10. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall to with you, But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

    You see that Paul did not really mean, «Be careful for nothing,» for he says here that there Philippians had cared for him, and he praises them for being careful of him. They had lovingly thought of him who was their spiritual father, and when they knew that he was shut up as a prisoner in Rome, and suffering want, they took care to send something to relieve and cheer him.

    Philippians 4:11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

    «I have been initiated»-for that is the word,-«among those who are content with such things as they have.»

    Philippians 4:12-13. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    «I can be poor, or I can have abundance, if you send it to me, but these things make no real difference to me. I have been made invulnerable either to suffering or to abundance.» Blessed is the man who has got as far as that; it is a wonderful work of grace when a man can truly say this.

    Philippians 4:14-15. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

    I should not wonder if it was Lydia who was at the bottom of that giving and receiving, and perhaps the jailer also; they were evidently thoughtful and grateful people. They remembered the apostle's sufferings and wants and did all they could to help and cheer him.

    Philippians 4:16-17. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

    He did not look at it as merely something that would ease him, but he looked at it as a token of gratitude for the spiritual blessings they had received through him. It showed that they loved the gospel which he preached, and that they also loved him for having been blessed by God to their souls; and this cheered and delighted him. But, to show that he was not asking for more, he says:

    Philippians 4:18. But I have all, and abound: I am full,

    I do not suppose that it amounted to much, but it was all that the apostle needed, and so he says to them, «I have all, and abound: I am full,»-

    Philippians 4:18-19. Having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

    I am sure that, when they read this verse, they all felt glad that they had had a share in the subscription to relieve the apostle's wants.

    Philippians 4:20-21. Now unto God and our Father to glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.

    «Give them all my love; and tell them how grateful I am to them.»

    Philippians 4:21-22. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

    Exposed to the greatest perils, and yet brave to confess Christ. They may have been nothing but poor kitchen-maids, or they may have been among the Praetorian guards who watched and guarded the palace and the prisoners, but they must have their title set down in the letter, «chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.»

    Philippians 4:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

    This exposition consisted of readings from 2 Kings 4:1-7; and Philippians 4:1.

  • Philippians 4:1-22 open_in_new

    Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, do stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

    You know that the church at Philippi was very dear to the apostle's heart. He could never forget the time when he and Silas prayed with the women at the river side, and afterwards prayed and sang praises unto God in the prison, when the prisoners heard them. Lydia and her household and the Philippian jailor were among the first fruits of Paul's work at Philippi, and there was always a very intimate love between him and the members of the church in that place. They cared for him, and he cared for them. Twice in this one verse he speaks of them as his «dearly beloved.» He says that he «longed for them, longed to come and see them face to face, longed that they might be happy in the Lord to the very highest degree. So he says, «my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy.» It was such a joy to him even to think of them as his spiritual children and especially to see after what a godly and generous fashion they behaved themselves. Yes, and he calls them his «crown» a garland which he had won in spiritual wrestling. The Christian man's converts are his joy here, and they will be his crown for ever in glory. Paul bade these Philippians «stand fast in the Lord.» It looks a very simple thing to stand fast; but they who try to do it know how difficult a task it is.

    Philippians 4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

    Only two women who had fallen out with one another; but the apostle is so anxious for perfect unity that he puts in a «beseech» for each of them. He does not say which was right and which was wrong; but he would have them «of the same mind in the Lord.» Little differences, even between obscure members of the church, may hinder the work of the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit is like a dove, and doves love quiet places, they do not come where there is noise and strife. Oh, let us cultivate love towards one another; and if in anything we have disagreed at any time, let us think that we hear Paul saying tonight, «I beseech Euodias, and I beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.» Make it up, my sisters, make it up, my brothers, whatever the quarrel is, end it, and «be of the same mind in the Lord.» Bought with the same precious blood, robed in the same perfect righteousness, on the way to the same heaven, «be of the same mind in the Lord.»

    Philippians 4:3. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help these women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose name, are in the book of life.

    We do not know who this «true yokefellow» was. Very likely it was Epaphroditus, who carried this epistle to Philippi. Whoever it was, it was someone who had worked with Paul shoulder to shoulder. If two bullocks bear the same yoke, and yet do not agree, they make it very uncomfortable for one another. If one tries to lie down, and the other wants to stand up, or if one goes faster than the other, the yoke becomes doubly galling. Paul speaks of somebody here as having been his «true yokefellow»; and he says to him, «Help those women which laboured with me in the gospel.» What an eminent place women have ever held in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ and here Paul speaks of them as labouring with him in the gospel! Surely, Lydia must have been one of these. «With Clement also, and with other my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.» According to some learned commentators, a man's name may be in the book of life for a time; but it may be removed. If their teaching is true, that book will be very much scratched and blotted. I thank God that I do not believe in any such book as that. If the Lord Jesus Christ has written my name in the book of life, in the great family register of the redeemed, I defy all the devils of hell ever to get it erased.

    Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

    If you ever rejoice in the Lord, you may always rejoice in the Lord, for he is always the same, and always gracious. There is as much reason for rejoicing in God at one time as at another, since he never changes.

    Philippians 4:5. Let your moderation be known unto all men.

    The word «moderation», in the Greek, is a very difficult word to translate into English. It does not mean moderation in the sense in which some people use the word, for they make it, as I think, almost an accursed one. «Let your moderation» your gentleness, your willingness, your forbearance «be known unto all men.» That is what it means. Do not push your own rights too far; stop short of what you might fairly demand and when you feel, at any time, a little vehement in temper, check yourself hold yourself in, bear and forbear. Go not as far as you may, nor even as far as some think that you ought, in defending your own rights; let your gentleness, your yieldingness, be known unto all men.

    Philippians 4:5. The Lord is at hand.

    Christ is coming; why do you put yourself out? The Lord is near you to help you; why are you so excessively anxious? Why are you so carried away with the present temporary trial? «The Lord is at hand.»

    Philippians 4:6. Be careful for nothing;

    Be anxiously careful for nothing; sing, with Faber,

    «I have no cares, O blessed Lord,

    For all my cares are thine.»

    Philippians 4:6-8. But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 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.

    Everything of this kind concerns you, therefore help it as far as you can. Be you on the side of every cause that may be thus described. If it vindicates truth, uprightness, reverence, religion, chastity, holiness, be you on that side. If there is anything the reverse of this, do not you have anything to do with it, but if there is any movement in the world that will help forward things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, «think on these things,» and so think upon them as to increase their influence among the sons and daughters of men.

    Philippians 4:9. These things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:

    It is well when a preacher can speak like that; when he has not to say, «Do as I say, and not as I do,» but when, like the apostle, he can say «those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do.»

    Philippians 4:9. And the God of peace shall be with you.

    The God of peace is always with those who receive his dear Son, and who heed his gospel. It is one of the privileges of true believers that the God of peace shall be constantly with them.

    Philippians 4:10. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

    Paul was in prison at Rome; and these Philippians had made a contribution, and they had sent Epaphroditus with it to relieve the apostle in his poverty, so he said to them, «You cared for me before; but for a time you had not the opportunity of helping me, and now you have thought of me again; wherefore, I rejoice in the Lord greatly.»

    Philippians 4:11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

    Is not that a splendid piece of learning? Paul was a learned man, and so are you, if you have learnt this lesson. You may not be able to put D.D., or LL.D., after your name, but you are a learned man if you can say, «I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.»

    Philippians 4:12. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:

    These are two grand things to learn. There are some who know the first, but who do not know the second. I have known several of God's children who seemed quite eminent for piety when they were abased, but they were never worth anything after they grew rich. They did not know how to abound; they became top-lofty, and far too great for their place. It was not so with the apostle, for he could truthfully say, «I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.»

    Philippians 4:12. Every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

    Was he not a true Master of Arts? He had mastered the art of being hungry without murmuring, the art of being full without boasting, the art of suffering need without impatience, the art of abounding without setting his affection on worldly things. He was indeed a Master of Arts of the very highest order.

    13. I can do all things

    That looks like bragging, does it not? Finish the sentence.

    Philippians 4:14. Through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    There is no improper boasting there, for Paul could do all things through Christ's mighty power. It has been well said that the angels excel in strength, but the saints excel in their weakness. When we are most weak, and Christ strengthens us, then are the most excellent virtues produced.

    Philippians 4:14-17. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

    Their liberality was set down to their account in God's book.

    Philippians 4:18-19. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

    It is Paul's God who took care of the Philippians; and it is Paul's God who will take care of you and me: «My God,» says Paul, «shall supply all your need, not as you have supplied mine, out of your poverty, but according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.» Do any of you know the measure of this immeasurable text, «according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus»?

    Do not imagine that you will ever exhaust God's riches in glory, or drain the exchequer of all-sufficiency; that cannot be.

    Philippians 4:20. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    He blesses us, let us bless him. He supplies all our need according to his riches in glory; let us extol his glory for ever and ever.

    Philippians 4:21. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.

    Give him a shake of the hand. Say, «How are you, my brother? I wish you well.» These hearty salutations ought to be common in every Christian assembly. I always deprecate that wonderful respectability that exists in some places of worship, where nobody knows anybody else; they are too respectable to become acquainted with their brethren. If you are in Christ Jesus, get to know one another. «Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.»

    Philippians 4:21-22. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

    I suppose most of these were only slaves in the imperial household. There may have been one or two, perhaps, of a higher class; but, in all probability, the gospel first reached the slaves in the Roman palace, that pandemonium of vice, where lust and cruelty abounded. There were saints even there; and God still has some of his jewels lying on dunghills.

    Philippians 4:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

  • Philippians 4:1-23 open_in_new

    This Epistle was written by Paul when he was in prison, with iron fetters about his wrists; yet there is no iron in the Epistle. It is full of light, life,

    love, and joy, blended with traces of sorrow, yet with a holy delight that rises above his grief.

    Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

    See how the heart of the apostle is at work; his emotions are not dried up by his personal griefs. He takes a delight in his friends at Philippi; he has a lively recollection of the time when he and Silas were shut up in prison there, and that same night baptized the jailor and his household, and formed the church at Philippi.

    Philippians 4:2. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

    These two good women had fallen out with one another. Paul loves them so much that he would not have any strife in the church to mar its harmony; and he therefore beseeches both of these good women to end their quarrel, and to «be of the same mind in the Lord.» You cannot tell what hurt may come to a church through two members being at enmity against each other. They may be unknown persons, they may be Christian women, but they can work no end of mischief; and therefore it is a most desirable thing that they should speedily come together again in peace and unity.

    Philippians 4:3. And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

    He tenderly thinks of all those who had helped the work of the Lord, and, in return, he would have all of them helped, and kindly remembered, and affectionately cherished. May we always have this tender feeling towards one another, especially towards those who work for the Lord with us! May we ever delight in cheering those who serve our Lord!

    Philippians 4:4-5. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

    We have come to understand this word «moderation» in a sense not at all intended here. The best translation would probably be «forbearance.» Do not get angry with anybody; do not begin to get fiery and impetuous: be forbearing, for the Lord is at hand. You cannot tell how soon he may appear; there is no time to spare for the indulgence of anger; be quiet; be patient; and if there be anything very wrong, well, leave it. Our Lord Jesus will come very soon; therefore be not impatient.

    Philippians 4:6. Be careful

    That is, be anxious

    Philippians 4:6. For nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

    See how the apostle would bid us throw anxiety to the winds; let us try to do so. You cannot turn one hair white or black, fret as you may. You cannot add a cubit to your stature, be you as anxious as you please. It will be for your own advantage, and it will be for God's glory, for you to shake off the anxieties which else might overshadow your spirit. Be anxious about nothing, but prayerful about everything, and be thankful about everything as well. Is not that a beautiful trait in Paul's character? He is a prisoner at Rome, and likely soon to die; yet he mingles thanksgiving with his supplication, and asks others to do the same. We have always something for which to thank God, therefore let us also obey the apostolic injunction.

    Philippians 4:7-8. 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.

    If there is any really good movement in the world, help it, you Christian people. If it is not purely and absolutely religious, yet if it tends to the benefit of your fellow-men, if it promotes honesty, justice, purity, take care that you are on that side, and do all you can to help it forward.

    Philippians 4:9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:

    Paul was a grand preacher to be able to say that; to hold up his own example, as well as his own teaching, as a thing which the people might safely follow.

    Philippians 4:9. And the God of peace shall be with you.

    In the seventh verse, we had the expression, «the peace of God.» In this ninth verse, we have the mention of «the God of peace.» May we first enjoy the peace of God, and then be helped by the Spirit of God to get into a still higher region, where we shall be more fully acquainted with the God of peace!

    Philippians 4:10. But В· rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

    «I rejoiced.» So Paul was himself in a happy mood; these saints in Philippi had sent to him in prison a gift by the hand of one of their pastors, and Paul, in his deep poverty, had been much comforted by their kind thoughtfulness about him.

    Philippians 4:11. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

    That was not an easy lesson to learn, especially when one of those states meant being in prison at Rome. If he was ever in the Mamertine, those of us who have been in that dungeon would confess that it would take a deal of grace to make us content to be there; and if he was shut up in the prison of the Palatine hill, in the barracks near the morass, it was, to say the least, not a desirable place to be in. A soldier chained to your hand day and night, however good a fellow he may be, does not always make the most delightful company for you, nor you for him; and it takes some time to learn to be content with such a companion; but, says Paul, «I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.»

    Philippians 4:12. I know both how to be abused, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

    These are both hard lessons to learn; I do not know which is the more difficult of the two. Probably it is easier to know how to go down than to know how to go up. How many Christians have I seen grandly glorifying God in sickness and poverty when they have come down in the world; and ah! how often have I seen other Christians dishonouring God when they have grown rich, or when they have risen to a position of influence among their fellow-men! These two lessons grace alone can fully teach us.

    Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    What a gracious attainment! There is no boasting in this declaration; Paul only spoke what was literally the truth.

    Philippians 4:14-15. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

    The Philippians were the only Christians who had sent any help to this great sufferer for Christ's sake in the time of his need.

    Philippians 4:16-18. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

    I do not suppose that they sent him very much; but he knew the love that prompted the gift, he understood what they meant by it. I always had a fancy that Lydia was the first to suggest that kind deed. She, the first convert of the Philippian church, thought of Paul, I doubt not, and said to the other believers, «Let us take care of him as far as we can. See how he spends his whole life in the Master's service, and now he may at last die in prison for want of even common necessaries; let us send him a present to Rome.» How grateful is the apostle for that gift of love! What gladness they had put into his heart! Now he says:

    Philippians 4:19. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

    «You have supplied my need out of your poverty; my God shall supply all your need out of his riches. Your greatest need shall not exceed the liberality of his supplies.»

    Philippians 4:20-21. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.

    The religion of Christ is full of courtesy, and it is full of generous thoughtfulness. I do not think that he can be a Christian who has no knowledge nor care about his fellow church-members.

    Philippians 4:21. The brethren which are with me greet you.

    They saw that he was writing a letter, and they therefore said, «Send our love to the Philippians.»

    Philippians 4:22. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

    Only think of saints in the household of Nero, saints in the service of such a demon as he was, and saints who were first in every good thing: «Chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.»

    Philippians 4:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.