some study notes from Philippians 4
Philippians 4
Verses 1-6
Paul is close to the Philippians and longs to see them. He refers to them as his joy and crown. They are his work as an apostle. The word crown is stephanos- which is a metaphor for the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ. Paul encourages these believers to stand firm or steko- to stand firm, to persevere, to persist.
Paul stops in verse 2 to mention a personal concern between two believers and that they live in harmony. In verse 3 he goes on to mention Clement and others who have contended at Paul’s side and names are written in the book of life. Jesus tells those who went out to preach and the demons submitted to them not to rejoice in this but to rejoice that their names are recorded in heaven Luke 10:20.
Vs.4 he tells them again in this verse to rejoice in the Lord just as he did in 3:1. Rejoice- chairo- to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, to be glad. It is in the Lord and not in circumstances which can change at a moment. In fact, Paul’s circumstances in this moment was that he was in prison. Yet, as it says later in this chapter, his contentment was not founded on his circumstance.
Vs.5- He tells them to let their gentle spirit be known to all “gentle spirit”- epieikes- suitable, equitable, fair, mild. NASV translates this “forebearing spirit”. Paul adds the Lord is near “engys” near of place and position of times imminent and soon to come to pass Hebrews 10:37.
Verses 6-11
Vs.6 Paul begins this section by telling them to be anxious for nothing. Anxious is the word Merimnao to be anxious, to care for, look out for. Rather they are to lift up prayers and supplications to the Lord with thankfulness and let their requests be known to God. The word supplication is deesis which means need, indigence, want, a seeking, asking, entreating. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray at all times in the Spirit. We are told to ask, seek and knock Matthew 7:8. We have to remember that with God all things are possible Matthew 19:26
Vs.7- God’s peace transcends understanding. This peace will guard your hearts and minds in Christ. This is assuming we have done what Paul said and submit our concerns to God with prayers and supplications. Comprehension- nous- the mind, including the facilities of perceiving and understanding and those of feeling, judging and determining.
“will guard”- phroureo- to guard, protect by a military guard.
Heart- cardia- used 159x as heart, the vigour of and sense of physical life and centre and seat of spiritual life.
Mind- noema- a mental perception, thought. Also used in 2 Corinthians 3:14, 4:4, 10:5, 11:3 and 2:11.
Vs.8 Paul addresses both brothers and sisters in Christ and tells them to focus their thoughts on what is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. There are a number of places in scripture where we are told to renew our minds such as Romans 12:2; Col 3:10, Titus 3:5
Vs.9 is similar to verse 17. He tells them to practice those things which they have seen and follow his example.
Dwell vs.8 is the word logizomai- a verb used 41x and most often as think, impute, reckon, count, account means to take into account.
4:10- Paul says that the Philippians wanted to help Paul before but had no opportunity to show it. It may have been that nobody was available to bring the gift to Paul. 2 Corinthians 11:9 seem to suggest that a church in Macedonia area supports Paul, possibly Philippian church.
4:11- Paul says that he has learned to be content regardless of circumstances.
The phrase “have learned” manthano- to learn, be appraised, to hear, be informed, to learn by use and practice.
“content” eutarkes- sufficient for one’s self, strong enough or possessing enough to need no aid or support.
David Guzik says of 4:6 that Paul wrote that everything is the proper subject of prayer. Nothing is too small for everything is small to an infinite God. Guzik also says that the Bible describes 3 great aspects of peace that relate to God. 1 Peace from God. It is a gift. 2. The peace with God- because of Christ we now have peace with God. 3. The peace of God. It is beyond all our power of thinking. We cannot explain it. Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5
Verses 12-23
Verse 12- to be in want (NASV translates it suffering need) tapeinoo- to humble, a humble condition.
Paul says his adequacy is from God 2 Corinthians 3:5.
Verse 13 strengthens- endynamoo- to empower, invigorate.
Ephesians 3:16 he prays that they might be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man
Paul mentiones some of the circumstances that they endured in 1 Corinthians 4:11, that they were hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated and homeless.
Vs.14- Paul praises them for sharing their gift and to support him in his affliction. This is not the first time the Philippian church has supported Paul but did so also while Paul was in Thessalonica.
Vs.18- Paul refers to their gift as a fragrant aroma and sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Sacrifice is the word Thusia an offering or service to God.
Riches vs19- ploutos- those rich benefits that’s flow from Christ
Vs.20-23 Paul’s closing. He lets it be known that some have converted from Caesar’s household. Paul also ends Romans in Romans 16:20 by emphasizing grace Romans 16:20 and also in 2 Timothy 4:22. Grace is the word charis which is used 155x and means free favor, graciousness, an act of favor, gracefulness. It is not a wage, but a gift.
Resources
The Interpreter’s One Volume Commentary on the Bible, Charles M Laymon editor, 1971.
Greek and English Interlinear New Testament (NASB/NIV) by William D. Mounce and Robert H. Mounce, Zondervan, 2008
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Edited by Charles F. Pfeiffer and Everett F. Harrison, Moody Press, Chicago, 1962
