COMMENTARY CHAPTER TODAY ( CHAP. 4) INSTRUCTIONS 4:1-23 , THANKS AND GREETINGS The final verses of the letter include exhortations , personal messages and recognition of the gifts of the Philippians. Its pleasant memory of those offerings leads Paul to talk about his dependence on the Lord and the spiritual blessings of giving generously result . Goes on to say he has learned to live in contentment with little or much , strengthened and supported throughout by the Lord who surely will supply all your needs fully . 4:1-3 Appeal to stay together The expression so that begins with this verse indicates that Pauls exhortation is based on what you said earlier: the danger of those who want Christians to convert to Judaism and his disappointment with those who live according to the wishes of meat . 1 The words used by Paul here shows the depth of his feelings as he wrote to his Philippian friends . Twice in the verse uses the word loved. Paul rejoices in them, see them as a crown on his head ( cf. < 520219 > 1 Thessalonians 2:19) , loves and misses ( cf. Philippians 1:8 ) . More than anything else , encourages them to stand firm in the Lord ( see Philippians 1:27 ) , as soldiers determined not to back whatever forces against him. 2, 3 Having dealt broadly divisions and party spirit in the church ( Philippians 2:1-5 ) , Paul felt that now should specifically address a dispute that was seriously compromising their lives . We know nothing more about Euodia and Syntyche , but Paul refers to them in a very warm , as sisters who labored with me in the gospel , women who had really a ministry. However, he had to plead to agree in the Lord , and ask one of his colleagues faithful (unnamed , unless we read faithful companion as a proper name , the gr . Syzgus , sícigo , see note RVA ) that help to reconcile one with the other. When Paul criticizes , also seeks to affirm and commend . Clement mentions specifically, but recognizes all his fellow servants, and the greatest thing that can be said about them is that their names are written in the book of life . Under this book of life , cf . Exodus 32:32 , Psalm 69:28 , Daniel 12:1 and Revelation 21:27, and remember the words of Jesus when he taught his disciples not to rejoice in the achievements in their service , but by the grace of God that enabled that their names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). 4:4-7 Call to joy and a life of prayer Again the theme of joy excels in this letter when the Apostle tells his readers :Rejoice ... always ! , adding in the Lord even repeating the phrase again : Stand firm in the Lord ... ( 1) to agree in the Lord (2 ) , and now :Rejoice in the Lord ... ! The entire Christian life is a matter of the relationship with the living Lord Jesus , in the atmosphere of His presence and His grace that makes it all possible . 5 There is a quality of life that should be known by everyone in every expression of life and Christian relationships . The term translated by the RVA kindness , support other translations : goodness (NIV ), moderation ( BJ ), kindness and courtesy in other versions . Of these various translations we can get the underlying idea . The closeness to the Lord that motivates this spiritual quality could mean its proximity to the believer at all times , the closeness of his return , or both. 6 anxiety has no place in the life of Christians and that everything can be prayer , prayer in its various forms and modes : request , beg , but especially Thanksgiving . This is because we always praise God, because faith is enlivened when we remember in thanksgiving what God has done for us in the past. There is an echo here of the teaching of Jesus (Matthew 6:25-34 , 7:7-11 ) . First Peter 5:7 says something like : Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you and as J. A. Bengel ( New Testament Word Studies, Vol 2 [ Kregel Pub , 1978 ] p . 447 ) appropriately notes : Anxiety and prayer are more opposed each other than fire and water. 7 When the prayer replaces the concern comes the peace of God , which surpasses all understanding , and that peace acts as a sentinel that guards the mind and emotions of the Christian to be overwhelmed by a sudden rush of fear, anxiety or temptation. This really should check it daily Christians . 4:8, 9 Keep true and honorable Sometimes it is said that the character qualities mentioned here are definitely not Christian , but who have been honored in many cultures and societies. This may be true , but the Christian has a special obligation evidenciarlas and has the power of the Spirit to do so. 8 Eight words are used for things that should fill the thoughts in the Christians life . To the extent that take into account (the meaning of the word think ) define attitudes and direct words and actions. This is all that is true and honest , decent and honorable and right and just, pure and holy , kind and beautiful , of good and worth hearing . The word translated virtue in classical ethics gr. , Was best defined as excellent, and finally it was worthy of praise and recommendation. 9 these do . In other words , living for what they know and have recognized result in a kind of life that Paul had tried modeling for the Philippians ( see Philippians 3:17). Not only would find the peace of God , but also its enduring presence ( cf. 2 Corinthians 13:11 , 2 Thessalonians 3:16). 4:10-20 Pauls attitude in relation with the help of the Philippians In this passage the Apostle feels the need to do two things : to express his appreciation for the gifts sent from Philippi and at the same time, and tactfully , emphasize the principle of spiritual dependence on the Lord before human help . It does so with a delicacy so exquisite that this passage has been called one of the gems of literature ( Beare , Phillippians ) . 10 Paul rejoices in the financial aid received . These offerings represent the renewed flourishing of his previous ministry in favor of Paul. For a long time the Philippians had missed the opportunity to show their interest in him . 11-13 Philippians offerings had great joy and encouragement , but Paul was not depending on them nor , as I write this , I was asking for more help. I could honestly say he had learned the secret of contentment with external circumstances , if I had little or much . He knew that his Lord would not fail to give whatever was necessary and strong to face any situation. Paul uses two words , referring to this situation, which had important philosophical and religious use in those days. The word translated content myself (from gr. Autarkes ) means self- sufficient . It was regarded by the Stoics as high under the circumstances to part with external and self have resources to face any situation . Paul applies the word in the sense of being independent of circumstances , but their resources were fully sufficient , as he said, in Christ who strengthens me , the living Lord Jesus. The other word translated ... I have learned the secret , was used in the mystery cults for initiation into a secret. The secret of Pauls life was an open , available to all who walk in the path of Christ. It was the secret of contentment , since to know Christ and be called to serve , constitutían the unsearchable riches (Eph. 3:8 ) . The extent to which we know the secret of contentment and to what degree we are checking the sufficiency of Christ to all the demands of our lives are always challenging issues for us as Christians . 14-16 Despite what it says on this basic spiritual principle of dependence on God , Paul wants to say that he appreciated the kindness of the Philippians , it held him in his tribulations . He speaks of the time of the beginning of the gospel , words are understood in a variety of ways. For example, the NIV has : As we begin to announce the message of salvation. Paul had left Macedonia , the province in which Philippi was located , and gone to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1 ) . While there, the Philippian believers sent him over and over again helps . Also noteworthy is how you talk about the relationship of partners that existed between them, a share in giving and receiving. Real fellowship is a two-way process . 17, 18 also brings Christian giving blessing to those who give. Giving Philippians , Paul says , can be credited to your account. In saying this , it uses a metaphor of business transactions . It was a question of payment in full. We can be sure that Paul , using such language would have repudiated the slightest thought that implied earn or deserve anything from God . All things received are a gift of Gods grace . Everything we do for the Lord or others, done out of love and gratitude. What you do for others is accepted as fact for the Lord (Matthew 25:40 ) , and can be described as a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God , fragrant as incense ( cf. Exodus 29:18 , Ezekiel 20:41 , John 12:3 , 2 Corinthians 2:16). 19 The Lord is not indebted to anyone. The measure of the giving of God is infinitely greater than any human to . Gods promise is to supply all that he sees that we need , not only outside , but according to [ the extent of ] his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 The praise and glory is due to God and the Father now and forever and ever ( lit. for the times of the times ) , for all eternity . Final Greetings 4:21-23 21, 22 Paul began his letter according to a custom of the time , but enhanced by the fact realize what were the writers and readers because of their Christian calling , and ends in the same way . He says again that his readers are holy ( cf. 1:1 ) . Are in Christ Jesus , and therefore are truly brothers and sisters. So greetings were sent , and included among those who sent them were those who belong to Caesars household . Specify who would these people depends somewhat on where the letter was written ( see the Introduction regarding the time and place it was written ) . However, if the place was Rome or not, the likelihood is that they were actually members of the family of Caesar, but persons employed in domestic and administrative establishment of the emperor ( Beare ) . Even so , it is significant that at this time Christians were faithful in the imperial service . 23 The letter closes as it began, with prayer, which covers all other requests, by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ present , dwelling in believers , always revives the human spirit .
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 15:56:11 +0000
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