Albert Barnes Commentary Philippians 4:1

"Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved." — Philippians 4:1 (ASV)

Philippians Chapter 4

Analysis of the Chapter.

This chapter comprises the following points:

1. Exhortations.
2. Solemn commands to live as befitted Christians.
3. The expression of a grateful acknowledgment for the favours he had received from them; and,
4. The customary salutations.

I. Exhortations (Philippians 4:1–3).

1. He exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord (Philippians 4:1).
2. He entreats Euodias and Syntyche, who appear to have been alienated from each other, to be reconciled (Philippians 4:2).
3. He entreats one whom he calls a "true yokefellow" to render assistance to those women who had laboured with him in the gospel (Philippians 4:3).

II. Commands (Philippians 4:4–9). He commands them to rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4); to let their moderation be known to all (Philippians 4:5); to have no anxiety about worldly matters, but in all their necessities to go to God (Philippians 4:6–7); and to do whatever was honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8–9).

III. A grateful acknowledgment of their kindness (Philippians 4:10–19). He says that their care of him had been manifested again, in such a way as to be highly grateful to his feelings (Philippians 4:10). He did not indeed say that he had suffered, for he had learned, in whatever state he was, to be content (Philippians 4:11–13); but they had shown a proper spirit in endeavouring to relieve his necessities (Philippians 4:14). He remarks that their church was the only one that had aided him when he was in Macedonia, and that they had sent to him more than once when he was in Thessalonica; and says that their favour now was an offering acceptable to God, who would abundantly reward them (Philippians 4:15–20).

IV. Salutations (Philippians 4:21–23).

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for (Philippians 4:1). Doddridge connects this verse with the previous chapter and supposes that it is the proper conclusion of the solemn statement the apostle makes there. The word therefore (wste) undoubtedly refers to the remarks made there.

The meaning is this: considering that many professing Christians were not sincere, that the "citizenship" of all true Christians was in heaven, and that Christians looked for the coming of the Lord Jesus who would make them like himself, the apostle exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord.

The accumulation of epithets of endearment in this verse shows his tender regard for them, and is expressive of his earnest solicitude for their welfare, and his deep conviction of their danger. The term "longed for" is expressive of strong affection (Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:26).

My joy. The source of my joy. He rejoiced in the fact that they had been converted under him, and in their holy walk and their friendship. Our chief joy is in our friends; and the chief happiness of a minister of the gospel is in the pure lives of those to whom he ministers (see 3 John 1:4).

And crown. (Compare 1 Thessalonians 2:19). The word crown means a circlet, chaplet, or diadem:

1. As the emblem of royal dignity— the symbol of office.
2. As the prize conferred on victors in the public games (1 Corinthians 9:25), and hence as an emblem of the rewards of a future life (2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4).
3. Anything that is an ornament or honour, as one glories in a crown. (Compare Proverbs 12:4, A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; Proverbs 14:24, The crown of the wise is their riches; Proverbs 16:31, The hoary head is a crown of glory; Proverbs 17:6, Children's children are the crown of old men.) The idea here is that the church at Philippi was that in which the apostle gloried. He regarded it as a high honour to have been the means of founding such a church, and he looked upon it with the same interest with which a monarch looks upon the diadem he wears.

So stand fast in the Lord. In the service of the Lord, and in the strength which he imparts. (See also Ephesians 6:13 and Ephesians 6:14).