A.T. Robertson 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)

Longed for (επιποθητο). Late and rare verbal adjective (here alone in N.T.) from επιποθεω.

So stand fast (ουτο στηκετε). Present active imperative of στηκω (late present from perfect εστηκα from ιστημ). See 1:27. They were tempted to defection. Standing firm is difficult when a panic starts.