Charles Ellicott Commentary Philippians 4:5

"Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand." — Philippians 4:5 (ASV)

Your moderation.—The word here rendered moderation, properly denotes a sense of what is fitting, or equitable, as distinct from what is required by strict duty or formal law. Such distinction the world recognizes when it speaks of what is enjoined, not so much by duty as by “good taste,” or “right feeling,” or (with some peculiarity of application) by “chivalrous” feeling, or the “spirit of a gentleman.” Here it denotes the general sense of what is fitting in a Christian tone of character.

In 2 Corinthians 10:1 (where it is translated gentleness) it is ascribed emphatically to our Lord Himself. But the usage of the New Testament appropriates it especially to the “sweet reasonableness” which gentleness may well designate. Thus, in Acts 24:4 it clearly signifies patience, or forbearance; in 2 Corinthians 10:1 it is associated with meekness; in 1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 3:2, with peaceableness; in 1 Peter 2:8, with kindness; in James 3:17 the word gentle is placed between peaceable and easy to be entreated (or rather, persuaded).

This spirit is, no doubt, moderation; but it is something more. It may refer here both to the exhortation to unity in Philippians 4:1-3, and to the exhortation to joy immediately preceding. It would help the one and chasten the other.

The Lord is at hand.—A translation of the Syriac Maran-atha of 1 Corinthians 16:22—obviously a Christian watchword, probably referring to the Second Advent as near at hand; although, of course, not excluding the larger idea of that presence of Christ in His Church of which that Second Advent is the consummation.