Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 4

This verse is another of Paul’s subtle transitions, so skillfully blended as to make it difficult to decide whether it should be placed with what precedes or what follows. A good transition, however, fits both segments. Inasmuch as the following statements discuss the need for unity among certain individuals, it is appropriate to treat v.1 as a general exhortation to the whole church to stand firm in the manner Paul has just been outlining . The same verb “stand firm” (GK 5112) was used also at the beginning of the first series of exhortations (1:27).

The reference to the Philippians as “brothers, you whom I love and long for,” shows the strong feeling of intimacy the apostle felt toward these readers. Their description as Paul’s “joy and crown” echoes his earlier words to another Macedonian church (1 Thessalonians 2:19). The Philippians were his present joy as he received favorable reports of their spiritual growth, and their presence with Christ at his return would be his future crown when Christ comes to reward his servants (cf. 2:16).

The apostle turns from his general exhortation to an application of it. Two women, Euodia and Syntyche, are instructed to bring their attitudes into harmony. Paul does not indicate which one was in the wrong but knows that if the attitude of each would be formed “in the Lord,” the disharmony would vanish. Repetition of “I plead” may indicate the need for separate admonitions because the rift between them had become so great. Paul’s method of handling the problem suggests that it was not a doctrinal issue, but a clash of personalities.

At this point Paul seeks to enlist the aid of a third party, “yokefellow” (likely a proper name, “Syzygus”; GK 5187; see NIV note), whom he challenges to live up to his name and bring these women together. (Another Pauline play on a personal name occurs in Phm 10–11.) Inasmuch as Euodia and Syntyche had once worked side by side with Paul, they should be able to do so again. Perhaps they had been among the original group of converts at Philippi, for women had been Paul’s first hearers there (Acts 16:13–15). Their Christian labors had been in conjunction with Clement and others of Paul’s coworkers. Even though some of these names are not recorded in this letter, Paul knows that their service has not been forgotten, for their names are recorded in the Book of Life, the heavenly register of those who are saved (Revelation 3:5; Revelation 17:8; 20:12, 15; Revelation 21:27; Revelation 22:19; cf. Lk 10:20; Hebrews 12:23). Paul’s memory of these happy associations prompted his concern that the present disunity might be ended so that faithful Christian activity could proceed and prosper.

From his previous exhortation to unity and from his attempt to correct a case of disunity, Paul proceeds to urge the church to maintain certain positive Christian virtues. First, believers must “rejoice in the Lord always” (repeated for emphasis, perhaps implying a question asked of Paul, “How can we rejoice, in view of our difficulties?”). In all the vicissitudes of the Christian life, whether in attacks from errorists, personality clashes among believers, persecution from the world, or threat of imminent death, Christians are to maintain a spirit of joy in the Lord. They are not immune to sorrow, nor should they be insensitive to the troubles of others; yet they should count God’s will their highest joy and so be capable of knowing inner peace and joy in every circumstance (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:16– 18).

Second, believers are to show “gentleness” (GK 2117) to all. No single word is adequate to translate this word. Involved is the willingness to yield one’s personal rights and to show consideration and gentleness to others. It is easy to display this quality toward some persons, but Paul commands that it be shown toward all—Christian friends, unsaved persecutors, false teachers, anyone at all. Of course, truth may not be sacrificed, but a gentle spirit will do much to disarm an adversary.

As an encouragement, Paul now reminds his readers that “the Lord is near,” a reference to the Parousia (cf. 3:20–21; cf. James 5:8 for a similar connection between a longsuffering spirit and the Lord’s coming). This statement is a reminder that at his arrival the Judge will settle all differences and bring the consummation that will make most of our human differences seem trifling.