Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

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).