Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 4:5

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

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.