Matthew Henry Commentary Philippians 4:2-9

"I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you." — Philippians 4:2-9 (ASV)

Let believers be of one mind and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow laborers to have the help of others. Let us seek to make it sure that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be called to it again and again.

It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were in outward things and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind.

As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in everything by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; we should not only seek supplies of good but also acknowledge the mercies we have received. God does not need to be told our wants or desires; He knows them better than we do, but He wants us to show that we value the mercy and feel our dependence on Him.

The peace of God—the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, having a part in His favor, and the hope of heavenly blessedness—is a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles and from sinking under them; it will keep us calm and provide inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and keep a good name: a reputation for good things with God and good people.

We should walk in all the ways of virtue and abide in them; then, whether our praise comes from people or not, it will come from God. The apostle serves as an example. His doctrine and life agreed. The way to have the God of peace with us is to keep close to our duty.

All our privileges and salvation arise from the free mercy of God; yet their enjoyment depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to Him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other—neither to men, nor to words, nor to deeds.