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Verse Takeaways
1
Contentment is a Learned Virtue
Multiple commentators emphasize that Paul had to "learn" contentment; it was not a natural feeling. Scholars like John Gill note this education often happens in the "school of affliction," through experience and God's grace. This means contentment is a spiritual discipline that Christians can cultivate over time, not an inborn trait you either have or don't.
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Book Overview
Philippians
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Commentaries
10
Albert Barnes
On Philippians 4:11
18th Century
Theologian
Not that I speak in respect of want. Though Paul was, doubtless, often in circumstances of necessity, yet he did not make these remarks on…
AT Robertson
On Philippians 4:11
In respect of want (καθ' υστερησιν). Late and rare word from υστερεω, to be behind or too late, only here and Mr 12:44 in N.T.
…
Charles Ellicott
On Philippians 4:11
19th Century
Bishop
I have learned.—The “I” is here emphatic. There is evident reference to the habit peculiar to St. Paul, and made by him his especi…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Philippians 4:11
19th Century
Preacher
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
"I have been initiated"…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Philippians 4:11
Paul hastens to make clear that though he undoubtedly had a need, it was not relief of this need that primarily concerned him. He had “learned to b…
John Calvin
On Philippians 4:11
16th Century
Theologian
Not that I speak with respect to want: here we have a second correction, by which he guards against it being suspected that his s…
John Gill
On Philippians 4:11
17th Century
Pastor
Not that I speak in respect of want
Either of want of will in them; of their slowness and backwardness in their care…
Matthew Henry
On Philippians 4:10–19
17th Century
Minister
It is a good work to support and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy is not only to feel concern for our friends…