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Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
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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11
18th Century
Presbyterian
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…
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.
19th Century
Anglican
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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Baptist
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"…
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…
16th Century
Protestant
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…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Not that I speak in respect of want Either of want of will in them; of their slowness and backwardness in their care…
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…
13th Century
Catholic
In his commentary, the Apostle first shows how the faithful should conduct themselves regarding the future. Here, he commends them for the past ben…
