RSV ~ Philippians 4 Notes

Phil 4:2 | ISB Notes

agree in the Lord: Paul bids two individuals, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve their personal differences before tensions become more serious. The cause of this friction is left unspecified, and the two women are otherwise unknown.

Phil 4:3 | ISB Notes

co-worker: The Greek, here rendered as a descriptive title, can also be translated as a personal name, “Syzygus”. Whatever the case, Paul is asking a particular individual to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche (4:2).

Clement: Otherwise unmentioned in the NT. Early Christian tradition identifies him as Clement of Rome, the fourth bishop of Rome (after Peter, Linus, and Anacletus) and the author of an ancient epistle known as 1 Clement (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3, 15-16; St. Jerome, On Illustrious Men 15).

the book of life: A registry of the saints kept in heaven (Dan 12:1; Lk 10:20). God alone knows the complete list of names since he alone made the entries (Ex 32:32).

Phil 4:4 | ISB Notes

Rejoice … Rejoice: Repeated for emphasis. The joy of the Lord is produced in believers by the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22) and can flourish despite trying circumstances and even crushing misfortunes (Mt 5:11-12; Jas 1:2). Paul exemplifies this in Philippians, where a spirit of gladness dominates the tone of his letter even though he is writing from prison.

Phil 4:5 | ISB Notes

The Lord is at hand: Probably refers to the near presence of Christ at all times rather than to his scheduled return at the end of time (Ps 145:18; Mt 28:20). This ready access to Jesus through prayer should encourage believers to seek his help and consolation in times of need (Phil 4:6; Eph 6:18; Heb 4:16).

Phil 4:7 | ISB Notes

the peace of God: The tranquility of heart and soul that comes from Christ (Jn 14:27). Paul insists that if we pray about our problems rather than worry about them, God will post a guard around our minds to protect us from the doubts and disturbances that weaken our confidence in his fatherly care (1 Pet 5:7). Jesus gives similar instructions in Mt 6:25-34 (CCC 2633).

Phil 4:13 | ISB Notes

I can do all things: i.e., Paul can endure the extremes of earthly life, from peace and prosperity to affliction and destitution. The hidden source of his strength is not in himself but in the Lord Jesus, who enables him to take everything in stride and live detached from the need for physical comforts (Mt 19:26; Jn 15:5).

Phil 4:18 | ISB Notes

the gifts you sent: The tangible assistance delivered to Paul by Epaphroditus. His appreciation goes out to the Philippians for this sacrifice of their resources (Heb 13:16). Paul’s situation in Rome, where he lived as a prisoner in his own rented quarters, would have made their monetary assistance all the more welcome (Acts 28:16, 30). According to Phil 4:15-16, the Philippians were consistently generous in supporting his ministry in this way.

Phil 4:19 | ISB Notes

God will supply: Generosity is richly rewarded by the Lord (Lk 6:38; 2 Cor 9:6-8).

Phil 4:21 | ISB Notes

brethren who are with me: This wording includes Timothy (1:1) and others not mentioned by name.

Phil 4:22 | ISB Notes

Caesar’s household: The gospel was gaining ground not only among the emperor’s soldiers (1:13), but also among his hired servants. Paul must have been proud to say that the gospel of Christ’s Lordship was echoing throughout the halls of the Imperial palace. This detail lends solid support to the view that Philippians was written from Rome.

See introduction: Author and Date.