Part 780 (1/2)

3:13. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: Forgetting the things that are behind and stretching forth myself to those that are before,

3:14. I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of G.o.d in Christ Jesus.

3:15. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing you be otherwise minded, this also G.o.d will reveal to you,

3:16. Nevertheless, whereunto we are come, that we be of the same mind, let us also continue in the same rule.

3:17. Be ye followers of me, brethren: and observe them who walk so as you have our model.

3:18. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping) that they are enemies of the cross of Christ:

3:19. Whose end is destruction: whose G.o.d is their belly: and whose glory is in their shame: who mind earthly things.

3:20. But our conversation is in heaven: from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ,

3:21. Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself.

Philippians Chapter 4

He exhorts them to perseverance in all good and acknowledges their charitable contributions to him.

4:1. Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

4:2. I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.

4:3. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.

4:5. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.

4:6. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your pet.i.tions be made known to G.o.d.

4:7. And the peace of G.o.d, which surpa.s.seth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

4:8. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things.

For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc... Here the apostle enumerates general precepts of morality, which they ought to practise. Whatsoever things are true... in words, in promises, in lawful oaths, etc., he commands rect.i.tude of mind, and sincerity of heart.

Whatsoever modest... by these words he prescribes gravity in manners, modesty in dress, and decency in conversation. Whatsoever just... That is, in dealing with others, in buying or selling, in trade or business, to be fair and honest. Whatsoever holy... by these words may be understood, that those who are in a religious state professed, or in holy orders, should lead a life of sanct.i.ty and chast.i.ty, according to the vows they make; but these words being also applied to those in the world, indicate the virtuous life they are bound by the divine commandments to follow. Whatsoever lovely... that is, to practise those good offices in society, that procure us the esteem and good will of our neighbours. Whatsoever of good fame... That is, that by our conduct and behaviour we should edify our neighbours, and give them good example by our actions. If there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline...

that those in error, by seeing the morality and good discipline of the true religion, may be converted. And finally, the apostle commands, not only the Philippians, but all Christians, to think on these things...

that is, to make it their study and concern that the peace of G.o.d might be with them.

4:9. The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the G.o.d of peace shall be with you.

4:10. Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.