Philippians 4:12

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:11-12

The secret of contentment. I. CONTENTMENT IS A RARE AND PRECIOUS CHRISTIAN GRACE . It must be distinguished from spiritual self-satisfaction, which is sinful and fatal, and is concerned with our own inner condition, while true contentment has regard to our external circumstances. It must also be distinguished from the recklessness of folly and from the apathy of despair. It is a quiet restfulness in the midst of all kinds of changing events. 1 . It is rare and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound . St. Paul had experience both of sorrow and of joy, both of distress and of comfort; he knew how to bear himself in both, because his chiefest joy was "in the Lord." This abiding joy raised him above the vicissitudes of this mortal state, and gave him an αὐτάρεκια , a Christian independence, which enabled him to act becomingly both in adversity and in prosperity. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed ; literally, as R.V.,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:12-13

The difficulties of prosperity. 1 . Contentment needs to be cultivated, not only when we possess little, but likewise when we possess much. It may be thought that to be contented with plenty is an easy task. But this is not so. It is often easier to know how to be abased than to know how to abound. We may be in greater danger when our prayers are answered than when the answer is withheld. 2 . St. Paul, having learned many things, can teach us many things. Not only does he know... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased - To be in circumstances of want.And I know how to abound - To have an abundance. lie had been in circumstances where he had an ample supply for all his needs, and knew what it was to have enough. It requires as much grace to keep the heart right in prosperity, as it does in adversity, and perhaps more. Adversity, of itself, does something to keep the mind in a right state; prosperity does nothing.Everywhere and in all things - In all my travels and imprisonments,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Philippians 4:11-14

Philippians 4:11-14. Not that I speak in respect of want As if he had said, I do not speak thus feelingly of the renewal of your care because I was unhappy in poverty; for I have learned From God, he only can teach this; in whatever state I am In whatever circumstances God is pleased to place me, whether in plenty or want, in honour or reproach, in health or sickness, ease or pain; therewith to be content Joyfully and thankfully patient. Nothing less is Christian contentment. We may... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

Thanks for the Philippians’ gifts (4:10-23)The Philippians thought constantly of Paul’s needs, but were not able to send anything to him in his imprisonment until now. Paul’s joy at receiving this gift is not because he has a greedy desire for money, because he has long ago learnt to be satisfied with whatever he has. His contentment comes not through money or possessions, but through the assurance that Christ enables him to meet every situation (10-13).Paul repeats that his pleasure is not... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Philippians 4:12

know. App-132 . be abased . See Philippians 2:8 , and 2 Corinthians 11:7 . every where = in ( App-104 .) every (place), am instructed. Literally have been initiated into the secret. Gr mueo, to initiate, whence is derived musterion , read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Philippians 4:12

I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.Strange as it may appear to us, Paul was, in this verse, disclaiming any need of the Philippians' gifts, rejoicing in the reception of it for the benefit to them, not to himself. This is simply astounding. As Mounce put it, "While not dependent on the gift, or even seeking it, Paul rejoiced in that such sacrifices... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Philippians 4:12

Philippians 4:12. I am instructed— "I find myself initiated, as it were, into this great mystery." This is well known to be the peculiar sense of the word μεμοημαι ; and it seems as if the Apostle, by the choice of this peculiar word, meant to intimate to his Greek readers, how much he esteemed the good dispositions of mind here spoken of, beyond all their boasted instructions, whatever mysteries they might be supposed to contain. See Doddridge, Grotius, and Stockius. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:12

12. abased—in low circumstances (2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 6:10). everywhere—rather, "in each, and in all things" [ALFORD]. instructed—in the secret. Literally, "initiated" in a secret teaching, which is a mystery unknown to the world. read more

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