Philippians 4:12-13

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-17

Man in model aspects. "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-20

Paul thanks the Philippians for their contribution. There is noticeable throughout mingled dignity and delicacy. He is careful on the one hand to maintain his independence, and on the other hand to show his sense of their kindness. I. THE REVIVED THOUGHT SHOWN IN THEIR CONTRIBUTION . "But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity." The occurrence was associated in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:10-23

The art of Divine contentment. The Philippians, having sent by Epaphroditus certain love-tokens to the apostle, must have a receipt from the magnanimous receiver. Most likely they were not of much intrinsic value, but Paul's great heart rejoices over them and calls them "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice well-pleasing unto God." At the same time, he lets them know that he could have been content without these love-tokens, though he is delighted with them; for he has learned the lesson... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me ; rather, as R.V., in him that strengtheneth me. The best manuscripts omit the word "Christ" in this place. In him. It is only in Christ, in spiritual union with him, that the Christian is αὐτάρκης , self-sufficient. His presence gives strength to do and suffer all things. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Philippians 4:13

Christian omnipotence. The language of faith resembles in form the language of boastful presumption. But the two are essentially dissimilar. So long as our ground of confidence is not in ourselves, but in Christ, it is no mark of humility, but rather a sign of unbelief and ingratitude, for one to make little of it. There is a legitimate boasting in Christ which is quite different from the boasting of the braggart in his own resources. "My soul will make her boast in the Lord"—this the... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Philippians 4:13

I can do all things - From the experience which Paul had in these various circumstances of life, he comes here to the general conclusion that he could “do all things.” He could bear any trial, perform any duty, subdue any evil propensity of his nature, and meet all the temptations incident to any condition of prosperity or adversity. His own experience in the various changes of life had warranted him in arriving at this conclusion; and he now expresses the firm confidence that nothing would be... read more

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