Chapter 4
V1 Stephanos/wreath given as prize in games is translated crown in KJV. We shall receive different prizes at the bema seat judgement of 2 Cor 5:10. We are admonished to persevere in this pursuit until achieved and is expressed as being sought after in good works of Torah cf 1 Cor 15:58. Many Christians shall be shocked beyond measure when they realize this too late, either receiving the less desired prizes or losing their salvation altogether cf 1 Cor 3:12-15; Matt 7:21-23.
V2-3 Euodias/fragrant and Syntiche/with fate believed to be female congregants of the Philippian ecclesia, must have needed a reminder to remain steadfast in the faith, of whom Paul requested his suzugos/bondmen in Yeshua, yokefellow to assist. Klemes/Clement, mild,merciful and other companions were equally encouraged to remain true to the faith, being by virtue of their observance of the Torah and testimony of Yeshua were written in the lamb’s book of life cf Rev 12:17;14:12;13:8;21:27;20:12. It is very clear that to be in the lamb’s book of life one must have good works defined by observance of Torah in Spirit and in truth.
V4-5 epieikes/fairness, moderation. No matter what life throws at us, we must continuously praise Yehovah in anticipation of our blessed hope. We are to be fair in all our conduct, for Yeshua shall return to judge us according to our good works.
V6-7 merimao/anxious,careful. We must not be anxious after fleeting worldly pursuits cf Matt 6:31-34. Yehovah provides all that is necessary for us to be victorious in our spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness. Fast cars and big houses are useless in the face of enmity; hence we must ask for what is practical and right in Elohim’s economy cf 1 Jn 5:14; Jm 4:3. By asking according to the will of Elohim are we then protected by His peace through Messiah living in us by His Holy Spirit. Some definitions are in order:
1. Proseuche/prayer i.e. communication addressed to Elohim
2. deesis/entreaty or earnest humble request to Elohim
3. eucharistia/thankfulness
4. aitema/petition, formal request.
V8-9 v8 is a suitable list to base our prayers upon: truth, honesty, justice, purity, love and all things that carry a good report in the ecclesia, virtuous and worthy of praise. I strictly have alluded to these qualities being acceptable in the ecclesia, as the world’s view of things worthy of praise are usually contrary to Torah and the body of Messiah e.g. homosexuality, abortion, transgender reassignment amongst many other unclean practices. Those things learned in Paul are what he learned directly from Yeshua and hence deemed Paul an acceptable role model.
V10-14 cf Pro 30:7-9. The Philippians were undoubtedly supporting Paul materially. Their concern and care for him had reignited, despite having been hindered before as v10 alludes.
V11 husteresis/poverty is translated want in KJV. The Holy Spirit knowing that v10 would be hijacked by mammon-loving future preachers, immediately dispelled any notion that Paul was introducing a new doctrine of enriching the elders of the ecclesia. Paul never requested assistance and was merely thanking them for their own voluntary generosity which expresses their love and concern for him. Paul makes it very clear that he can acclimatize to any situation or condition in life, being wholly dependent on the providence of Messiah.
V14 Despite stating that he could survive on Yeshua’s sustenance alone, Paul did not want to appear ungrateful either, and reiterated his gratitude for the benevolent gesture on their part. We, as Christians should seek spiritual riches which far outweigh physical vanity. Cf 1 Cor 4:10-13; 2 Cor 6:1-10.
V15-16 The Philippians were evidently outstanding in their generosity, having been the only congregation to have gone out of their way to show Paul their gratitude for bringing the gospel unto them.
V17 Again we thank the Holy Spirit for making it very clear that enriching the clergy is not scriptural. Paul never sought material sustenance nor wealth for that matter from the ecclesia. Fruit was his end goal not only reaped by himself, but also by each congregant in the body of Messiah. We need to be profitable slaves of Messiah and the only proof lies within making true disciples of others. I pray that these teachings may achieve that intended goal, and that you oh dearly beloved may seek to do the same.
V18 Paul had all in the sense of the gifts sent and also the fruit he had harvested in the Philippian ecclesia. They certainly were an acceptable sacrifice to Elohim evident through their good deeds. Paul was surely referring to the people and their good works as a sweet odour acceptable to Elohim, and not necessarily the perishable gifts cf Rom 12:1-2;15:16; Heb 13:15-16.
V19 Spiritual gifts and needs are much desired, and our good conduct in Messiah, guarantees us of these. Material greed unfortunately is how the false preachers of prosperity interpret this verse cf Matt 6:33.
V20-23 Paul in every instance refers to Elohim as the Father. Yeshua is referred to as the Messiah and the Master. He and the Roman converts in the household of the emperor of the then known world sent their greetings. Paul was a giant in spiritual warfare, having won souls for Yeshua in the most antagonistic of quarters i.e. of the establishment that executed the wishes of the Jews to crucify Yeshua Himself. Of the saints in Rome that were sending their love, it was chiefly those of Caesar’s household. What amazing victory and demolition of Satan’s kingdom, that we should strive to emulate! As is usual of Paul he in closing wishes the grace of Yeshua upon the ecclesia. Amen