The God of peace shall be with you

In this chapter the apostle appeals in turn to two hard-working sisters, Euodias and Syntyche, to ‘be of the same mind in the Lord’. His appeal is prefaced by words of great tenderness and affection, and is bracketed by the words ‘in the Lord’. As we each submit to the lordship of Christ differences can be resolved. Sometimes the assistance of a third party is helpful, hence the words to the ‘true yokefellow’, v. 3. Here is further cause for thanksgiving as Paul recalls those ‘whose names are in the book of life’, cp. Luke 10. 20.

The following verses, Phil. 4. 4-7, point the way to personal tranquillity and collective harmony. Far from asserting our rights, we can afford to be gentle and forbearing, knowing that ‘the Lord is at hand’, both currently and prophetically. Further, the antidote to anxiety is prayer and gratitude to God. As a direct consequence, ‘the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’, v. 7 ESV. Once again the Christian’s mind is pivotal, and disciplined thinking is seen to be central to the believer’s experience of the God of peace. Literally ‘reflect on these things’, v. 8; the focus is on the character of our thoughts: wholesome, pure, and commendable.

In a most valuable paragraph, vv. 10-19, Paul supplies the secret of Christian contentment: it is fellowship with Christ, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’, v. 13. He has been initiated into the secret of how to be humbled and how to abound, how to be filled and how to be hungry. Yet the Philippians have done well to remember him in his bonds, v. 14, continuing their previous generosity. Referring to their substantial gift, Paul sees it as a true burnt offering to God, v. 16, employing language akin to that used to describe the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Himself, Eph. 5. 2! Moreover, the Lord is no man’s debtor, v. 19.

How different the sensitive and spiritual approach of the apostle from the crass commercialism of the world’s fund-raising! Their sacrificial gift had brought Paul the prisoner great joy; now it moves him to a concluding doxology.