The key word "Therefore" (Gr. hoste) and the repetition of "stand firm" (cf. Philippians 1:27) point to a conclusion of the main subject. This verse begins the rather drawn out conclusion of the letter. The apostle did not want his readers to lose their balance and tumble spiritually because of bad influences. Instead he wanted them to adopt the mind of Christ as he had and so continue with him in the partnership of the gospel. He proceeded to explain how to live until the Lord returns. [source][source][source]
Paul"s strong affection for the Philippian Christians comes through very clearly in this verse. This is one of the warmest expressions of affection for his readers that we have in Paul"s inspired writings. He called them "brethren" four times ( Philippians 1:12; Philippians 3:1; Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:8), "beloved" twice ( Philippians 2:12 and here), and "beloved brethren" once (here). Again he affirmed his desire to visit Philippi and see them again (cf. Philippians 1:8; Philippians 2:24). Moreover he referred to them as his present source of joy and his future crown when he would stand before the judgment seat of Christ. He would receive a reward for establishing them in the faith. [1][source]
In this section on walking steadfastly ( Philippians 3:1 to Philippians 4:1) Paul urged his readers to rejoice in the Lord and warned them about false teaching of two kinds that would limit their joy. On the one hand, there was teaching from Judaizers, some of whom may have been Christians but most of whom were probably not. These false teachers wanted to limit the Philippians" legitimate liberty by persuading them to submit to laws that God did not intend to govern them. On the other hand, there were antinomians, many of whom seem to have been believers but some of whom may not have been. They were urging the abandonment of legitimate law and were advocating self-indulgence. Paul"s example in the middle section of chapter3 ( Philippians 4:4-16) provides a path that leads us safely between these extremes (cf. Galatians 5). [source][source][source]
Standing firm involves living in harmony with one another ( Philippians 4:2-3), rejoicing on all occasions ( Philippians 4:4-7), and developing the quality of sweet reasonableness ( Philippians 4:8-9). This is clear because three imperatives in the Greek text explain "so stand firm" or "stand firm thus" (Gr. houtos). [source][source][source]
Context Summary
Philippians 4:1-9 - Inspiring Exhortations
What a strong and faithful heart was Paul's! Poor and despised though he was, he had both joys and crowns of which no hostile force could deprive him. He lived in the encompassing atmosphere of eternity, as we may. Surely these two Christian women could not have withstood this tender exhortation; and all his fellow-workers must have been heartened by the thought that their names were dear to Christ, and entered in the birthday book of the twice-born.
Joy and peace are the subjects of the next paragraph. How wonderful that these struggling little churches were drinking of springs of which the princes and citizens of Greece and Rome knew nothing. Note the conditions. We must be moderate in our ambitions and gentle in our behavior. We must ever practice the presence of our Lord-He is always at hand. We must turn over all causes of anxiety to the Father's infinite care and leave them with Him. We must thank Him for the past, and count on Him for the future. While we pray, the Angel of Peace will descend to stand as sentry at our heart's door. But we must possess the God of peace as well as the peace of God-the one condition being that we must earnestly pursue all things that are true, just, pure, and lovely. [source]
Chapter Summary: Philippians 4
1From particular admonitions, 4he proceeds to general exhortations, 10showing how he rejoiced at their generosity toward him while in prison 19And so he concludes with prayer and salutations
Greek Commentary for Philippians 4:1
Longed for [επιποτητοι] Late and rare verbal adjective (here alone in N.T.) from επιποτεω epipotheō [source]
So stand fast [ουτο στηκετε] Present active imperative of στηκω stēkō (late present from perfect εστηκα hestēka from ιστημι histēmi). See Phlippians 1:27. They were tempted to defection. Standing firm is difficult when a panic starts. [source]
Greek Commentary for Philippians 4:1
Late and rare verbal adjective (here alone in N.T.) from επιποτεω epipotheō [source]
Present active imperative of στηκω stēkō (late present from perfect εστηκα hestēka from ιστημι histēmi). See Phlippians 1:27. They were tempted to defection. Standing firm is difficult when a panic starts. [source]
Only here in the New Testament. Compare I long for you, Phlippians 1:8; and for kindred words see 2 Corinthians 7:7; Romans 15:23. [source]
Nearly the same phrase occurs 1 Thessalonians 2:19. The Philippian converts are his chaplet of victory, showing that he has not run in vain, Phlippians 2:16. For crown, see on Revelation 4:4; see on 1 Peter 5:4. [source]
As I have exhorted, and have borne myself in the conflict which you saw and heard to be in me, Phlippians 1:30. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Philippians 4:1
An unclassical word, found in Paul and Acts. See Acts 9:22; Philippians 4:13. Three times in the Pastorals. [source]