We should also demonstrate forbearance (Gr. epieikes) to everyone, saved and unsaved alike. The Greek word contains connotations of gentleness, yielding, kindness, patience, forbearance, leniency, and magnanimity. It recalls Jesus Christ"s humility in Philippians 2:5-11. The forbearing person does not insist on his or her own rights or privileges. He or she is considerate and gentle toward others. Of course, there is a time to stand for what is right. The forbearing person is not spineless but selfless. [source][source][source]
In this connection Paul reminded his readers of the imminence of the Lord"s return at the Rapture. When He comes, He will right wrongs and vindicate those who have given up their rights for the glory of God and the welfare of others (cf. Philippians 3:20-21; James 5:8). [source][source][source]
"The Apostle is not speaking of the nearness of the Lord in his abiding presence with us, but of the imminence of his coming." [1][source]
"In all we do we must always remember that the Lord may return at any time. His coming is always at hand, yes, but we do not know when, and so we must always live in the realisation [2] that he is coming." [3][source]
"At any moment they may have to answer for their conduct." [4][source]
"In light of the concept of the imminent coming of Christ and the fact that the New Testament does teach His imminent coming, we can conclude that the Pretribulation Rapture view is the only view of the Rapture of the church that comfortably fits the New Testament teaching of the imminent coming of Christ. It is the only view that can honestly say that Christ could return at any moment, because it alone teaches that Christ will come to rapture the church before the70th week of Daniel 9 or the Tribulation period begins and that nothing else must happen before His return." [5][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 4:5
Your forbearance [το επιεικες υμων] “Your gentleness,” “your sweet reasonableness” (Matthew Arnold), “your moderation.” Old adjective (επι εικος epiη επιεικεια eikos) as in James 3:17; 1 Timothy 3:3. Article and neuter singular here= χρηστον hē epieikeia (Acts 24:4; 2 Corinthians 10:1) like to ο κυριος εγγυς chrēston in Romans 2:4. [source]
The Lord is at hand [Μαραν ατα] “The Apostle‘s watchword” (Lightfoot), as in 1 Corinthians 16:22 Unless, indeed, eggus here means near in space instead of nigh in time. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Philippians 4:5
1 Timothy 3:3No striker [μη πληκτην] Late word from πλησσω plēssō to strike. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:3. Gentle (επιεικη epieikē). See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. Not contentious Old word (from α a privative and μαχη machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον aphilarguron). Late word (α a privative and compound πιλαργυρος phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
Greek Commentary for Philippians 4:5
“Your gentleness,” “your sweet reasonableness” (Matthew Arnold), “your moderation.” Old adjective (επι εικος epiη επιεικεια eikos) as in James 3:17; 1 Timothy 3:3. Article and neuter singular here= χρηστον hē epieikeia (Acts 24:4; 2 Corinthians 10:1) like to ο κυριος εγγυς chrēston in Romans 2:4. [source]
“The Apostle‘s watchword” (Lightfoot), as in 1 Corinthians 16:22 Unless, indeed, eggus here means near in space instead of nigh in time. [source]
in time. [source]
See on Phlippians 1:4, and 2 Corinthians 13:11. [source]
Wrong. Rev., correctly, forbearance. See on gentle, 1 Peter 2:18. [source]
See on 1 Corinthians 16:22. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Philippians 4:5
Late word from πλησσω plēssō to strike. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:3. Gentle (επιεικη epieikē). See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. Not contentious Old word (from α a privative and μαχη machē), not a fighter. In N.T. only here and Titus 3:2. No lover of money (απιλαργυρον aphilarguron). Late word (α a privative and compound πιλαργυρος phil̇arguros) in inscriptions and papyri (Nageli; also Deissmann, Light, etc., pp. 85f.). In N.T. only here and Hebrews 13:5. [source]
See note on Philippians 4:5 for this interesting word. [source]