Philippians chapter 4

vs 1

The therefore obviously points backwards, but does the rest of this verse point backwards (that) or forwards (this)? The NIV goes for that, the NASB goes for this. It's an interesting conundrum. The people who insert chapter headings obviously think this verse belongs to the previous verses. But you could just as easily read it as applying to the versese to come.

I am struggling to form an opinion here. The verse seems to work admirably as a linking verse between the two, but it's not unlike Paul to change tac completely and start a new idea too.

vs 2

There's an argument going on between to church women.

vs 3

These aren't just women though - they have helped Paul in his ministry. So Paul wants to see the church (or possibly a specific person in the church) help these two sort out there quarrel. In his reference to Clement and the other workers, it seems less like they were embroiled in the whole argument. But they still also deserve the support of the Philippians.

vs 4

That whole little argumenty bit seems to be a bit of a sore thumb in the flow of this passage. Now we are on to rejoicing in the Lord. Rejoice!

vs 5

The reason for showing people your gentleness, the reason that Paul gives here anyway, is because the Lord is near. Again, this seems somewhat disjointed. Having said that, I've been reading lots of narrative for my essay lately, so I am used to things flowing.

vs 6

This is one of my "The King James is stupid" verses. It says "Be careful for nothing". I am sure that 200 years ago, this meant "do not be full of care for anything". But it certainly doesn't mean that now.

Anyway, the idea that Christians should not be worried or anxious I think is a misnomer. I reckon the best way to read this verse is to not "remain anxious". When you get anxious, you take it to God. Note the importance of thanksgiving here - your requests to God aren't just a shopping list. They are with thanksgiving. The idea of remembering what the Lord has done is a huge one in the OT - possibly the largest single cohesive doctrine in the OT (my essay is creeping in here). And we should remember it too. We should remember what God has done for us, and be thankful to him, even as we ask him for stuff.

vs 7

Note also the answer here - it is not that all your wishes will come true, or that all your pizza will be free. It is that you will have peace. Why would Paul command Christians not to be anxious, if through prayer they can have the peace of God? So instead, I think he's saying "No need to be anxious! Instead, pray.

vs 8

I think the NASB does well with "dwell on these things". The fact is that the world is full of crap, and as Christians we do have to deal with it to some degree. Poverty and murder and rape and war and injustice happen all around us. If we ignore them, then we're not doing what God wants us to do. He wants us to engage on the good side. But he doesn't want us to get all depressed Solomon by focussing only on this stuff.

vs 9

So we're to put the good stuff, the stuff that Paul teaches and does, to practice. See, sometimes you have to think about bad things. But don't practice them, attack them with your good practices and thoughts!

vs 10

The Philippians really have a care for Paul. Of course, in the ancient days, it's hard to show your concern from afar. I'm sure they were praying their guts out.

vs 11

Paul wants them to know he's not just writing in the hope they give him more money. That's not it at all. In fact, he's learned over the years to live with what he's got.