Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
4. Rejoice in the Lord It is an exhortation suited to the times; for, as the condition of the pious was exceedingly troublous, and dangers threatened them on every side, it was possible that they might give way, overcome by grief or impatience.
His affection for them burned hot: they were his beloved, his longing, his joy, his crown. He calls them brethren though he was an apostle, because all renewed by one Spirit are brothers. Warm affection must go with brotherly relation. He had no joy greater than hearing of their spiritual health. This is how tenderness works: it makes exhortation cut deeper and carry farther.
AI summary
Commenting on Philippians 4:1-9
Rejoice in the Lord alway,.... This is a repetition of the exhortation in the preceding chapter; See Gill on Phi 3:1; with this addition "alway"; for there is always cause and matter for rejoicing in Christ, even in times of affliction, distress, and persecution; since he is always the same; his grace is always sufficient; his blood has a continual virtue in it, and always...