Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
1. Therefore, my brethren He concludes his doctrine, as he is wont, with most urgent exhortations, that he may fix it the more firmly in the minds of men. He also insinuates himself into their affections by endearing appellations “Et les appelant par noms amiables et gracieux, il tasche de gaigner leurs coeurs;” — “And calling them by lovely and kind names, he endeavors to...
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
Philippians CHAPTER 4 ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER. THIS chapter comprises the following points :-- I. Exhortations. II. Solemn commands to live as became Christians. III. The expression of a grateful acknowledgment of the favours which he had received from them; and, IV. The customary salutations. I. Exhortations, .