*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.
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. [1] Hence he enjoins it upon them, that, amidst circumstances of hostility and disturbance, they should nevertheless rejoice in the Lord, [2] as assuredly these spiritual consolations, by means of which the Lord refreshes and gladdens us, ought then most of all to show their efficacy when the whole world tempts us to despair. Let us, however, in connection with the circumstances of the times, consider what efficacy there must have been in this word uttered by the mouth of Paul, who might have had special occasion of sorrow. [3] For if they are appalled by persecutions, or imprisonments, or exile, or death, here is the Apostle setting himself forward, who, amidst imprisonments, in the very heat of persecution, and in fine, amidst apprehensions of death, is not merely himself joyful, but even stirs up others to joy. The sum, then, is this -- that come what may, believers, having the Lord standing on their side [4], have amply sufficient ground of joy. The repetition of the exhortation serves to give greater force to it: Let this be your strength and stability, to rejoice in the Lord, and that, too, not for a moment merely, but so that your joy in him may be perpetuated. [5] For unquestionably it differs from the joy of the world in this respect -- that we know from experience that the joy of the world is deceptive, frail, and fading, and Christ even pronouces it to be accursed (Luke 6:25). Hence, that only is a settled joy in God which is such as is never taken away from us.
1 - "Il se pouuoit faire que les Philippiens, estans vaincus de tristesse ou impatience, venissent a perdre courage;" -- "It might be, that the Philippians, being overcome by grief or impatience, might come to lose heart."
2 - "Non obstant les troubles et les fascheries qu'ils voyoyent deuant leurs yeux;" -- "Notwithstanding the troubles and annoyances that they saw before their eyes."
3 - "Qui plus que tous les autres pouuoit auoir matiere de se contrister;" -- "Who might more than all others have had occasion to indulge sorrow.""
4 - "Ont le Seigneur pour eux;" -- "Have the Lord for them."
5 - "Que vostre ioye se continue en iceluy iusques a la fin;" -- "That your joy may maintain itself in him until the end."
Rejoice in the Lord alway - see the notes at Philippians 3:1. It is the privilege of Christians to do this, not at certain periods and at distant intervals, but at all times they may rejoice that there is a God and Saviour; they may rejoice in the character, law, and government of God - in his promises, and in communion with him. The Christian, therefore, may be, and should be, always a happy man. If everything else changes, yet the Lord does not change; if the sources of all other joy are dried up, yet this is not; and there is not a moment of a Christian's life in which he may not find joy in the character, law, and promises of God.
Rejoice in the Lord alway - Be continually happy; but this happiness you can find only in the Lord. Genuine happiness is spiritual; as it can only come from God, so it infallibly tends to him. The apostle repeats the exhortation, to show, not only his earnestness, but also that it was God's will that it should be so, and that it was their duty as well as interest.
(3) Rejoice in the (d) Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
(3) He adds particular exhortations: and the first is, that the joy of the Philippians should not be hindered by any afflictions that the wicked imagine and work against them.
(d) So is the joy of the world distinguished from our joy.
Rejoice in the Lord alway,.... This is a repetition of the exhortation in the preceding chapter; See Gill on Philippians 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 speaks for peace and pardon; his righteousness is an everlasting one, and so is his salvation, and such is his love; though some join this word with what follows,
and again, I say, rejoice; this is what was continually inculcated by him, as being of great importance and use for the comfort of believers, and the honour of Christ.
(Isaiah 61:10.)
alway--even amidst the afflictions now distressing you (Philippians 1:28-30).
again--as he had already said, "Rejoice" (Philippians 3:1). Joy is the predominant feature of the Epistle.
I say--Greek, rather, "I will say."
Rejoice in the Lord alway. Compare Philippians 3:1. That a prisoner, soon to be tried for his life, should not only rejoice but bid others to rejoice, shows the power of the gospel to comfort one who has made Christ all in all.
Let your moderation. Your forbearance.
The Lord is at hand. A special watchword of the early church in time of trouble. It meant practically "Deliverance is near."
Be careful for nothing. See Revision. The meaning is, "Have no distressing anxiety about anything. "Care-ful" used to mean "full of care." Compare Matthew 6:25.
But in everything, etc. Instead of anxiety, just lay the case before God, and trust him to do all things well. Three elements enter into the appeal to God: Prayer, the outpouring of the soul; supplication, stating our wants; thanksgiving; we must always come to God, not in a complaining spirit, but with thankfulness for present mercies.
And the peace of God. The peace that comes by putting all in the hands of the one who is able and willing to deliver. Whenever we fully trust the Lord there comes a peace that is past the understanding of those who have never experienced it.
Shall keep your hearts. That peace will be a guard which will keep the heart and thoughts holy and pure.
*More commentary available at chapter level.