Verse
Context
Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace
4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;6in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
St. John ChrysostomSt. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In stripes, in imprisonments - Of these the history of the Acts of the Apostles gives ample testimony; and there were doubtless many instances of persecution in various forms which are not on record. In tumults - Ακαταστασιαις· Insurrections raised against them because of the Gospel. It is more natural to understand the word thus, than of agitations, or tossings to and fro in consequence of their unsettled state of life; or because of persecution, which obliged them to flee from place to place. In labors - Both with our own hands to provide for ourselves the necessaries of life, that we might not be chargeable to others; and in labors to spread the Gospel of God through all countries where his providence opened our way. In watchings - Passing many nights without sleep or rest. In fastings - Partly constrained through want of food; and partly voluntary, as a means of obtaining an increase of grace both for ourselves and for the Churches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stripes-- (Co2 11:23-24; Act 16:23). imprisonments-- (Co2 11:23). He had been, doubtless, elsewhere imprisoned besides at Philippi when he wrote this Epistle. tumults-- (Act 13:50; Act 14:5, Act 14:19; Act 16:22; and recently Acts 19:23-41). labours--in the cause of Christ (Co2 11:23; Rom 16:12). watchings-- (Co2 11:27). Sleepless nights. fastings--The context here refers to his trials, rather than devotional exercises (compare Co2 11:27). Thus "foodlessness" would seem to be the sense (compare Co1 4:11; Phi 4:12). But the usual sense of the Greek is fasts, in the strict sense; and in Co2 11:27 it is spoken of independently of "hunger and thirst." (Compare Luk 2:37; Act 10:30; Act 14:23). However, Mat 15:32; Mar 8:3, justify the sense, more favored by the context, foodlessness, though a rare use of the word. GAUSSEN remarks "The apostles combine the highest offices with the humblest exterior: as everything in the Church was to be cast in the mould of death and resurrection, the cardinal principle throughout Christianity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
By pureness,.... The apostle having observed how he, and other ministers of God, showed themselves to be such by patiently bearing everything that was afflictive and distressing to the outward man, proceeds to show how they approved themselves in other respects; and which more chiefly regard the inward man, the exercise of grace, and a spiritual behaviour: "by pureness"; of doctrine and conversation, chastity of body and mind, sincerity of heart, and integrity of life: by knowledge; of the Scriptures of truth, the mysteries of grace; or by a prudent conduct, a walking in wisdom with caution and circumspection: by longsuffering: not easily provoked to wrath, but bearing with patience every indignity and affront: by kindness; gentleness, sweetness of temper and manners, affability and courteousness: by the Holy Ghost; influencing and assisting in the exercise of every grace, and the discharge of every duty, or by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, ordinary and extraordinary: by love unfeigned; without dissimulation, being not in word only, but in deed and in truth towards the brethren, and to all men.
Paul’s Hardships and God’s Grace
4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities;5in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;6in purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Do These Things Move You?
By Leonard Ravenhill17K56:35RevivalMAT 6:331CO 13:42CO 6:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having unwavering faith in God, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. He uses the example of a man who remained calm and unshaken during a violent storm at sea, demonstrating that having nothing can actually be an advantage because there is nothing to lose. The speaker also highlights the peace that comes from having a relationship with God, as well as the role of Christian workers in preaching the word of God. He references 2 Corinthians 6 to explain the hardships and trials that ministers may face, but emphasizes that enduring these challenges is a testament to their faith and love for God.
Philippians 1:22-26
By St. John Chrysostom0JOB 38:7PSA 106:2ROM 9:31CO 9:272CO 6:52CO 11:23GAL 5:4PHP 2:27John Chrysostom preaches about the exemplary spirit of Paul, who faced the choice between departing to be with Christ or remaining in the flesh for the sake of others. Paul's selfless dedication to the progress and joy in the faith of his followers is highlighted, emphasizing the noble and sacrificial nature of his decision. Chrysostom urges the congregation to emulate Paul's unwavering faith and commitment to Christ, even in the face of adversity and persecution, as a testament to their salvation and steadfastness in the Gospel.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-3
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 5:3ISA 1:19MAT 19:122CO 6:51TH 4:11TI 5:22HEB 12:14John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of sanctification and living a life that pleases God. He emphasizes the need to go beyond mere obedience to God's commandments and strive for a life that reflects voluntary choice and a desire to please God. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of fornication and adultery, urging believers to possess themselves in sanctification and honor, avoiding the passions of lust that lead to sin. He highlights the significance of marriage and the importance of guarding against impurity and immorality, encouraging young men to pursue chastity and self-control, especially in a culture that promotes sensuality and indulgence.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In stripes, in imprisonments - Of these the history of the Acts of the Apostles gives ample testimony; and there were doubtless many instances of persecution in various forms which are not on record. In tumults - Ακαταστασιαις· Insurrections raised against them because of the Gospel. It is more natural to understand the word thus, than of agitations, or tossings to and fro in consequence of their unsettled state of life; or because of persecution, which obliged them to flee from place to place. In labors - Both with our own hands to provide for ourselves the necessaries of life, that we might not be chargeable to others; and in labors to spread the Gospel of God through all countries where his providence opened our way. In watchings - Passing many nights without sleep or rest. In fastings - Partly constrained through want of food; and partly voluntary, as a means of obtaining an increase of grace both for ourselves and for the Churches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
stripes-- (Co2 11:23-24; Act 16:23). imprisonments-- (Co2 11:23). He had been, doubtless, elsewhere imprisoned besides at Philippi when he wrote this Epistle. tumults-- (Act 13:50; Act 14:5, Act 14:19; Act 16:22; and recently Acts 19:23-41). labours--in the cause of Christ (Co2 11:23; Rom 16:12). watchings-- (Co2 11:27). Sleepless nights. fastings--The context here refers to his trials, rather than devotional exercises (compare Co2 11:27). Thus "foodlessness" would seem to be the sense (compare Co1 4:11; Phi 4:12). But the usual sense of the Greek is fasts, in the strict sense; and in Co2 11:27 it is spoken of independently of "hunger and thirst." (Compare Luk 2:37; Act 10:30; Act 14:23). However, Mat 15:32; Mar 8:3, justify the sense, more favored by the context, foodlessness, though a rare use of the word. GAUSSEN remarks "The apostles combine the highest offices with the humblest exterior: as everything in the Church was to be cast in the mould of death and resurrection, the cardinal principle throughout Christianity."
John Gill Bible Commentary
By pureness,.... The apostle having observed how he, and other ministers of God, showed themselves to be such by patiently bearing everything that was afflictive and distressing to the outward man, proceeds to show how they approved themselves in other respects; and which more chiefly regard the inward man, the exercise of grace, and a spiritual behaviour: "by pureness"; of doctrine and conversation, chastity of body and mind, sincerity of heart, and integrity of life: by knowledge; of the Scriptures of truth, the mysteries of grace; or by a prudent conduct, a walking in wisdom with caution and circumspection: by longsuffering: not easily provoked to wrath, but bearing with patience every indignity and affront: by kindness; gentleness, sweetness of temper and manners, affability and courteousness: by the Holy Ghost; influencing and assisting in the exercise of every grace, and the discharge of every duty, or by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, ordinary and extraordinary: by love unfeigned; without dissimulation, being not in word only, but in deed and in truth towards the brethren, and to all men.