58. Php_4:5
Php 4:5, “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” There is not the slightest evidence, either from the original word or the context, that this text has the remotest reference to moderate drinking. The Greek word epieikeesoccurs five times: thrice it is rendered gentle, once patient, and once moderation. In each case, reference is made to the state of the mind, and it might be properly translated, Let your moderation of mind be known unto all men. Robinson renders it meet, suitable, proper. The reason given for moderation is, “The Lord is at hand.” How strange to say to the drinkers, Drink moderately, for the Lord is at hand! But to the Christians at Philippi, then suffering persecutions, the exhortation had point: Let your moderation—that is, your patience, gentleness, mildness, propriety—be known to all men, as a testimony in favor of Christianity. The Lord is at hand is a motive of encouragement.