Comments on Philippians 4 v1 would be better taken as the last verse of the preceding chapter, with Paul exhorting them to stand fast. v2-3 Paul is addressing some unknown individual, the "yokefellow" or associate, and telling him that two women among the ecclesia need to be reconciled. Apparently these two women were formerly close friends and very much involved in the ministry along with Paul and one named Clement. We might assume that the unknown person Paul is addressing is the bishop of the ecclesia at Philippi. v4-9 Paul gives them some closing advice in how to obtain the peace of God. Note v. 7 and 9 both close with statements saying if they do these things they will have the peace of God with them. Paul tells them to not be anxious about what is worrying them, but rather to forbear and pour out their desires in prayer (v. 4-6). He then tells them they should seek after and do good (v. 8). If they do these things, they will have peace (v. 7, 9). The anxiety they are suffering from is probably the persecution they are facing referenced in 1:28-30. v6 "Be careful for nothing", the IV/JST emends this to "Be afflicted for nothing". Modern translations typically render it something like "Don't worry about anything". v10-20 Paul closes with profuse thanks for their concern for his well being (v. 10-11) and apparent exceptional generosity in supporting him in his prior missionary efforts (v. 14-18). While he has learned to live in any circumstance, being supported by the hand of the Lord (v. 12-13), he obviously appreciates the kindness shown him by these people. He then blesses them with prosperity as a result of it (v. 19), and thanks God (v. 20). v12 "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound", the New American Standard renders this "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity". Paul's reference to living in prosperity is probably alluding to the time prior to his conversion. We learn in Acts 22:28 that Paul was born a Roman citizen, but we know that Paul is of natural Israel. Thus, someone in his family must have purchased Roman citizenship, which was rather expensive. And we also know that Paul received the finest religious education available at the time. This all suggests that Paul came from a wealthy family. What happened to that wealth is question left unanswered. He returned to work at one point (cf. Acts 18:3), and clearly was living under more humble circumstances after his conversion. Many scholars suggest his Jewish family cut him off. Also possible is that his inheritance ran out, necessitating him to return to work. What seems most likely to me is that Paul, like the other early saints (cf. 4:23-27, 11:29-30), practiced the Law of Consecration and donated his wealth to Church. v21-23 Closing. v22 Note there are saints among Caesar's household. The statement in 1:13 informed us Paul had preached to those around him, now it is made clear there was at least some success among the Romans. Copyright © 2002 by S. Kurt Neumiller . All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced in any form or by any means for commercial gain without the express written consent of the author. Digital or printed copies may be freely made and distributed for personal and public non-commercial use.