Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

grace support, that extra supply of grace to assist us in our advance through spiritual no-man’s
land. Since Paul has referred to the rapture in prior verses, I think this is an adverb of time,
referring to the Lord’s imminent return at the rapture of the Church. If we understand that the
Lord can return at any moment, then we are more likely to remain relaxed and grace oriented
towards those in our periphery.
REVELANT OPINIONS
If we are to be perfectly obedient to the will of God, it is going to entail discipline. The word
translated "moderation" has in it the idea of self-control or discipline. Apart from rigid discipline and
control by the Spirit of God, a Christian will find himself in a path of disobedience [reversionism],
and he will lose the joy [inner happiness] of his Christian experience. (J.D. Pentecost) "Modesty" or
"passivity" is not appropriate here, for the rage of the wicked is more inflamed in proportion to our
"mildness." But rather "patience in difficulties," hence the proverbs: "We must howl when among
wolves," and "Those who act like sheep will quickly be devoured by wolves." Hence we conclude
that the ferocity of the wicked must be repressed by corresponding violence, that they may not insult
us with impugnity. Ignorance of the providence of God is the cause for all impatience. (J. Calvin)
“Epieikes” means graciousness, a balanced, intelligent, decent outlook … patient bearing of abuse
… a humble, patient steadfastness, which is able to submit to injustice, disgrace and maltreatment
without hatred or malice, trusting God in spite of it all. (P. O’Brien)
The ordinary things of life are important in the light of that return, so that the Christian who has this
hope does not live thoughtlessly day by day. (P. O’Brien) A forbearing person bears trouble calmly
and rejects revengeful meanness ... The expression “near” refers to a nearness, either of time or
space. First, it could refer to the imminency of Christ’s return. Paul had just discussed the blessed
hope of believers in which they will see Christ and receive new bodies. Second, “near” could refer to
the omnipresence of Christ. He is not only in believers, but also with them at all times and in all
circumstances. (R. Gromacki) This is not the constant, invisible nearness of Christ; it is the nearness
of His parousia. No man knew the hour of His coming, every Christian lived as if He might come at
any time. So we do to this day. (R. Lenski) The nearness of the Lord’s return (the Rapture is in
Paul’s mind), enforces gentleness and is a cure for worry. (K. Wuest)
For as the rage of the wicked is the more inflamed in proportion to our mildness, and the more they
see us prepared for enduring, are the more emboldened to inflict injuries, we are with difficulty
induced to possess our souls in patience. To such considerations Paul here opposes confidence in
Divine providence. He replies, I say, that the Lord is at hand, whose power can overcome their
audacity, and whose goodness can conquer their malice ... Ignorance of the providence of God is the
cause of all impatience, and this is the reason why we are so quickly, and on trivial accounts, thrown
into confusion, and often, too, become disheartened because we do not recognize the fact that the
Lord cares for us. We learn that this is the only remedy for tranquilizing or minds – when we repose
unreservedly in His providential care, as knowing that we are not exposed either to the rashness of
fortune, or to the caprice of the wicked, but are under the regulation of God’s fatherly care. (J.
Calvin)