Philippians - Verse-by-Verse Biblical Exegesis

combined expression then refers to the whole inner life (i.e., the feeling, thinking, and willing),
which is so vulnerable to attack from all kinds of pernicious influences, being marvelously protected
by God’s peace. (P. O’Brien) Christians can enjoy emotional and mental stability if they rest in this
divine protection. If they are disobedient or carnal, they cannot expect to have inner tranquility.
They must abide in Christ and permit Him to manifest Himself through their inner life. (R.
Gromacki)
A narrower term for the mind is voυσ, which is regarded as man's planning (Lightfoot), the mind as
the faculty of thinking in contrast to physical existence (O’Brien), and is where a person's thoughts
come from. In both the OT and NT, καρδια, erroneously translated "heart," denotes the innermost
part of a person - the seat of one's mental and spiritual powers ... its more important function is its
role as the moral, volitional, and intellectual center of man. Both terms are rendered inexactly as
"minds" in the KJV and NIV. (H.A. Kent) The sure result (kai) of heeding this positive exhortation
to let their requests be made known to God is that, whether their petitions are granted or not, His
peace, which is more wonderful than they can imagine, will stand guard over their hearts and minds.
While they may be vulnerable to attack from all kinds of evil influences, as those who are in union
with Christ Jesus, they are assured of this divine protection. (P. O’Brien) The battle is not yours. The
Lord wants you to rely solely on Him. God will faithfully take care of you through all adversity, but
the “rest” from faith-rest will not occur until you are filled with the Spirit, claim His promises, and
let faith take control of the situation. (R.B. Thieme, Jr.)
The Christian does not depend on his voυς, his mind, to fend off worry from his heart (καρδια) and
his thoughts (voηματα). That is the best the world is able to do. We read much in the way of advice
as to how to manage the mind (voυς) so that it shall keep the heart (καρδια) and the thoughts
(voηματα) clear of worry. Paul points the Christian to something that "exceeds all mind" and all that
mind can do in this regard. It is "the peace of God." The voυς or mind bravely tries to hold the fort
but is ever a poor guard and protector. The peace of God exceeds all mind in this function. (R.C.H.
Lenski) His peace accomplishes more than any human forethought or scheming can achieve, and so
is far more effective in removing anxiety than any reasoning power; the peace of God is completely
beyond all power of human comprehension … It excels all human planning … It surpasses all our
dreams … It is greater than any thought can comprehend. (P. O’Brien) “Keep in custody” or
“preserve” is a military term used of a detachment of soldiers who stand guard over a city and
protect it from attack. (ibid)
Philp. 4:7 In fact (emphatic, consecutive), that (relative
pronoun) spiritual prosperity (Subj. Nom.; supergrace peace)
from God (Abl. Source), which surpasses (u`pere,cw, PAPtc.NSF,
Durative/Static, Articular, Attributive; rises above,
transcends, excels, is greater than, is in a position of
greater authority and rank, more excellent, superior) all
(Acc. Spec.) basic understanding (Acc. Dir. Obj.; voυσ, mind,
human viewpoint thinking), shall supply (froure,w, FAI3S,
Gnomic, Potential Ind.; only when certain circumstances or
prerequisites are met - guards as a sentinel, garrison,
protect) the mentality of your (Poss. Gen.) soul (Acc. Dir.