Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 4:1

1 THerefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for , my joy , and crown , so stand fast in the Lord , my dearly beloved .

This particle connotes that which follows to be infer'd by way of conclusion from what he had premis'd in the close of the former Chapter, in opposition to the shame of the earthly minded, concerning the glory of the heavenly minded.

Whom he affectionately owns to be his Brethren in the common faith, Tit. 1.4.

Those who not being enticed by the insinuations of seducers did adhere to him, had his sincere affections, c. 2.12.

Whose safety and felicity every way he most heartily desired, c. 1.8. & 2.26. with Rom. 1.11. 1 Thess. 3.6.

Intimating how their faith and holiness did at present afford matter of rejoicing to him, c. 1.4, 7, 8. with 1 Thess. 2.19, 20.

Who was not ambitious of man's applause, but accounted them his honour and glory, the great ornament of his ministry, whereby they were converted to Christ (as elsewhere in scripture a crown is taken figuratively, Prov. 12.4. & 14.24. & 16.31. & 17.6.) 1 Thess. 2.19. The reward which had some similitude, with the honour they had who were victorious in a race, c. 2.16, 17. as Iam. 1.12. 1 Pet. 5.4. Rev. 2.10. & 3.11.

He exhorteth them not barely to stand, but so to stand that they did not fall, 1 Cor. 10.12.

Hereupon he adds in the Lord, i. e. Considering their relation unto Christ, they would derive power and virtue from him, into whom they were implanted, to persevere conformable to his will, in Christian concord, till they were made like to him, c. 3.21. with c. 1.27. Ioh. 15.4, 7. 1 Cor. 15.58. & 16.13. Gal. 5.7. Eph. 6.11, 14.

In whom looking upon them (the more to fix them) he pathetically and rhetorically repeats his endearing compellation Beloved.

Marginal references: 2 Cor. 1.14.