Matthew Poole and continuators on Philippians 4:13

13 I [illegible: 1 letter]an do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me m.

Having written of the great things he had learned, that it might not be attributed to his proud conceit, or give occasion to any others vanity to boast (as he had recourse before to the divine efficiency to will▪ and do, c. 2.13.) he rests solely for power upon Christ, being found in whom, when he saith he can do all things, we are not to understand it absolutely, but restrictively to the subject matter, he had before mentioned in the precedent verses, intimating he could by the Lord's help use well both prosperity and adversity: or all those things the Lord called him to and put him upon. Not as the Papists urge that any meer man since the fall is able in this life, perfectly to keep the commandments of God: but that he by faith being united to Christ, by the power of his spirit dwelling in him, hath in the Lord righteousness and strength, Isa. 45.24. and thereupon hath a sincere respect to all God's commands, as David had, Psal. 119.6. So also had Zachariah, and Elizabeth, Luk. 1.6. in opposition to pharesaical obedience: not by any power he had of himself but through Christ strengthening of him, so that God would accept of his sincere performance (though not every way perfect) of what was incumbent on him.