“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.”
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord — to loipon (finally) marks a transition, though not the letter's end; it signals a new section. Chaire (rejoice) returns to the dominant theme: joy is not mood but stance toward Christ. 'In the Lord' (en kyriō) establishes its source and object. The repetition of rejoicing throughout (1:18, 2:28-29) makes this the letter's refrain. Despite warnings to come, rejoicing in the Lord is non-negotiable.
Church Fathers on Philippians 3:1
Dejection and care, whenever they strain the soul beyond due measure, bereave it of its native force. And therefore Paul relieves the Philippians, who were in great despondency, and they were in despondency because they did not know how matters were with Paul; they were in despondency because they thought that it was already over with him, because of the preaching, because of Epaphroditus. It is in giving them assurance on all these points that he introduces the words,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!