Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and greatly desired brothers [and sisters], my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
This verse serves as a transition as a summary exhortation from the previous section and a preparation for the closing of the letter. The therefore as a logical inference shows how the Philippians should respond to what Paul had just written in the previous verses. It is possible to see this as a response to the call to imitate Paul in verse 17, or it could be his call to response from all of chapter 3, or it could be a broader summary of the whole letter to this point.
The terms of close relationship are significant in this verse. Paul’s affection and deep concern for the Philippians is evident. He uses six descriptions for the Philippians. These descriptions intensify the intended effect of his exhortation. The first word in the Greek is brothers. Since obviously there were women as part of the church, this term is inclusive of both genders. It is a term of fictive kinship (a relationship that is like family but not blood related) that shows the close relationship of Christians. Those who have put their trust in Jesus have been adopted into God’s family and can call God, “Father” (Romans 8:15-16). The relationships in this new family can be closer than blood family.
The next two descriptions are a pair (joined with kai). Beloved (agapētoi) is used twice, at the beginning and the end. Paul called the Philippians “beloved” earlier in 2:12. They were loved by God and loved by Paul and Timothy. Love was the key characteristics of early believers. Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another (John 13:35). The next word translated as greatly desired (epipothētoi) shows Paul’s longing and hope for the Philippians. Although they were far apart, he hoped and prayed for the salvation and spiritual maturity. He wished he could be present with them, but distance and prison chains could not stop the love he had for them through the Holy Spirit.
The next two words are also a pair (also joined with kai). They are Paul’s joy. Joy has been a key theme throughout the letter and repeated many times (1:4, 18; 2:2, 17-18, 29; 3:1, 4:4, 10). It is amazing that Paul could think of rejoicing while sitting chain up in prison with an uncertain future. They are also Paul’s crown. The word used here (stephanos) refers to the wreath given to victors of athletic games. It was a sign of great honor and achievement. Paul’s highest honor would be to see those to whom he ministered in heaven with him (3:20-21). What the Philippians were doing and how they were growing spiritually at that time gave Paul great confidence and honor. He believed God would answer his prayers to see them grow into maturity when Jesus comes again (1:6).
The primary point of this verse is found in the phrase stand firm in the Lord. Paul used this verb earlier in 1:27. The image of standing firm (stēkete) refers to being grounded in one’s faith in Jesus Christ and not letting the challenges of this world–such as persecution, temptation, and various opponents–pull one from this faith. Paul used this image in other letters. In 2 Corinthians 1:24, he also calls the Corinthian believers to stand firm in their faith. In 1 Thessalonians 3:8, he calls the Thessalonians to stand firm in the Lord. In Ephesians 6:10-20, he lists ways to help believers stand by putting on the full armor of God. The Philippians have all they need from God to stand strong, but there is always a human component to this. They must act in faith. They must put their confidence in Christ and not their own abilities. If they follow the opponents and rely on self-righteousness or think that circumcision will be enough, they will surely fall to the pressures and persecution they were experiencing.
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