Philippians

Philippians 4 – Skeptic's Annotated Bible answered

A response and reply to the notes on Philippians 4 in the Skeptic's Annotated Bible (SAB).

King James Version

SAB comment

My comment

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

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

"The Lord is at hand."
Paul thought that the end was near and that Jesus would return soon after he wrote these words.
What the Bible says about the end of the world

The meaning of at hand is as usual in English: near. It does not mean coming soon as the author of the SAB has it. Paul wants to say that the Lord is present everywhere, able and willing to help his children.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

If the author of the SAB really believed “whatsoever things are honest” he wouldn't write pages and pages of attempts to twist the words of the Bible into saying something different than its plain meaning.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Believe whatever Paul tells you to believe, think whatever he tells you to think, and do whatever he tells you to do.

See my remark for the previous verse. This is a clear example. Paul starts the verse with “Those things”, i.e. the things of the previous verse, do them he says. And I've not just told you these things which I received from God, but I've set an example in my own life how to follow these things. Paul doesn't say that one should believe what he says, but what Christ says. For example at another place (Gal. 1:7-8) he says that if even he preached anything else than the gospel of Christ, he should be accursed:

Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

"My God shall supply all your need."
Paul's God will give you whatever you need.

The paraphrasing of the author of the SAB is correct in all its essentials: God is able and willing and will supply all that his children need. Not all they think they need, but all they truly need.

20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.