Study Desk

and you yourselves know, O Philippians, that when I first preach'd the gospel, at my departure from Macedonia, I receiv'd no manner of assistance from any other church but yours;

not that I desire a present; but what I desire is, that the fruits of your liberality may greatly redound to your own account.

which is not only come to you, but to all the world; where it produces its effects, and increases, as it does also among you, ever since you sincerely embrac'd the divine favour,

that mystery, which has been hid from ages and generations, but is now made manifest to his saints:

but now renounce them all, as well as anger, animosity, malice: let calumny and obscene discourse be banish'd from your lips.

by which there is now neither Greek, or Jew; circumcised, or uncircumcised; Barbarian, or Scythian; slave, or freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

may the peace of Christ, to which you are called to be but one body, influence your hearts, to be benevolent.

servants, be entirely obedient to those, whom the laws have made your masters, and not meerly out of regard to their observation, as designing only to please men, but from a principle of integrity, as fearing God:

but he that does wrong shall be punish'd for his injustice: for no regard will be shown to the external characters of men.

since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you.

for the gospel has made so favourable a progress not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every other place, where the reputation of your divine faith has spread, that 'tis needless to mention any thing of it; since they all relate of us,

we preach the gospel just as God thought fit to intrust it with us, not being studious to please men, but God, who approves our sincerity.

nor do we fail of giving thanks to God continually, that, when you received the word of God, which we preach, you did not receive it as the doctrine of men, but as a doctrine that appears to be truly divine, by the influences it displays in you, who believe.

this I Paul have frequently attempted, but Satan has been my obstacle.

but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you.

for God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness:

he therefore that violates these precepts, does not despise man, but God, who has endued me with his holy spirit.

but you, my brethren, are too well inform'd to be surpriz'd by that day, as by a thief.

therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate.

but let us, who enjoy the light, be temperate; let us be arm'd with the breast-plate of faith and charity, and for an helmet, with the hope of salvation.