Philippians
4:1 “Therefore, my beloved and longed-for
brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.”
Several
adjectives precede the command contained in this text. Not only does Paul twice
use “beloved” to describe his relationship with the Philippians, but he also
insists that he longs for them and anticipates joy at the recognition of the
“crown” he will receive in heaven. One commentary emphasizes how these are
intense words. “Agapetos” is the descriptive Greek term translated
“dearly beloved.” The Heavenly Father uses “agapetos” to express His
love for His “beloved Son” in Matthew 3:17. Most of the New
Testament letters freely use “agapetos” to describe various personal
relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ. That unique and deeply
spiritual love is what demonstrates our difference to the unsaved.
John
13:34-35 “A new commandment I
give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love
one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another.”
1 Thessalonians 2:19 “For what is our hope, or joy, or
crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord
Jesus Christ at His coming?”
Philippians
1:27b “Stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel.’
1
Corinthians 16:13 “Watch, stand fast
in the faith, be brave, be strong.”
Galatians
5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty
by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a
yoke of bondage.”
1
Thessalonians 3:8 “For now we live, if
you stand fast in the Lord.”
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