Vers. 4, 5. Fellowship in the Gospel.

  1. Christian ministers have a claim to maintenance from the people.
  2. Fellowship is making another a fellow-partaker of what belongs to us.
  3. The apostle Paul while claiming his privilege was cautious in using it.
  4. The voluntary system has advantages, but greater disadvantages.—Archbishop Whately.

Ver. 4. “Making request with joy.” Pure Joy—

  1. Springs from Divine communications.
  2. Succeeds a previous sorrow.
  3. Is superior to human surroundings.
  4. Is sustained by answered prayer.—Lay Preacher.

Ver. 5. True Gospel Fellowship.

  1. Lives which adorn it.
  2. Hearts which beat for it.
  3. Lips which testify for it.
  4. Hands which work for it.
  5. Gifts which extend it.—Ibid.

Ver. 6. Grounds of Confidence in the Believer’s Salvation.

I. That the Philippians persevered in the midst of great difficulties, opposition, and persecution.

II. That their persevering fellowship in the Gospel had been characterised by great purity and consistency of Christian life.

III. That they gave evidences of zeal for the propagation of religion and of liberality in contributing of their worldly substance to this end.