Philippians 4:1–7

Verse 2. I beg of. Saint John Chrysostom Theod. and many others, think that these were two ladies particularly famous in the Church at Philippi, for their virtue and good works. Some critics are of opinion that Syntyche was a man. It is certain, at least, that this name agrees amongst the Greeks better with a man than a woman; and perhaps the latter of these two may be the husband of Evodia.

Verse 3. I entreat thee, my sincere [1] companion. Saint John Chrysostom expounds it of his fellow labourer or fellow soldier, and says that some pretended that by it was meant Saint Paul’s wife; but this he absolutely rejects, as do all the ancient interpreters, who teach us that Saint Paul was never married, if we except the particular opinion of Clement of Alexandria, (l. 3. strom. p. 448. Edit. Heinsii) who at the same time tells us, that Saint Paul and those ministers of the gospel who had wives, lived with them as if they had been their sisters. The pretended reformers, who bring this place to shew that bishops and priests may marry, will they be for living after this manner? See 1 Corinthians 7:7, 8. But even Calvin, Beza, and Dr. Hammond, expound this of some man that laboured with Saint Paul. Witham.—It seems probable that Saint Paul is here speaking to one of the persons mentioned in the preceding verse. Others think that he is speaking to the gaoler whom he had converted at Philippi. It seems most probable, however, that Saint Paul is here speaking to the bishop of the Church, at Philippi. As to the opinion that he is speaking to his wife, we have elsewhere refuted that sentiment. Calmet.—Saint Paul says of himself that he had no wife, (1 Corinthians 7:8) and all the Greek Fathers are very positive on this point.—With Clement. S. Jerom, Estius, and some others, believe that this Clement was the fourth pope that governed the Church, after SS. Linus and Cletus: this at least is the common opinion.—Those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, not by preaching, but by assisting other ways to promote the gospel.

Verse 6. But in every [2] thing by prayer, and so forth By the Greek, the sense and construction cannot be in every prayer; but in every thing, in all circumstances, have recourse to prayer. Witham.