Philippians 4:5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 4:5
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The Greek word translated as "moderation" here is rich, meaning more than just being reasonable; it implies a gentle, yielding spirit that doesn't insist on its rights, especially when facing provocation. This "sweet reasonableness" is meant to be visible to everyone, even non-believers, because the imminent return of the Lord means that Christ's own gentle justice will soon prevail.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and joy, particularly by resolving their disputes. He calls them to "rejoice in the Lord always" despite their difficult circumstances and reminds them that this consistent joy should lead to a gentle, considerate spirit towards everyone. This comes right after he's addressed specific issues within the church, urging mutual support and a focus on heavenly citizenship.
Ever feel pressured to demand your rights, no matter what? This verse calls for something different – a way of interacting that surprises people.
The word translated here as 'moderation' (Greek: epieikes) is richer than it first appears. It's not just about avoiding extremes, but about a kind of 'sweet reasonableness' or 'forbearance.' Think of it as choosing to yield, to not insist on every last right, especially when dealing with others.
This isn't about being a doormat or being weak. It's about a conscious, active choice, rooted in a gentle spirit. It means being equitable in dealings, forgiving when wronged, and having a sweetness of disposition that government your passions.
This grace isn't meant to be hidden. Paul says it should be 'known to all men' – not as a showy display, but as a consistent pattern of behavior that others can plainly see. It's about demonstrating the character of Christ in everyday interactions.
Why should we choose this gentle reasonableness, especially when others are harsh or difficult? Paul gives us a powerful, perspective-shifting reason.
The second part of the verse, 'The Lord is at hand,' isn't just a casual closing remark. It's the bedrock motivation for the Christian life. This phrase, likely echoing the early church's cry 'Maranatha' (Our Lord, come!), carries a profound weight.
It means the Lord Jesus is not only coming again in glory, but He is also present now. He is the Judge who sees all actions, and He is also the King who is actively working in His people and His world.
This awareness changes everything. It means:
Understand the original words
epieikeia · Greek Noun
A quality of character encompassing gentleness, humility, patience, and moderation; it reflects a willingness to yield one's rights and a gracious approach to others, modeled after the character of Christ.
The phrase 'The Lord is at hand' would have resonated deeply with believers facing intense persecution. It served as a powerful reminder that Christ's return for judgment and vindication was imminent, urging them to live with moderation, peace, and unwavering joy, rather than succumbing to fear or worldly anxieties.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, able to receive visitors and preach the gospel, but still facing potential trial and judgment.
c. AD 62
Temple in Jerusalem Destroyed
Following years of unrest, the Roman army destroys the Temple in Jerusalem and much of the city, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy and marking a catastrophic event for Judaism.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading Emperor Nero to blame and persecute Christians, intensifying their suffering and the need for steadfastness.
c. AD 65-67
Paul's Execution
Tradition holds that Paul is martyred in Rome, likely beheaded under Nero's persecution, a sobering reality for the early church.
This passage echoes the urgency of Philippians 4:5 by reminding believers to be patient and steadfast because the Lord's coming is near, reinforcing the idea that proximity of judgment should inform our present conduct.
1 Peter 4:7Here, Peter also links the nearness of the end of all things to a call for clear thinking and self-control in prayer, highlighting the same connection between eschatological hope and present-day soberness found in Philippians.
Matthew 18:21-22While not directly about the Lord's return, Jesus' teaching on forgiving seventy times seven illustrates the spirit of 'reasonableness' or 'forbearance' mentioned in Philippians, showing that Christ's kingdom life requires this generous attitude towards others.
Philippians 2:3-4This passage directly encourages humility and looking out for the interests of others, a core aspect of the 'reasonableness' or 'equity' Paul commends, showing how this attitude should be expressed in Christian community.
Matthew 25:1-13The Parable of the Ten Virgins, with its emphasis on readiness for the bridegroom's arrival, powerfully illustrates the concept of 'the Lord is at hand' as a call to constant preparedness and wise living, not complacency.
barnesPhilippians 4:5: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand."
Let your moderation be known unto all men - That is, let it be such that others may see it. This does not mean that they were to make an ostentatious display of it, but that it should be such a characteristic of their lives that it would be constantly visible to others. The word "moderation" - ἐπιεικὲς epieikes - refers to restraint on the passions, general soberness of living, being free from all excesses. Th…
calvinPhilippians 4:4-9: "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Moderatio vestra nota sit omnibus hominibus. Dominus prope est.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
De nulla re sitis solliciti: sed in omnibus, oratione et precatione, cum gratiarum actione, petitiones vestrae innotescant apud Deum.
And the peace…
The Greek word translated as "moderation" here is rich, meaning more than just being reasonable; it implies a gentle, yielding spirit that doesn't insist on its rights, especially when facing provocation. This "sweet reasonableness" is meant to be visible to everyone, even non-believers, because the imminent return of the Lord means that Christ's own gentle justice will soon prevail.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and joy, particularly by resolving their disputes. He calls them to "rejoice in the Lord always" despite their difficult circumstances and reminds them that this consistent joy should lead to a gentle, considerate spirit towards everyone. This comes right after he's addressed specific issues within the church, urging mutual support and a focus on heavenly citizenship.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and joy, particularly by resolving their disputes. He calls them to "rejoice in the Lord always" despite their difficult circumstances and reminds them that this consistent joy should lead to a gentle, considerate spirit towards everyone. This comes right after he's addressed specific issues within the church, urging mutual support and a focus on heavenly citizenship.
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"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;" — The Greek word translated as "moderation" here is rich, meaning more than just being reasonable; it implies a gentle, yielding spirit that doesn't insist on its rights, especially when facing provoca…