I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Summary: It is helpful to remember that not everyone reads words the same way. Sometimes, who we are influences how we understand certain phrases.
When you read Philippians 4:10 in modern English, the words tumble together like a kind of Rorschach test. Who you are and how you were raised have a big impact on how you understand Paul’s words.
Many will read these words and think nothing of the way they are written. They will understand that Paul is truly rejoicing that the brothers and sisters in Philippi are concerned for his well-being. However, some will look at the wording of this verse and wonder, “Is Paul miffed that they stopped showing concern for a while?”
The difference is found in the two words, “at last.”
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that AT LAST you renewed your concern for me.” One can almost hear an exasperated “Finally!,” being muttered behind these words. But is that what Paul meant?
In short, no.
There is a lot of variation in how different translators handle this passage. The International Standard Version of the Bible puts it this way:
“Now I rejoice in the Lord greatly, because once again you have shown your concern for me. Of course, you were concerned for me but you did not have an opportunity to show it.” (Philippians 4:10)
Notice the difference? There is no suggestion that the Philippians’ concern for Paul ever lapsed. It is clear that they simply had not had an opportunity to show their concern.
This may not seem like a big deal to some, but to others, it can change the entire meaning of the passage.
Paul is not upset with the Philippians. In fact, he is far from it. He is genuinely grateful. If we were reading his words in the original Greek text, this would be clear. As it is, we have a good illustration of why it is important to “test the spirits” as John says (1 John 4:1) and make certain we are understanding the text correctly.
Application: Trust Jesus, question everything else.
Food for Thought: In 1 John 4:5-6, John talks about the “world’s perspective” and compares it to those who “belong to God.” How do those two perspectives affect how we understand the Bible?
I believe the simplest answer is found in the proceeding verses in 1 John 4:
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
Those who “belong to God” know the love of God, not in a conceptual sense, they have experienced the love of God through Christ. The love of God resides in their being, He is in their heart, their thoughts, and their deeds. His love is evident in the fruit of their life. They know what love requires, what love is, and how to express love as God loves.
Reading God’s word from start to finish and knowing the love God has for us changes the tone and perspective of why the events unfolded the way they did. Why God acted in great patience with mankind despite mankind’s rebellion. The Word testify’s to God’s great love, mercy, and grace. It also testifies to what happens to those that refuse God’s love, and refuse to submit in obedience.
The “world’s perspective” is self-serving, self-gratifying, and consumes life rather than gives it. If one reads the Word with the mindset of “what’s in it for me” the truth of the Word is distorted in the reader’s mind.
2 Peter 3:16
16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.
2 Corinthians 4:2
2 But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.
Thank you, Chris!
“Those who “belong to God” know the love of God, … they have experienced the love of God through Christ.”
There is a wonderful, powerful reality to God’s love!
1 John 4:5-6, John talks about the “world’s perspective” and compares it to those who “belong to God.” How do those two perspectives affect how we understand the Bible?
Throughout history, people have developed, followed different understandings about God’s teachings. How to live out their faith in their culture, and how churches should be led.
Surveys estimate there are over 2 billion people professing to be followers of Jesus Christ globally. Christianity is the world’s largest religion, incredibly diverse, encompassing dozens of denominations with different beliefs, practices, and interpretations of scripture. The quick answer to this question is there are approximately 45,000 different Christian denominations worldwide as of 2024.
The truths recorded and preserved in our Bible, by the power of His Holy Spirit. Have, and are being delivered to all mankind as He communicates, His truths to the world, His will for all mankind, and all He has created.
2 Timothy 3:16, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.
John 15:13, When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
John 14:26, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Ephesians 1:13-14, In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
1 Corinthians 2:14, The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Jesus teaches, Matthew 7:13-14, Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
2 billion people, divided into 45,000 different Christian denominations, speaks to a wide path, leading to a narrow gate.
Matthew 22:14, For many are called, but few are chosen.
God loves His people, calls to all His creation to receive life through Jesus Christ, but will not force anyone to change their ways.
Ron,
“2 billion people, divided into 45,000 different Christian denominations, speaks to a wide path, leading to a narrow gate.”
That is an astounding statement!
Thank you!