Fathers

Philippians 4

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Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things. The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. However you did well that you shared in my affliction. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Philippians 4:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"In whatsoever state I am," saith he, "therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things have I learned the secret." That is, I know how to use little, to bear hunger and want. "Both to abound, and to suffer need." "But, says one, there is no need of wisdom or of virtue in order to abound." There is great need of virtue, not less than in the other case. For as want inclines us to do many evil things, so too doth plenty. …

Homily on Philippians 15 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

That is, I know how to use little, I know how to endure both hunger and thirst, and I also know how to live in abundance. But what kind of virtue is it to know how to live in abundance? Truly this is a great virtue. Because it is not need, but abundance that ruins many, since it arouses very many and absurd desires. How then did Paul know how to abound? He spent his surplus on others, and did not rejoice in abundance, but was the same both in abundance and in need, neither puffed up by the former nor embarrassed by the latter. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

He explains himself, saying: I know how to be abased. Now, abasement sometimes denotes a virtue: "He who humbles himself will be exalted" (Lk. 18:14); and sometimes a low condition: "His feet were hurt with fetters, his neck was put in a collar of iron" (Ps. 105:18). This is what he means when he says, I know how to be abased, i.e., how to endure a lowly condition with equanimity, as is becoming. …

Commentary on Philippians ↗