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Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: q.d. In the mean time, whatever becomes of me, that which is for your part solely incumbent on you, who are brought into the fellowship of the gospel, is to demean yourselves truly agreeable to that state. The original phrase, as afterwards in this Epistle, Phi_3:20 4:8, and elsewhere, Act_23:1, imports, that their deportment should be answerable to their citizenship, that they should behave themselves as might be most to the public good of the society to which they do relate, not being of the world here, any more than their Head, Joh_15:19 17:16. Their course of life should be every way answerable to their high calling, Eph_4:1 Col_1:10 1Th_2:12; bringing forth fruit meet for repentance.
That whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs; intimating, that it did behove them constantly to adorn the gospel, in the exercise of Christian courage, unanimity, and patience, as well when he was distaut from them, as when among them to oversee them: not as if he doubted of returning to them for their greater edification, but further to satisfy them as to his entire submission unto God’s pleasure on his journey, or at home, 2Co_5:6,8; and to excite them to shake off sloth, and to discharge their duty with all diligence, which would greatly cheer his heart.
That ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel:
1. By their stedfast endeavour after a sweet, close, holy, lasting union amongst themselves. For one spirit, one soul or mind, here seem to imply one understanding enlightened by the sanctifying Spirit, and one heart, as an inward, uniting principle, which must upon no temptation be changed: compare Phi_2:2 3:16 4:2; with Rom_12:16 1Co_1:10 2Co_13:11 Eph_4:2,3 1Pe_3:8; according to our Savior’s prayer. Joh_17:11,20-23, which was heard, Act_1:14 2:16 4:32 5:12. Nor only by their union in heart and mind, but:
2. Their mutual helpfulness in action, as spiritual champions joining their forces together, for the defence of their royal charter, the maintenance of the main principles of Christianity, against all troublers of the church, and subverters of the evangelical faith, 1Co_9:24,25 Ga 5:13 Eph_6:14, with 2Ti_4:7.
3. A courageous spirit under sufferings from their most malignant gainsayers and persecutors, who do wittingly and willingly oppose the truth, and them professing of it, as Simon Magus and others did, Act_8:18-21 1Ti_1:20 2Ti_1:15.