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Philippians 4:1-13
(Philippians 4:4-7)
(Philippians 4:1-9)
With thanks to page sponsor 2014,
Rev. Jill Hedlund Kitsko
Oak Tree Presbyterian Church
Edison, NJ .

• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • Vision I.3, Shepherd of Hermas. (c.145) 
  • Chapter IX, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200) 
  • III.18, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200) 
  • II.13, On The Apparel of Women, Tertullian (c. 202) 
  • I.4, To His Wife, Tertullian (c. 206) 
  • Chapter XIII, De Corona, Tertullian (c. 211) 
  • II.V.3, First Principles (De Principiis), Origen. (c.225) 
  • VI.36, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Philocalia [anthology of Origen prepared by St. Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen], Origen. (c.230) 
  • VIII.LXX, Against Celsus, Origen (c. 246) 
  • Chapter 12, Ecclesiastical History: Martyrs of Palestine, Eusebius of Caesarea, (c. 320). 
  • IX.11, Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius of Caesarea, (c. 320). 
  • Commentary by St John Chrysostom: Homily XIV.
  • Chapter 2, On Cleaving to God, Albertus Magnus, c. 1275.
  • "Our Conduct toward God -- Rejoice in Him," Philippians 4:4-7, Martin Luther, c. 1521.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "He adds particular exhortations: and the first is, that the joy of the Philippians should not be hindered by any afflictions that the wicked imagine and work against them."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Whose names, although not set down here, are in the book of life - As are those of all believers. An allusion to the wrestlers in the Olympic games, whose names were all enrolled in a book."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "Anciently, free cities had a roll book containing the names of all those having the right of citizenship."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Two good women of Philippi, who had apparently been estranged. Women were prominent in the founding of the Philippian church; Lydia was the first convert, and her house was a home of the missionaries."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:4-7, Holly Hearon, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2018.
    • "“Joy” and “peace” are themes we encounter throughout the season of advent: on cards, holiday decorations, and in music streaming forth from malls and churches."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:1-9, Troy Troftgruben, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • "This is proof that tensions in congregations are no modern problem. The focus on God is the best remedy when no longer ultimate, but preliminary concerns start to dominate our agendas. It alone guarantees "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (4:7) -- and hence empowers us to overcome human differences."
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Stan Mast, commentary, textual notes, illustration. 2018.
  • "Unfailing Joy," Commented Bible Passages from Taize, 2011.
  • "Holy Friendships," Christi O. Brown, Faith and Leadership, 2014.
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:1-9, Christian A Eberhart, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
    • "This is proof that tensions in congregations are no modern problem. The focus on God is the best remedy when no longer ultimate, but preliminary concerns start to dominate our agendas. It alone guarantees "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (4:7) -- and hence empowers us to overcome human differences."
  • "Let's Do This!" Alyce M McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2014.
    • "When we tire of the endless struggle to master our anxiety by summoning our own inner resolve, let’s acknowledge that we’ve come to the end of our human abilities and need to call for help."
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:1-9, Susan Eastman, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
    • "But Paul sees a different reality alongside the violence and duplicity of Rome. The small and struggling Christian congregation in the Roman colony of Philippi is itself a kind of 'colony,' a separate polis with a more powerful Lord who alone has defeated death."
  • "First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 19, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Paul is not just advocating the power of positive thinking. This about more than technique and persuasion. It is about filling one's mind with what Paul sees as the signs of God's life - not so that will feel good, but because this is another way of filling oneself with God's life and so allowing God's life to flow through us to the world around us."
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:1-9, David E. Fredrickson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
    • "Were Euodia and Syntyche squabbling? Or, has Paul's exhortation in Philippians 4:2 activated the sexist bias within the guild of New Testament scholars?"
  • "Anxiety," Frederick Buechner, Beyond Words.
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:4-7, Jacob Myers, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "Paul's concern is unity in the church, which can only arise once we recognize our redemption as coworkers for the Lord, giving us a spirit of gentleness, and thereby turning our sight from earthly matters that lead to petty squabbles, derision, and anxiety. Only then can we experience the peace that transcends all understanding."
  • Commentary, Philippians 4:4-7, Michael Joseph Brown, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "While we are still vulnerable, we are also assured of God's concern and protection."
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Advent 3, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Do we need to be told that it is a good thing to be elated, to be glad and happy? Some, who see Christianity as something dour and serious, need to hear it."
  • Philippians 4:4-7, Advent 3C, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Philippians 4:4-7. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "Gentleness is not passivity but spiritual judo to be balanced and willing to be rebalanced as contexts change, to be interior to the fear of another for the purpose of transformation of their sense of balance."
  • "The Peace of the Season," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "How have you slowed down this season? How have you enjoyed this season?"
  • Philippians 4:1-9, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • Philippians 4:4-13, Christ and the Church: The Ministry of the Baptized, Wendell R. Debner, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1987.
  • "The Lord Is Near," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • Philippians 4:4-9, Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Harvest Thanksgiving, Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bartlett, David L., "Rejoice in the Lord Always," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bloomquist, L. Gregory, "Subverted by Joy: Suffering and Joy in Paul's Letter to the Philippians," Interpretation, 2007. (See entire issue, focus on "Philippians.")
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Bugg, Charles, "Philippians 4:4-13," Review and Expositor, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Burghardt, William, S.J., "Gospel Joy, Christian Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Cotter, Wendy J., "Women's Authority Roles in Paul's Churches: Countercultural or Conventional?" Novum Testamentum, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Craddock, Fred B., "The Surprise and Joy of Advent," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Creal, Margaret, "In the Beginning, Rejoice," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Crouch, Andy, "Furrowed Brows, Inc.: The Culture War's Biggest Casualties May Be Christian Joy," Christianity Today, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Debner, Wendell R., "Christ and the Church: The Ministry of the Baptized," Word & World, 1987. (Pentecost A)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dorgan, Margaret, DCM, "Listen for the Festive Music," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Dyrness, William, "Rejoice Anyway," The Christian Century, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Fritzson, Arne, "Reasons to Rejoice: Christian Joy in a Secularized World," Ecumenical Review, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Goetz, Ronald, "A Child of His Time," The Christian Century, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grab, Ginger, "Books and Articles on the Theme of Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hajek, Milan, "Comments on Philippians 4:3 -- Who Was GNESIOS SYZYGOS?" Communio Viatorum, 1964.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Holloway, Paul A., "Notes and Observations Bona Cognitare: An Epicurean Consolation in Philippians 4:8-9," Harvard Theological Review, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Howard, David M., Jr., "'Surprised by Joy': Joy in the Christian Life and in Christian Scholarship," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Jegen, Carol Frances, "Rejoicing in God," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kelcourse, Felicity Brock, "Not Bread But a Stone?" The Living Pulpit, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kelly, Geffrey B., "A 'Mysticism of Joy' in the Lord -- In Life As In Death," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Komp, Diane M., "A Mystery Story: Children, Cancer and Covenant," Theology Today, 1992.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Meehan, John T., "In the Midst of Our Chaos, We Can Rejoice," Religion and Intellectual Life, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • "Quotations on the Many Views of Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Rasmussen, Larry, "Joy and Transcendence," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Read, David H.C., "Communicating Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Selover, Thomas, "God as the Wellspring of Harmony, Peace and Joy: An East-West Rhapsody," Dialogue and Alliance, 2002/03.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Smith, Huston, "The Soul of Christianity: Reasons for Joy," The Christian Century, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Stafford, Tim, "The Joy of Suffering in Sri Lanka: How Christians Thrive in the Land Where Ethnic and Religious Strife Is Always Just around the Corner," Christianity Today, 2003.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wray, Judith Hoch, "Preaching Joy," The Living Pulpit, 1996.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Peace amid Bedlam," Michael Brown, Day1, 2015.
  • "It's Your Choice," the Rev. Dr. Douglas Oldenburg, Day 1, 1996.
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Advent 3, 2015, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • "In God's Hands," "Are You a Knocker or a Puller?" and "How Does Your Garden Grow?" Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
  • "Joseph & the Colorful Coat," "Pray about Everything," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
• Drama:
  • "War and Peace," Erina Caradus, dramatix.
  • "Let's Have A Party," Edgar Mayer, dramatix.
  • "Harvest Thanksgiving," Michelle Pitman, dramatix.
  • "Exasperating Daryl," Glenn A. Hascall, dramatix.
  • "Worry Works Wonders," Susan Irvine, dramatix.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:12-13, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Philippians 4:4, Heartlight - Free Christian PowerPoint Backgrounds.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Philippians 4:4, 6, 7, 11. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
    • Fairest Lord Jesus
    • In Our Work and in Our Play
    • Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
    • Rejoice, the Lord Is King
  • "Joy in the Lord," Philippians 4:4-7, scripture texts set to music, Peter L. Haynes, Long Green Valley Church.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Philippians

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• NARRATIVE LECTIONARY RESOURCES
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• FOR USE IN TIMES OF VIOLENCE
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• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

• Year C
• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

• Calendars
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• YEAR B
• YEAR C

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