3. The Epistle’s manifold Argument, and commendation.
This Epistle treats of the most weighty matters. The Apostle, declaring his most earnest love toward the Philippians, discourses before them concerning the fruit of his bonds: he urges them to holy conversation, concord, and courage: he sets forth Christ as an example of humility, and unfold both His humility and His glory: he, pursuing evil workers, dogs, the concision, distinguishes the true righteousness of God from false righteousness: he commends perfection, teaching how they can walk by one rule: he sets forth a Christian conversation worthy of heavenly citizenship: finally, he comforts, exhorts, and commends on account of their liberality toward him. No Epistle of Paul is so moving, and filled with greater paternal affections.