Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
The appeal opens with tender affection, calling believers dearly beloved and longed for, the apostle's joy and crown, and charging them to stand fast in the Lord. It is spoken to the Philippian believers, entreated both as churches and as individuals. Even those striving against temptation and in danger of falling are addressed in this same loving confidence, with affection expressed for them despite their struggles.
The verse stands at the head of the direct appeal concerning women who labored in the gospel. These include Euodias and Syntyche, recognized as fellow laborers who labored with Paul and with Clement and other fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life, whom he urged to be of the same mind in the Lord while asking his true yokefellow to help them. This placing of the call to stand fast alongside the recognition of women as fellow workers in the Christian mission belongs together.
That connection proves the Lord has a work for women as well as men to do in presenting the all-sufficiency of Jesus. As they united with Paul, so women unite with Christ in His work by visiting from family to family, opening the Scriptures, teaching young women to work as visitors and Bible readers, and carrying truth into families and imparting knowledge to sisters in a way a man cannot. Their work is essential and just as necessary and rich in results as the work of ordained ministers. Husband and wife laboring together are counted as two distinct workers. Therefore such women workers must be helped, honored, and paid wages proportionate to the time they give, and their labors must not be counted as nothing nor left to depend on donations.
To stand fast in the Lord means an advance movement and transformation of character. It means putting away thoughtless words, censure and reflections upon those who do not deserve it, and unjust, unholy, wrathful, bitter feelings. It means reading and studying the Bible and bringing its principles into practical life, letting the Word of God have free course in the heart, so that God is glorified and Christ is not put to open shame. It means remaining firm through opposition and the struggle against besetting sins, keeping confidence to the end, rooted in love and established in faith. Standing firm is set against departing from the faith through worldly ideas of education, since true education is humble walking with God and keeping God's law.
The joy and crown is Christian joy grounded in belonging to God and in the hope of the gospel, not in frivolity or shallow amusement. Reconciliation with God, hope of everlasting life through Christ, and the pleasure of blessing others bring lasting joy without sorrow. The Lord Himself is the believer's joy and crown, whose presence brings comfort, hope, and refreshment, so that trusting in Him means bringing troubles to Him for help.