1 Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
***Vs. 1 - “my beloved” - This phrase is repeated twice in this verse. Paul’s feelings toward the believers in this church are made known throughout the letter. He longs to see them.
He seriously weighs which is more important: being in heaven with Jesus, or staying here to help them grow! (Phil. 1:22-24) That is how much he cares for them - asking Jesus to let him remain so as to help the believers! Can you imagine it for yourself? They are his joy! They are his crown!
- “Stand firm in the Lord” - Remain strong! Look back to chapter 3. Look at all the encouragement he offers them. He exhorts them:
Only Christ matters!
There is more to know about Christ!
Press on!
Follow our example!
This verse is a transition in the letter from instructions and exhortations to closing thoughts and goodbyes. Some sort of disagreement has arisen between a couple of believers. He urges them to get along with each other, and asks for others to step in to heal the rift.
He offers one last encouragement in verses 4 through 13, some of the most well-known in the epistles. I would guess verses 4, 6, and 13 are memorized and quoted more than many others.
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