Stand fast in your faith
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.” ( Philippians 4:1 ) Several adjectives precede the command contained in this text. Not only does Paul twice use “dearly beloved” to describe his relationship with the Philippians, but he also insists that he longs for them and anticipates joy at the recognition of the “crown” he will receive in heaven. These are intense words. Agapetos is the descriptive Greek term translated “dearly beloved.” The Heavenly Father uses agapetos to express His love for His “beloved Son” ( Matthew 3:17 ). Most of the New Testament letters freely use agapetos to describe various personal relationships with their brothers and sisters in Christ . That unique and deeply spiritual love is what demonstrates our difference to the unsaved ( John 13:34-35 ). Since Paul is separated from the Philippian church (probably w...