Paul exhorted the saints to stand fast, for some in other places had waxed cold.
Two sisters who had helped in the gospel effort with Paul had allowed the flesh to cause them to have severe disagreements with one another. The apostle besought them to be of the same mind in the Lord. It was probably Epaphroditus whom the apostle addressed, saying, "Help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers whose names are in the book of life."
In prayer the attitude should be desire for the glory of Christ in the spirit of Christ. He will always answer for our good.
It is good to have a right spirit when we ask, not mechanical, but warm and believing. The peace of God Himself will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The heavenly things are pure; our natural minds are not. If we are engaged in good things as found in the Scriptures before us, the things that the Word of God brings to us, our minds will be at peace. Christ is the one pure Object for our souls.
Occupation with good and the atmosphere of peace should be our part now-peace because Christ, not earthly things, is our peace.
Paul was thankful for their care of him; for them to express their love in the gift was touching to Paul.
They had not forgotten him. There had not been a way to reach him before. It was not because of want that he mentions the matter again, but to let them know that "Paul the aged" had learned to be content, whether with little or much.
Paul had learned to be full and to be empty. Christ would strengthen him in his need, whatever it be. Christ was always faithful to His servant, yet the saints had done well in ministering to his needs. He says, "My God shall supply all your need." Paul had learned this by experience while walking with God in the way. Paul knew God and what He had done for him, and He would do likewise for the saints. He was the God and Father of them all.
"To Him be glory forever and ever."