Let your gentleness
The Greek word for "gentleness" here is "ἐπιεικής" (epieikēs), which conveys a sense of moderation, patience, and a forbearing spirit. In the context of the early Christian community, this quality was essential for maintaining unity and peace among believers. Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and reflects the character of Christ, who was gentle and humble in heart (Matthew 11:29). This call to gentleness is a reminder that Christians are to embody the grace and kindness of Jesus in their interactions with others, demonstrating a spirit of love and understanding rather than harshness or aggression.

be apparent to all
The phrase "be apparent" suggests visibility and transparency. The Greek word "γνωσθήτω" (gnōsthētō) implies that this gentleness should be evident and recognizable to everyone, both within the church and in the broader community. This visibility is not for the sake of self-promotion but as a testimony to the transformative power of Christ in a believer's life. In a world often marked by conflict and division, the evident gentleness of Christians serves as a powerful witness to the peace and reconciliation found in Christ. It challenges believers to live out their faith in a way that is observable and impactful, drawing others to the love of God.

The Lord is near
This phrase carries both a comforting and an eschatological significance. The Greek word "ἐγγύς" (engys) can mean both spatially near and temporally near. Historically, this was a reassurance to the Philippian church that Christ's presence was with them, providing strength and encouragement in their trials. It also points to the imminent return of Christ, a central hope in Christian eschatology. The nearness of the Lord serves as a motivation for believers to live righteously and to maintain a spirit of gentleness, knowing that their actions are seen by God and that they are accountable to Him. This awareness of the Lord's presence and return encourages Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and to continue reflecting His character in their daily lives.

(5) Your moderation.--The word here rendered "moderation," properly denotes a sense of what is seemly, or equitable, as distinct from what is required by strict duty or formal law. Such distinction the world recognises when it speaks of what is enjoined, not so much by duty as by "good taste, or "right feeling," or (with some peculiarity of application) by "chivalrous" feeling, or the "spirit of a gentleman." Here it denotes the general sense of what is seemly in a Christian tone of character. In 2Corinthians 10:1 (where it is translated "gentleness") it is ascribed emphatically to our Lord Himself. But the usage of the New Testament appropriates it especially to the "sweet reasonableness" which "gentleness" may well designate. Thus, in Acts 24:4 it clearly signifies patience, or forbearance; in 2Corinthians 10:1 it is associated with meekness; in 1Timothy 3:3, Titus 3:2, with peaceableness; in 1Peter 2:8, with kindness; in James 3:17 the word "gentle" is placed between "peaceable" and "easy to be entreated" (or rather, persuaded). This spirit is, no doubt, "moderation;" but it is something more. It may refer here both to the exhortation to unity in Philippians 4:1-3, and to the exhortation to joy immediately preceding. It would help the one and chasten the other. . . . Verse 5. - Let your moderation be known unto all men; rather, forbearance, or gentleness. The word ἐπιείκεια (here the neuter adjective is used) is translated "gentleness" in 2 Corinthians 10:1, where it is attributed to our Lord himself. In the Aristotelian' Ethics' it stands for the temper which contents itself with less than its due, and shrinks from insisting on its strict rights. There is no joy in a narrow selfishness; joy involves an open heart, a generous love. Joy in the Lord tends to make men gentle and mild to others. "Gaudium in Domino," says Bengel, "parit veram aequitatem erga proximum." Unto all men; heathen as well as Christian. Compare our Lord's word: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." St. Paul would have the heathen say, "See how these Christians love one another." Their mutual love would be the blessed means of drawing fresh converts to the faith. There may possibly be an allusion here to the differences between Euodia and Syntyche; let there be no more disagreements, but rather mutual forbearance. The Lord is at hand. The Aramaic Maranatha ("the Lord cometh") in 1 Corinthians 16:22 seems to imply that these words were current in the Church as a formula of warning, like "Hallelujah" as a set form of praise. The Lord is at hand therefore be not careful to exact your full rights; love is more precious than gold in the treasury of heaven. Comp. James 5:8, "Be ye also patient,... for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Others interpret the words, not of the future advent, but of the Lord's present nearness. Comp. Psalm 145:18, "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him." But this seems scarcely so appropriate here.

Parallel Commentaries ...


{Let} your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

gentleness
ἐπιεικὲς (epieikes)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1933: Gentle, mild, forbearing, fair, reasonable, moderate. From epi and eiko; appropriate, i.e. mild.

be apparent
γνωσθήτω (gnōsthētō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

to all.
πᾶσιν (pasin)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

The
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Lord
Κύριος (Kyrios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

[is] near.
ἐγγύς (engys)
Adverb
Strong's 1451: Near. From a primary verb agcho; near.


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NT Letters: Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all (Philipp. Phil. Php.)