Philippians 3:1

Finally. Gr. to loipon, literally, “what remains.” The expression may mean either “finally” or “furthermore” (see 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 6:10; 1 Thess. 4:1; 2 Thess. 3:1, where the same or a similar phrase occurs). Some suggest that Paul was about to close his letter when his mind was directed into another channel and he introduced the thoughts beginning with Phil. 3:2. Others think the apostle is closing one topic and opening another, and that the real end of the epistle comes naturally in ch. 4:20-23.

Rejoice in the Lord. Joy in the Lord is the overtone of the whole epistle (see pp. 138, 139). The Philippians are bidden to rejoice with that joy which has its source in the Lord and which is had only in fellowship with Him (cf. ch. 4:4).

The same things. Some commentators see in these words a reference to previous letters written by Paul to Philippi. Others prefer to limit the reference to topics already raised in this epistle, such as the incipient dissensions hinted at in ch. 1:27-30, and to which he now refers more specifically (ch. 3:2, 18, 19).