8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
finally, brethren (v.8) — as in 3:1, not “the last” but, “for the rest”
brethren (v.8) — a term of affection
true (v.8) — in contrast to lies, but also genuine, sincere, simple
honest (v.8) = honorable — things that claim respect
just (v.8) = being right — between man and man and man and God
pure (v.8) = free from corruption — stainless, unsullied
lovely (v.8) = agreeable — produces a sense of love because of its purity, beauty or holiness — endearing
good report (v.8) = well-sounding, attractive, winning, gracious — not “well spoken of”
virtue (v.8) — moral excellence in the estimation of God
praise (v.8) — praiseworthy
think (v.8) — make these things the subject of thoughtful consideration — carefully reflect on them and let them shape your conduct
learned and received (v.9) — from Paul’s teaching
do (v.9) — practice, habitually carry out
peace (v.9) — “shalom” = wholeness
All Christians have peace with God, but we only experience the peace of God when we walk in Him.
The word “if” refers to a fulfilled condition. The word “virtue” in the Greek text was used in classical Greek for any mental excellence, moral quality, or physical power. Paul studiously avoids it. Only here does he use it. It seems that the apostle includes it in order that he may not omit any possible ground of appeal. Lightfoot suggests, “Whatever value may reside in your old heathen conception of virtue, whatever consideration is due to the praise of man.” — Wuest, page 111.
