Section 6
is impossible to have such a life with such an expression. Therefore, we must go on to 4:13, where Paul says, "I can do all things in Him who empowers me." All the virtues in 4:8 are the ex pression of the very Christ in whom Paul could do everything. Based on the whole context of the book of Philippians, we can say that the six virtues in 4:8 are the expression of the living of Christ. These are not mere human virtues, not even the virtues developed according to the teachings of Confucius. These virtues are the ex pression of the very Christ whom we live.
IF ANY VIRTUE AND ANY PRAISE
Toward the end of 4:8 Paul changes his ex pression and says, "If there is any virtue and if any praise." The Greek word for virtue here means excellence, that is, ethical energy exhibited in vigorous action. Praise refers to things worthy of praise, as the companion of virtue. The first six items are categorized as "whatever is"; the last two are categorized as "if any." This indicates that the last two are a summing up of the six fore going items, in all of which are some virtue or excellence and something worthy of praise.
Virtue and praise are not two additional aspects, but values of the six aspects already