4:6 in every thing. We are to worry about nothing, because we can pray about everything!

4:7 peace of God. On “the peace of God,” note also Colossians 3:15; John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; 30:7,15,18; 40:28-31. We have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1) and the “peace of God,” when we know “the God of peace” (Philippians 4:9).

4:8 virtue. The English word is related to “virility,” which is closer to the meaning of the Greek word here (arete). The latter is different from that in Mark 5:30 (dunamis), which is best understood as “power.”

4:8 these things. Think of these things—therefore, not on other things! This is an important guideline for educators. If God does not want us to think on evil or ugly things, then surely our school curricula should keep away from them, except to provide antidotes for them. This principle should also guide our individual study and activities.