Literally, “the all,” that is, the group of Christians around Paul.

 In view of his high praise of the Philippians (ch. 1:3-5), of Timothy (ch. 2:19-22), and Epaphroditus (vs. 25-30), it is surprising to read such an indictment from Paul’s pen. Those who were with him he calls brethren (ch. 4:21), but it seems that they did not share his self-sacrificing spirit. It has been suggested that they shrank from the dangerous journey to Philippi, and that Paul had to call on Timothy, whom he could ill afford to lose. Epaphroditus (ch. 2:25-30) and Luke were possibly absent, for neither of them appears to have been other than faithfully unselfish.

By “the things which are Jesus Christ’s” Paul refers to matters that concern Christ’s kingdom, His glory, and our salvation. Paul draws a contrast between those who were devoted to the interests of the church and those who cared primarily for their own interests. Paul and Timothy were dedicated to a common cause—the salvation of God’s erring children; but Paul regretfully records the fact that all his company were not so minded.