4:5

reasonableness: The Greek word rendered “reasonableness” is broad in meaning, conveying the idea of being yielding, courteous, or tolerant. This quality involves, not insisting on carrying out the letter of the law or demanding one’s rights, but being willing to adapt to existing circumstances. A reasonable person strives to be considerate and gentle. This quality of a Christian should become known to all men, that is, also to those outside the Christian congregation. One Bible translation renders the first part of the verse: “Have a reputation for being reasonable.” While all Christians strive to be reasonable, it is specifically required of the overseers in the congregation.​—1Ti 3:3; Tit 3:2; Jas 3:17; see study note on 2Co 10:1.

The Lord is near: The title “Lord” could refer either to Jehovah God or to Jesus Christ in this context. However, Paul may be echoing statements that are found in the Hebrew Scriptures and that refer to Jehovah, such as the words of Ps 145:18: “Jehovah is near to all those calling on him.” (See also Ps 34:18.) God draws close to all who draw close to him; he is near in that he hears the prayers of his servants and gives them protection. (Ac 17:27; Jas 4:8) Being aware of his closeness could help Christians to rejoice and to be reasonable, not to be overly anxious, as Php 4:6 points out. God is also near in the sense that he will soon replace this old world with a new one under his Kingdom. (1Jo 2:17) A few translations of the Christian Greek Scriptures into Hebrew and other languages use the divine name in this verse.