Philippians
Chapter 4
Overview
Paul closes his letter to the community of Jesus-followers in Philippi with practical counsel and heartfelt thanks. He urges two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to repair their disagreement, then calls the whole group toward joy, calm, thoughtful attention, and steady practice. The chapter turns from peace within the community to Paul’s own experience of need and plenty. He thanks the Philippians for supporting him when others did not. Contentment, it seems, travels light: Paul has learned it in both hunger and abundance, while their renewed care blooms into action.
1So then, my dear brothers and sisters, whom I love and long to see, you are my joy and my crown of victory. My dear friends, remain firm in your life with the Lord in this way.
2I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche, to be united in their thinking because they belong to the Lord.
3Yes, I also ask you, my true partner, to help these women. They struggled alongside me to spread the good news about Jesus, together with Clement and my other coworkers. All their names are in the book of life, God’s record of his people.
4Always find your joy in the Lord. I will say it again: rejoice!
5Let everyone see how considerate you are. The Lord is near.
6Do not be consumed by worry about anything. Instead, in every situation, pray and earnestly ask God for help. Tell him what you need, while also thanking him.
7Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything the human mind can understand, will stand guard over your hearts and thoughts as you live in union with Jesus the Messiah, God’s Anointed One.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your minds on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, pleasing, and worthy of respect—anything morally excellent or deserving of praise.
9Put into practice what you learned, received, and heard from me, and what you saw in me. Then the God who gives peace will be with you.
10I found tremendous joy in the Lord because, at last, your concern for me blossomed again. You were concerned all along, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I face.
12I know how to live with little, and I know how to have plenty. In every kind of situation, I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having plenty and being in need.
13I have strength for every situation through the one who gives me strength.
14Even so, you did well to share in my hardship.
15You Philippians also know that when I first began spreading the good news and left Macedonia, no community of believers except you alone entered into a partnership of mutual giving and receiving with me.
16Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help for my needs more than once.
17It is not the gift itself that I am seeking. I want the fruit of your generosity to keep increasing to your credit.
18I have received everything in full and have more than enough. Now that I have received what you sent through Epaphroditus, I am fully supplied. What you sent is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice that pleases God.
19My God will meet every need of yours out of his glorious riches, through Jesus the Messiah.
20May all honor belong to our God and Father forever and ever. Amen—may it be so.
21Greet everyone who belongs to God through Jesus the Messiah. The brothers and sisters who are with me send you their greetings.
22All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those connected with the Roman emperor’s household.
23May the generous favor of the Lord Jesus the Messiah remain with you in your inner life.