Philippians4
New International Version
1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;
16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.
17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.
22All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Philippians 4.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in the Lord. (1). Gives directions to some, and to all in general. (2–9). Expresses contentment in every condition of life. (10–19). He concludes with prayer to God the Father, and his usual blessing. (20–23).
v1
The believing hope and prospect of eternal life, should make us steady and constant in our Christian course. There is difference of gifts and graces, yet, being renewed by the same Spirit, we are brethren. To stand fast in the Lord, is to stand fast in his strength, and by his grace.
vv2-9
Let believers be of one mind, and ready to help each other. As the apostle had found the benefit of their assistance, he knew how comfortable it would be to his fellow-labourers to have the help of others. Let us seek to give assurance that our names are written in the book of life. Joy in God is of great consequence in the Christian life; and Christians need to be again and again called to it. It more than outweighs all causes for sorrow. Let their enemies perceive how moderate they were as to outward things, and how composedly they suffered loss and hardships. The day of judgment will soon arrive, with full redemption to believers, and destruction to ungodly men. There is a care of diligence which is our duty, and agrees with a wise forecast and due concern; but there is a care of fear and distrust, which is sin and folly, and only perplexes and distracts the mind. As a remedy against perplexing care, constant prayer is recommended. Not only stated times for prayer, but in every thing by prayer. We must join thanksgivings with prayers and supplications; not only seek supplies of good, but own the mercies we have received. God needs not to be told our wants or desires; he knows them better than we do; but he will have us show that we value the mercy, and feel our dependence on him. The peace of God, the comfortable sense of being reconciled to God, and having a part in his favour, and the hope of the heavenly blessedness, are a greater good than can be fully expressed. This peace will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus; it will keep us from sinning under troubles, and from sinking under them; keep us calm and with inward satisfaction. Believers are to get and to keep a good name; a name for good things with God and good men. We should walk in all the ways of virtue, and abide therein; then, whether our praise is of men or not, it will be of God. The apostle is for an example. His doctrine and life agreed together. The way to have the God of peace with us, is to keep close to our duty. All our privileges and salvation arise in the free mercy of God; yet the enjoyment of them depends on our sincere and holy conduct. These are works of God, pertaining to God, and to him only are they to be ascribed, and to no other, neither men, words, nor deeds.
vv10-19
It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and necessities; but in all, he learned to be content, to bring his mind to his condition, and make the best of it. Pride, unbelief, vain hankering after something we have not got, and fickle disrelish of present things, make men discontented even under favourable circumstances. Let us pray for patient submission and hope when we are abased; for humility and a heavenly mind when exalted. It is a special grace to have an equal temper of mind always. And in a low state not to lose our comfort in God, nor distrust his providence, nor take any wrong course for our own supply. In a prosperous condition not to be proud, or secure, or worldly. This is a harder lesson than the other; for the temptations of fulness and prosperity are more than those of affliction and want. The apostle had no design to urge them to give more, but to encourage such kindness as will meet a glorious reward hereafter. Through Christ we have grace to do what is good, and through him we must expect the reward; and as we have all things by him, let us do all things for him, and to his glory.
Key Words
ὥστε (hṓste): so too, i.e. thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
μοῦ (moû): of me
ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
ἀγαπητός (agapētós): beloved
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπιπόθητος (epipóthētos): yearned upon, i.e. greatly loved
χαρά (chará): cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight
στέφανος (stéphanos): a chaplet (as a badge of royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more conspicuous and elaborate than the simple fillet, G1238 (διάδημα)), literally or figuratively
στήκω (stḗkō): to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere
οὕτω (hoútō): in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
Cross References
Philippians 4Parallels Paul's affectionate description of his converts as his 'joy' and 'crown' at Christ's coming.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The Old Testament background for the 'book of life' as a register of citizens of God.
Supported by JFB
Historical context at Philippi, where women were first to hear and receive the gospel.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Uses sacrificial terminology ('sweet-smelling savour') for Christ's sacrifice, here applied to Christian giving.
Supported by JFB
Paul identifies as unmarried, refuting the notion that the 'yokefellow' refers to his wife.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
The closeness of the Lord's coming ('The Lord is at hand') motivates patience and moderation.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the promise of the 'peace of God' ruling and keeping the hearts of believers.
Supported by JFB
Christ's command against anxious care, paralleling 'Be careful for nothing'.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Contrasts 'without me ye can do nothing' with doing all things through Christ's strength.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Corroborates that Macedonian churches (specifically Philippi) supplied Paul's needs when others did not.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Explicit designation of God as 'the God of peace' who will be with them.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Doing good and sharing resources are described as sacrifices well-pleasing to God.
Supported by JFB