Philippians4
World English Bible · Public Domain
1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
3Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
16For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
19My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 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