Philippians 4
Philippians 4 contains the apostle Paul’s final words of encouragement to the believers in Philippi, expressions of gratitude, and greetings. In the earlier chapters, Paul emphasized the joy, humility, and posture of faith within the gospel, and in chapter 4 he highlights the importance of practicing encouragement as well as cultivating harmony, prayer, and an attitude of gratitude within the community.
1verseTherefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2verseI exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
3verseYes, 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.
4verseRejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”
5verseLet your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6verseIn nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
7verseAnd the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8verseFinally, 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.
9verseDo the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
10verseBut 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.
11verseNot that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
12verseI 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.
13verseI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14verseHowever you did well that you shared in my affliction.
15verseYou 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.
16verseFor even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
17verseNot that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
18verseBut 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.
19verseMy God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20verseNow to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21verseGreet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
22verseAll the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23verseThe grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Structure and Flow
- Verses 1–3: Encouragement for reconciliation and unity - Paul urges two female leaders, Euodia and Syntyche, to have the same mindset and emphasizes unity in the community.
- Verses 4–9: Encouragement regarding joy and peace - Along with the well-known instruction, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” it says that when you bring your requests to God in prayer and thanksgiving, God’s peace will guard your hearts and minds. It also asks you to think about and put into practice good things.
- Verses 10–20: Paul’s gratitude and contentment - He expresses gratitude for the support of the Philippian church and emphasizes a spirit of contentment regardless of circumstances. The verse “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (verse 13) is included in this section. Paul says that the Philippian church’s partnership and support are more important for their benefit than for his own, and he assures them that God will supply their needs.
- Verses 21–23: Final greetings and blessing - He closes the letter by sending greetings in Christ Jesus and wishing that God’s grace would be with them.
Meditation Points
- How can we discover the importance of harmony and unity within the community in this chapter?
- In my life, how are attitudes of “rejoicing always,” “not being anxious,” “gratitude and prayer,” and “adaptability and contentment” being revealed?
- Let us reflect on God’s peace that guards me, and what is true and good that I should think about and practice.
Try Applying It to Me
- In various situations of life, you can put into practice an attitude of gratitude and contentment, as the Word teaches.
- When fear and worry arise, try putting it into practice so that you can entrust everything to God through prayer and supplication.
- Within many relationships—at home, at work, and in the church—you can also practice reconciliation and unity first.
- Each day, let us check whether the standard for our thoughts and actions is “true, honest, just, and worthy of love.”
This is the last chapter of Philippians.