Philippians 4
Colossians 4 is the closing portion of a letter that Paul sent to the church in Colossae. It contains practical exhortations for everyday life, greetings to fellow workers, and a request to pray together. Beyond doctrinal instruction, Paul focuses on how concrete life and community are related.
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.
Practical Exhortation in Daily Life (Verses 1–6)
- Relationships between slaves and masters (verse 1): Paul urges those who act as masters to practice justice and fairness, reminding everyone that they are servants of the heavenly Master.
- Prayer and thanksgiving (verses 2–4): He asks them to keep praying continually, to include thanksgiving in their lives, and to pray also for Paul and his fellow workers.
- Acting wisely toward outsiders (verses 5–6): He emphasizes carrying out wisdom in relationships with outsiders and adding grace to one’s words and actions in interpersonal relationships.
Solidarity with Fellow Workers (Verses 7–18)
- Introducing fellow workers (verses 7–14): Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, and others are mentioned by name, and they are all people who served alongside Paul for the spread of the gospel and for the life of the faith community. Paul shares news about each fellow worker and conveys their trust and encouragement to the believers of the Colossian church.
- Delivery of the letter and final greetings (verses 15–18): He sends greetings to the church in Laodicea and to other believers, and asks that the letter be passed on to various churches so it may be read. Finally, he adds a personal greeting in his own hand and asks that they stand firm in the Lord.
Points for Reflection
- In my life, I reflect on with whom and how I form faithful partnership relationships.
- I check whether I am approaching everything with an attitude of gratitude and prayer.
- I reflect on whether I am speaking and acting wisely toward the people around me who are “outsiders” (those outside the sphere of faith), and whether I am making the gospel visible.
Try Applying It to Me
- I commit myself to live by practicing justice and fairness in my own roles and places—at home, at work, in the church, and wherever I am.
- I develop the habit of praying and giving thanks continually every day, and I pray not only for my own needs but also for the needs of others and for the community.
- I strive to ensure that the grace and wisdom of Christ are revealed in my words and actions.
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This is the last chapter of Philippians.