Philippians 4:2-23

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner,^[a] to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

6 Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things.

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity [to show it].

11 I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]-whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.

13 I am able to do all things through Him^[b] who strengthens me.

14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

15 And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [gifts] for my need several times.

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account.

18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided-a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God.

19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you.

22 All the saints greet you, but especially those from Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^[c]

Philippians 4:2-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS 4

This chapter contains exhortations to various duties becoming Christians, the apostle's thankfulness to the Philippians for their present to him, and the conclusion of the epistle with the salutations of the brethren: in Php 4:1; the apostle exhorts the saints with great affection to perseverance in the doctrine and faith of Christ; and in Php 4:2; mentions some persons by name, and to whom he recommends unity and agreement; and in Php 4:3; entreats others to assist them therein; and in Php 4:4; exhorts them all in general to joy in the Lord, and to moderation, enforced by this argument, the Lord being at hand, Php 4:5; and to calmness and quietness of mind, and to prayer, and supplication, with thanksgiving, Php 4:6; to which they are encouraged, by the promise of having the peace of God, keeping their minds through Christ, Php 4:7; and to conclude, he exhorts them to everything that is virtuous had commendable; to which he stimulates them, from the consideration of the nature of the things themselves, from his own example, and from the presence of God with them, they might expect to enjoy, Php 4:8,9; and then he proceeds to take notice of the kindness of the Philippians to him, declares his joy on account of it, and expresses it by their care of him again; which he corrects, by observing that it was not for want of care in them before, but of opportunity of showing it, Php 4:10; nor did he take notice of this present of theirs, with so much exultation on account of his own penury, for he had learnt the great lesson of contentment in every state, Php 4:11; which he enlarges upon and explains; namely, that he had been taught, and knew how to behave in fulness and want, in prosperity and adversity; though this was not owing to himself, but to the power and strength of Christ, Php 4:12,13; however, he commends the Philippians for their communicating to him in his affliction, both at the first preaching of the Gospel to them, and at several times since, Php 4:14-16, the reason of which commendation was not because he was covetous of gifts and presents from them, but to encourage them to bring forth fruit, which would turn to their own advantage, Php 4:17; as for himself he had enough, and therefore said not this on his own account, but because such communication was a sacrifice well pleasing to God, and a return would be made by him; who, as he was able to supply all their need, would; of which he assures them, and for which he prays, Php 4:17-19, and to whom he gives the glory of what they had given, and he had received, Php 4:20; and then the epistle is concluded with the salutation of the apostle, and the saints, and brethren with him, and with his usual benediction, Php 4:21,22.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or true Syzygus, possibly a person's name
• [b]. Other mss read Christ
• [c]. Other mss add Amen.