Philippians 4:2-23

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

3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, ^[a] to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

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

5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

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

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

9 Whatever 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.

The Generosity of the Philippians

10 Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹

11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.

12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. ^[b]

14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction.

15 And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving.

16 For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.

17 Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

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

20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. ² The brothers who are with me send you greetings.

22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.

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.

Cross References

• 1. (2 Corinthians 8:1–15)
• 2. (Ephesians 6:21–24; 2 Timothy 4:19–22)

Footnotes

• [a]. Or I ask you, loyal Syzygus
• [b]. NA, SBL, NE, and WH in the One who gives me strength. BYZ and TR in Christ who gives me strength.
• [c]. BYZ and TR include Amen.