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Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds ° through Christ Jesus.

8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care ° of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where ° and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.

16

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once ° and again unto my necessity.

17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

20

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21

Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

22

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

23

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:2

4:2 Syntyche. It is worth noting that this minor disagreement between two women was the only problem which Paul needed to mention in the church. Otherwise, despite poverty and persecution, this church was a beautiful example of what a local church should be.

Philippians 4:3

4:3 yokefellow. Since this “yokefellow” is not named, it may well be that this was actually the proper name (Greek Suzugos) of a man in the church who lived up to his name.

Philippians 4:3

4:3 book of life. On the “book of life,” in which God has inscribed the names of all His redeemed ones, see especially the note on Revelation 3:5.

Philippians 4:4

4:4 Rejoice. In spite of their “deep poverty” (II Corinthians 8:2) as well as their “great trial of affliction,” the Philippian church exhibited an “abundance of…joy.” In Paul’s short letter, he used the words “joy,” “rejoice” and “rejoicing” at least seventeen times!

Philippians 4:5

4:5 at hand. The Lord’s return has always been imminent and He frequently told His followers to “watch” for Him. Note also James 5:7, 9; Revelation 22:7,20. In a secondary sense, He is also always “at hand” through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:6

4:6 in every thing. We are to worry about nothing, because we can pray about everything!

Philippians 4:7

4:7 peace of God. On “the peace of God,” note also Colossians 3:15; John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; 30:7,15,18; 40:28-31. We have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1) and the “peace of God,” when we know “the God of peace” (Philippians 4:9).

Philippians 4:8

4:8 virtue. The English word is related to “virility,” which is closer to the meaning of the Greek word here (arete). The latter is different from that in Mark 5:30 (dunamis), which is best understood as “power.”

Philippians 4:8

4:8 these things. Think of these things—therefore, not on other things! This is an important guideline for educators. If God does not want us to think on evil or ugly things, then surely our school curricula should keep away from them, except to provide antidotes for them. This principle should also guide our individual study and activities.

Philippians 4:9

4:9 do. See note on Philippians 3:17.

Philippians 4:9

4:9 God of peace. On “the God of peace,” see also Romans 15:33; 16:20; II Corinthians 13:11; I Thessalonians 5:23; II Thessalonians 3:16; and Hebrews 13:20. Note also, “the peace of God” (Philippians 4:6).

Philippians 4:14

4:14 communicate. By “communicate with my affliction,” Paul means “share [financially] with my pressures.” Only the Philippian church had sent this type of help to Paul, despite their own poverty (Philippians 4:15).

Philippians 4:17

4:17 fruit. Thus spiritual “fruit” includes financial gifts to those of God’s servants spreading His Word and also to fellow believers in difficult circumstances.

Philippians 4:17

4:17 account. “Account” is the Greek logos. “Testimony” is a better meaning here.

Philippians 4:19

4:19 your need. That is, “your business,” or necessities for the business of the kingdom. Those who freely give will also receive (like the Philippians)—not their wants, but all they need for their service for Christ.

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