Philippians Chapter 4 brings Paul’s letter to a close with practical exhortations, expressions of gratitude, and words of encouragement for the believers in Philippi. Paul urges specific individuals, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve their disagreement and to live in harmony, emphasizing the importance of unity within the church. He calls all believers to rejoice in the Lord always, to remain gentle toward others, and to avoid anxiety by bringing every concern to God through prayer and thanksgiving. Paul assures them that as they do this, the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul then encourages the Philippians to focus their minds on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, promising that the God of peace will be with them as they put these principles into practice. He expresses heartfelt gratitude for their generosity and support, particularly recalling their gifts sent to him during his time of need. Paul reflects on his own contentment, having learned to be at peace whether in plenty or in want, trusting fully in Christ, who gives him strength for every circumstance. The letter closes with final greetings and a blessing, as Paul commends the Philippians to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Chapter 4 (BBE)
1 So my brothers, well loved and very dear to me, my joy and crown, be strong in the Lord, my loved ones.
2 I make request to Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3 And I make request to you, true helper in my work, to see to the needs of those women who took part with me in the good news, with Clement and the rest of my brother-workers whose names are in the book of life.
4 Be glad in the Lord at all times: again I say, Be glad.
5 Let your gentle behaviour be clear to all men. The Lord is near.
6 Have no cares; but in everything with prayer and praise put your requests before God.
7 And the peace of God, which is deeper than all knowledge, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 For the rest, my brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things have honour, whatever things are upright, whatever things are holy, whatever things are beautiful, whatever things are of value, if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, give thought to these things.
9 The things which came to you by my teaching and preaching, and which you saw in me, these things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 But I am very glad in the Lord that your care for me has come to life again; though you did in fact take thought for me, but you were not able to give effect to it.
11 But I will not say anything about my needs, for I am able, wherever I am, to be dependent on myself.
12 It is the same to me if I am looked down on or honoured; everywhere and in all things I have the secret of how to be full and how to go without food; how to have wealth and how to be in need.
13 I am able to do all things through him who gives me strength.
14 But you did well to have care for me in my need.
15 And you have knowledge, Philippians, that when the good news first came to you, when I went away from Macedonia, no church took part with me in the business of giving to the saints, but you only;
16 Because even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to me in my need.
17 Not that I am looking for an offering, but for fruit which may be put to your credit.
18 I have all things and more than enough: I am made full, having had from Epaphroditus the things which came from you, a perfume of a sweet smell, an offering well pleasing to God.
19 And my God will give you all you have need of from the wealth of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to God our Father be glory for ever and ever. So be it.
21 Give words of love to every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their love.
22 All the saints send their love to you, specially those who are of Caesar’s house.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Important Verses
Philippians 4:4 Paul encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord always, emphasizing joy as a constant posture regardless of circumstances.
Philippians 4:6-7 Paul instructs believers not to be anxious but to bring every concern to God through prayer, promising that His peace will guard their hearts and minds.
Philippians 4:8 Paul calls believers to focus their thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
Philippians 4:13 Paul declares that he can face any circumstance through the strength that Christ provides.
Philippians 4:19 Paul assures the Philippians that God will supply all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
