Philippians 4
CHAPTER 4
Being spiritually minded
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, my beloved, stand firm in the Lord.
2 I exhort Euodia and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, I urge you also, true companion, help these women, for they laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentle attitude be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 The things which you both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do; and the God of peace shall be with you.
Paul’s practical needs
10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me. I know you did indeed take thought for me, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak regarding want; for I have learned to be content whatever my situation. 12 I know how to be abased and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have plenty and to be in want. 13 I can do all things in him that strengthens me. 14 However you did well in that you had fellowship with my affliction.
15 And you yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel’s work, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving, but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent often to my need. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that accrues to your account. 18 But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, they were as the odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches, in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers that are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially they that are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Commentary
4:1 My brethren... my joy and crown- The crown of joy will be given us when Jesus returns to earth (1 Thess. 2:19; 1 Pet. 5:4). But that crown will be our brothers and sisters for whom we have laboured in this life. Their presence in God’s Kingdom, the fact they get to be saved, will be what gives us eternal joy. The amount we try for others in this life will affect the nature of our eternal salvation.
4:7 The simple fact of having prayed to God about things (v. 6) can give us this peace.
4:17 Accrues- God keeps a record of every act of generosity which we commit.
