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Philippians 4
Paul lands the letter with concrete names and instructions. He gently presses two co-workers, Euodia and Syntyche, to settle their disagreement, then strings together the lines this letter is famous for: rejoice always, be anxious for nothing, think on whatever is true and honorable. The chapter closes with a thank-you for the gift the Philippians sent through Epaphroditus, framed as a fragrant offering rather than a debt.
- 1
Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
- 2
I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.
- 3
Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News 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 gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
- 6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
- 7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- 8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- 9
Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
- 10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
- 11
Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.
- 12
I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.
- 13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
- 14
However you did well that you shared in my affliction.
- 15
You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.
- 16
For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.
- 17
Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.
- 18
But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.
- 19
My God will 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 who are with me greet you.
- 22
All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
- 23
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The secret of contentment
Verses 11-13 are easy to quote out of context. Paul says he has "learned" contentment, both in plenty and in hunger, which is why "I can do all things through Christ" (v. 13) is about endurance in any circumstance, not unlimited achievement.
This frames his thanks carefully: he genuinely values their gift (v. 18) yet insists he was not in want. The partnership matters more than the money, fruit "that increases to your account" (v. 17).
Context layers
Keep these closed by default and open them only when you want more context.
- GraceWhat grace means in the Bible, how it differs from vague kindness, and which passages help define it clearly.
- PeaceWhat peace means in the Bible, how it relates to reconciliation with God, and why it is more than calm feelings or conflict avoidance.
- PrayerWhat prayer means in the Bible, how it includes more than asking for things, and where Scripture teaches it most clearly.
- Fear of the LordWhat the fear of the Lord means in the Bible, how it relates to wisdom, reverence, obedience, and trust.
- Isaiah 58:6Related through the topic "Fasting in the Bible".
- Psalms 55:22Related through the topic "Anxiety in the Bible".
- Joel 2:12Related through the topic "Fasting in the Bible".
- Proverbs 12:25Related through the topic "Anxiety in the Bible".
- Matthew 6:34Related through the topic "Anxiety in the Bible".
- Esther 4:16Related through the topic "Fasting in the Bible".
- Matthew 6:17Related through the topic "Fasting in the Bible".
- Acts 13:2Related through the topic "Fasting in the Bible".
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