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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.

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Philippians 4 (WEB)

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.

Filipenses 4 (RV1909)

1
ASÍ que, hermanos míos amados y deseados, gozo y corona mía, estad así firmes en el Señor, amados.
2
A Euodias ruego, y á Syntychê exhorto, que sientan lo mismo en el Señor.
3
Asimismo te ruego también á ti, hermano compañero, ayuda á las que trabajaron juntamente conmigo en el evangelio, con Clemente también, y los demás mis colaboradores, cuyos nombres están en el libro de la vida.
4
Gozaos en el Señor siempre: otra vez digo: Que os gocéis.
5
Vuestra modestia sea conocida de todos los hombres. El Señor está cerca.
6
Por nada estéis afanosos; sino sean notorias vuestras peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con hacimiento de gracias.
7
Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepuja todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestros entendimientos en Cristo Jesús.
8
Por lo demás, hermanos, todo lo que es verdadero, todo lo honesto, todo lo justo, todo lo puro, todo lo amable, todo lo que es de buen nombre; si hay virtud alguna, si alguna alabanza, en esto pensad.
9
Lo que aprendisteis y recibisteis y oísteis y visteis en mí, esto haced; y el Dios de paz será con vosotros.
10
Mas en gran manera me gocé en el Señor de que ya al fin ha reflorecido vuestro cuidado de mí; de lo cual aun estabais solícitos, pero os faltaba la oportunidad.
11
No lo digo en razón de indigencia, pues he aprendido á contentarme con lo que tengo.
12
Sé estar humillado, y sé tener abundancia: en todo y por todo estoy enseñado, así para hartura como para hambre, así para tener abundancia como para padecer necesidad.
13
Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.
14
Sin embargo, bien hicisteis que comunicasteis juntamente á mi tribulación.
15
Y sabéis también vosotros, oh Filipenses, que al principio del evangelio, cuando partí de Macedonia, ninguna iglesia me comunicó en razón de dar y recibir, sino vosotros solos.
16
Porque aun á Tesalónica me enviasteis lo necesario una y dos veces.
17
No porque busque dádivas; mas busco fruto que abunde en vuestra cuenta.
18
Empero todo lo he recibido, y tengo abundancia: estoy lleno, habiendo recibido de Epafrodito lo que enviasteis, olor de suavidad, sacrificio acepto, agradable á Dios.
19
Mi Dios, pues, suplirá todo lo que os falta conforme á sus riquezas en gloria en Cristo Jesús.
20
Al Dios pues y Padre nuestro sea gloria por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.
21
Saludad á todos los santos en Cristo Jesús. Los hermanos que están conmigo os saludan.
22
Todos los santos os saludan, y mayormente los que son de casa de César.
23
La gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo sea con todos vosotros. Amén. Escrita de Roma con Epafrodito.

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).