The Epistles · Chapter 4 of 4

Philippians 4

Paul urges two women to be reconciled and calls the church to rejoice in the Lord always, to pray instead of worrying, and to receive the peace of God that guards the heart. He directs their minds to whatever is true and lovely. He testifies that he has learned contentment in every circumstance through Christ who strengthens him, thanks them for their gift, and promises God will supply every need.

What happens in Philippians 4

Paul opens by urging his beloved friends to stand fast in the Lord, then pleads with Euodias and Syntyche to be of the same mind, asking a trusted companion to help these women who labored with him in the gospel. He calls the church to rejoice in the Lord always, to let their gentleness be known, and, since the Lord is near, to be anxious for nothing but to bring every request to God with prayer and thanksgiving, so that the peace of God which surpasses understanding will guard their hearts and minds in Christ.

He directs their thinking toward whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Then he testifies that he has learned to be content in any state, abased or abounding, full or hungry, because he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. He warmly thanks the Philippians for their repeated generosity, a fragrant and acceptable sacrifice, and assures them his God will supply all their need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He ends with greetings and grace.

Philippians 4 in context

Paul writes this closing chapter from prison, yet it overflows with joy and gratitude. The Philippians had sent him a financial gift through Epaphroditus, and Paul responds with thanks while gently addressing a rift between two coworkers.

The chapter gathers some of Scripture's most quoted verses on joy, prayer, peace, contentment, and provision, all flowing from a man who had learned them in real hardship.

Main themes of Philippians 4

Philippians 4 (KJV)

1Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3And I intreat 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. 4Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8Finally, 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. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10But 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. 11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12I 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. 13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15Now 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. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18But 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. 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. 23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Verses to carry from Philippians 4

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”Philippians 4:6

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”Philippians 4:11

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”Philippians 4:13

Reflection

Whatever weighs on you today, Paul invites you to trade anxiety for prayer, bringing it to God with thanks rather than carrying it alone. Contentment is learned slowly, in both abundance and lack, and it rests not in your circumstances but in Christ who strengthens you. Let his nearness quiet your heart.

A prayer from Philippians 4