Philippians 4

What Philippians 4 means

Paul opens the last chapter of Philippians with deep affection, calling the church "my joy and crown" and urging them to stand fast in the Lord. He then names two women, Euodias and Syntyche, and pleads with them to be of the same mind. He asks a true yokefellow to help them, because they had worked beside him in the gospel.

Verses 4-7 are some of the best-loved lines in the New Testament. "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Be careful for nothing, which in older English means do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in everything bring your requests to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. The result is the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keeping hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Verse 8 gives a list of what to think about: whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. Verse 9 adds practice to thought. What the Philippians learned and saw in Paul, they should do, and the God of peace would be with them.

In verses 10-13 Paul thanks them for renewing their care for him, but makes clear he is not complaining of need. He has learned to be content whether full or hungry, whether he has plenty or little. That is the setting of verse 13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." In context it speaks of strength to endure any circumstance, not a promise of success in every goal.

Paul recalls that the Philippians alone supported him when he left Macedonia, and sent help to him more than once in Thessalonica. He has now received their gift through Epaphroditus and calls it a sacrifice well pleasing to God. He assures them, "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus," and closes with greetings, including from those of Caesar's household.

Background and context

Paul and Timothy are named at the start of the letter (Philippians 1:1). Paul wrote while in bonds (Philippians 1:7, 1:13), and the greeting from Caesar's household in 4:22 is one reason many place the letter during his imprisonment in Rome, around AD 60-62.

Philippi was the first church Paul founded in Europe (Acts 16). The church had supported him with gifts from the beginning, and this chapter is partly a thank-you note for their latest gift, carried by Epaphroditus.

Key verses

Cross references

• Matthew 6:25 Jesus also teaches, Take no thought for your life, the same call away from anxiety.Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
• 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 Christ's strength made perfect in weakness, the same source of strength as verse 13.And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
• Philippians 2:25 Epaphroditus, who carried the Philippians' gift, is introduced earlier in the letter.Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
• 2 Corinthians 11:9 Paul mentions that the brethren from Macedonia supplied what he lacked.And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
• Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, a parallel to think on these things.Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.