Be Anxious for Nothing; Think These Thoughts

Therefore, my beloved and (A)longed-for brethren, (B)my joy and crown, so (C)stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer

I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche (D)to be of the same mind in the Lord. [a]And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who (E)labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in (F)the Book of Life.

(G)Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Let your [b]gentleness be known to all men. (H)The Lord is at hand.

(I)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with (J)thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and (K)the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

Finally, brethren, whatever things are (L)true, whatever things are (M)noble, whatever things are (N)just, (O)whatever things are pure, whatever things are (P)lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and (Q)the God of peace will be with you.

Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last (R)your[c] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, (S)to be content: 12 (T)I know how to [d]be abased, and I know how to [e]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things (U)through [f]Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that (V)you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, (W)no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek (X)the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [g]have all and abound. I am full, having received from (Y)Epaphroditus the things sent from you, (Z)a sweet-smelling aroma, (AA)an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God (AB)shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 (AC)Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greeting and Blessing

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren (AD)who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with [h]you all. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:3 NU, M Yes
  2. Philippians 4:5 graciousness or forbearance
  3. Philippians 4:10 you have revived your care
  4. Philippians 4:12 live humbly
  5. Philippians 4:12 live in prosperity
  6. Philippians 4:13 NU Him who
  7. Philippians 4:18 Or have received all
  8. Philippians 4:23 NU your spirit

Think of Excellence

Therefore, my [a]fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.(A)

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice!(B) Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].(C)

Finally, [b]believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.

God’s Provisions

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 14 Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.

15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of [c]giving and receiving except you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 18 But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be the glory [d]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Remember me to every [e]saint in Christ Jesus. The [f]brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All [g]God’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 Lit brethren.
  2. Philippians 4:8 Lit brethren.
  3. Philippians 4:15 The word used here was commonly used in financial transactions referring to payments or installments.
  4. Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages.
  5. Philippians 4:21 Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.
  6. Philippians 4:21 Lit brethren.
  7. Philippians 4:22 Lit the saints.

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. And 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.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, 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. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 But 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. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I 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. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

15 Now 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. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But 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. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Cæsar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

It was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus.

1 From particular exhortations, 4 he cometh to general. 10 He saith that he took such joy in their readiness to liberality, 12 that he will patiently bear the want.

Therefore, [a]my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and my [b]crown, so continue in the [c]Lord, ye beloved.

[d]I pray Euodia, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of one accord in the Lord.

Yea, and I beseech thee, faithful yokefellow, help those women, which labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow laborers, whose names are in the (A)[e]book of life.

[f]Rejoice in the [g]Lord always, again I say, rejoice.

[h]Let your [i]patient mind be known unto all men. [j]The Lord is at hand.

[k]Be nothing careful, but in all things let your requests be showed unto God in prayer and supplication with [l]giving of thanks.

And the [m]peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall preserve your [n]hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

[o]Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [p]are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are worthy love, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things.

Which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me: those things do, and the God of peace shall be with you.

10 [q]Now I rejoice also in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care for me springeth afresh, wherein notwithstanding ye were careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

11 I speak not because of [r]want: for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 And I can be [s]abased, and I can abound: everywhere in all things I am [t]instructed, both to be full, and to be hungry, and to abound, and to have want.

13 I am able to do all things through the help of Christ, which strengtheneth me.

14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate to mine affliction.

15 [u]And ye Philippians know also that in the [v]beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no Church communicated with me, concerning the matter of giving and receiving, but ye only.

16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, ye sent once, and afterward again for my necessity.

17 [w]Not that I desire a gift: but I desire the fruit which may further your reckoning.

18 Now I have received all, and have plenty: I was even filled, after that I had received of Epaphroditus that which came from you, an [x]odor that smelleth sweet, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasant to God.

19 And my God shall fulfill all your necessities through his riches with glory in Jesus Christ.

20 Unto God even our Father be praise for evermore, Amen.

21 Salute all the Saints in Christ Jesus. The brethren, which are with me, greet you.

22 All the Saints salute you, and most of all they which are of [y]Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen.

¶Written to the Philippians from Rome, and sent by Epaphroditus.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 A rehearsal of the conclusion: That they manfully continue, until they have gotten the victory, trusting to the Lord’s strength.
  2. Philippians 4:1 My honor.
  3. Philippians 4:1 In that concord, whereof the Lord is the band.
  4. Philippians 4:2 He also calleth on some by name, partly, because they needed private exhortation, and partly also to stir up others, to be more prompt and ready.
  5. Philippians 4:3 God is said after the manner of men, to have a book, wherein the names of his elect are written, to whom he will give everlasting life. Ezekiel calleth it the writing of the house of Israel, and the secret of the Lord, Ezek. 13:9.
  6. Philippians 4:4 He addeth particular exhortations: and the first is, that the joy of the Philippians be not hindered by any afflictions that the wicked imagine and work against them.
  7. Philippians 4:4 So is the joy of the world distinguisheth from our joy.
  8. Philippians 4:5 The second is not taking all things in good part, they behave themselves moderately with all men.
  9. Philippians 4:5 Your quiet and settled mind.
  10. Philippians 4:5 The taking away of an objection: We must not be disquieted through impatience, seeing that God is at hand to give us remedy in time against all our miseries.
  11. Philippians 4:6 The third is, that we be not too careful for anything, but with sure confidence give God thanks, and crave of him whatsoever we have need of, that with a quiet conscience we may wholly and with all our hearts submit ourselves to him.
  12. Philippians 4:6 So David began very oft with tears, but ended with thanksgiving.
  13. Philippians 4:7 That great quietness of mind, which God only giveth in Christ.
  14. Philippians 4:7 He divideth the mind into the heart, that is, into that part which is the seat of the will and affections, and into the higher part, whereby we understand and reason of matters.
  15. Philippians 4:8 A general conclusion, that as they have been taught both in word and example, so they frame their lives to the rule of all holiness and righteousness.
  16. Philippians 4:8 Whatsoever things are such as do beautify and set you out with a holy gravity.
  17. Philippians 4:10 He witnesseth that their liberality was acceptable to him, wherewith they did help him in his extreme poverty: but yet so moderating his words, that he might declare himself void of all suspicion of dishonesty, and that he hath a mind contented both with prosperity and adversity, and to be short, that he reposeth himself in the only will of God.
  18. Philippians 4:11 As though I passed for my want.
  19. Philippians 4:12 He useth a general word, and yet he speaketh but of one kind of cross, which is poverty, for commonly poverty bringeth all kinds of discommodity with it.
  20. Philippians 4:12 This is a metaphor taken from holy things or sacrifices, for our life is like a sacrifice.
  21. Philippians 4:15 He witnesseth that he remembereth also their former benefits, and again putteth away sinistrous suspicion of immoderate desire, in that that he received nought of any else.
  22. Philippians 4:15 At that beginning when I preached the Gospel amongst you.
  23. Philippians 4:17 He witnesseth again, that he alloweth well of their benefit not so much for his own sake as for theirs, because they gave it not so much to him, as they offered it to God as a sacrifice, whereof the Lord himself will not be forgetful.
  24. Philippians 4:18 He alludeth to the sweet smelling savors that were offered in the old Law.
  25. Philippians 4:22 Such as belong to the Emperor Nero.

So then, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand ye in the Lord, beloved.

Euodia I exhort, and Syntyche I exhort, to be of the same mind in the Lord;

and I ask also thee, genuine yoke-fellow, be assisting those women who in the good news did strive along with me, with Clement also, and the others, my fellow-workers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice;

let your forbearance be known to all men; the Lord [is] near;

for nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer, and by supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God;

and the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

As to the rest, brethren, as many things as are true, as many as [are] grave, as many as [are] righteous, as many as [are] pure, as many as [are] lovely, as many as [are] of good report, if any worthiness, and if any praise, these things think upon;

the things that also ye did learn, and receive, and hear, and saw in me, those do, and the God of the peace shall be with you.

10 And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye flourished again in caring for me, for which also ye were caring, and lacked opportunity;

11 not that in respect of want I say [it], for I did learn in the things in which I am -- to be content;

12 I have known both to be abased, and I have known to abound; in everything and in all things I have been initiated, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.

13 For all things I have strength, in Christ's strengthening me;

14 but ye did well, having communicated with my tribulation;

15 and ye have known, even ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news when I went forth from Macedonia, no assembly did communicate with me in regard to giving and receiving except ye only;

16 because also in Thessalonica, both once and again to my need ye sent;

17 not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is overflowing to your account;

18 and I have all things, and abound; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you -- an odour of a sweet smell -- a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God:

19 and my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus;

20 and to God, even our Father, [is] the glory -- to the ages of the ages. Amen.

21 Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus; there salute you the brethren with me;

22 there salute you all the saints, and specially those of Caesar's house;

23 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [is] with you all. Amen.