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Philippians 1-4
New International Version

1 Paul and Timothy,(A) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people(B) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,(C) together with the overseers(D) and deacons[a]:(E)

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you.(G) 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray(H) with joy 5 because of your partnership(I) in the gospel from the first day(J) until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion(K) until the day of Christ Jesus.(L)

7 It is right(M) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart(N) and, whether I am in chains(O) or defending(P) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify(Q) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love(R) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,(S) 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,(T) 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness(U) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains(V) for Christ. 14 And because of my chains,(W) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(X)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.(Y) 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,(Z) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.(AA) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers(AB) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ(AC) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d](AD) 20 I eagerly expect(AE) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage(AF) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,(AG) whether by life or by death.(AH) 21 For to me, to live is Christ(AI) and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart(AJ) and be with Christ,(AK) which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy(AL) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm(AM) in the one Spirit,[e] striving together(AN) as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you(AO) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer(AP) for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle(AQ) you saw(AR) I had, and now hear(AS) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,(AT) if any tenderness and compassion,(AU) 2 then make my joy complete(AV) by being like-minded,(AW) having the same love, being one(AX) in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(AY) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(AZ) 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(BA)

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:(BB)

6 Who, being in very nature[f] God,(BC)
    did not consider equality with God(BD) something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing(BE)
    by taking the very nature[g] of a servant,(BF)
    being made in human likeness.(BG)
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death(BH)—
        even death on a cross!(BI)

9 Therefore God exalted him(BJ) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,(BK)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,(BL)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(BM)
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,(BN)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,(BO) 13 for it is God who works in you(BP) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.(BQ)

14 Do everything without grumbling(BR) or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless(BS) and pure, “children of God(BT) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[h](BU) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ(BV) that I did not run(BW) or labor in vain.(BX) 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering(BY) on the sacrifice(BZ) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.(CA) 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy(CB) to you soon,(CC) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him,(CD) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests,(CE) not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father(CF) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.(CG) 24 And I am confident(CH) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(CI) and fellow soldier,(CJ) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(CK) 26 For he longs for all of you(CL) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,(CM) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,(CN) 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.(CO)

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,(CP) and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs,(CQ) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision,(CR) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,(CS) and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.(CT)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised(CU) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,(CV) of the tribe of Benjamin,(CW) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;(CX) 6 as for zeal,(CY) persecuting the church;(CZ) as for righteousness based on the law,(DA) faultless.

7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss(DB) for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing(DC) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ(DD) 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,(DE) but that which is through faith in[i] Christ—the righteousness(DF) that comes from God on the basis of faith.(DG) 10 I want to know(DH) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,(DI) becoming like him in his death,(DJ) 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection(DK) from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,(DL) but I press on to take hold(DM) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.(DN) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(DO) and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on(DP) toward the goal to win the prize(DQ) for which God has called(DR) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

15 All of us, then, who are mature(DS) should take such a view of things.(DT) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.(DU) 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example,(DV) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(DW) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(DX) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(DY) 19 Their destiny(DZ) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(EA) and their glory is in their shame.(EB) Their mind is set on earthly things.(EC) 20 But our citizenship(ED) is in heaven.(EE) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(EF) 21 who, by the power(EG) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(EH) so that they will be like his glorious body.(EI)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(EJ) my joy and crown, stand firm(EK) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind(EL) in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,(EM) whose names are in the book of life.(EN)

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(EO) 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(EP) 6 Do not be anxious about anything,(EQ) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(ER) 7 And the peace of God,(ES) which transcends all understanding,(ET) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.(EU) And the God of peace(EV) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(EW) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(EX) whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,(EY) whether living in plenty or in want.(EZ) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(FA)

14 Yet it was good of you to share(FB) in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(FC) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(FD) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(FE) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(FF) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.(FG) 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(FH) 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus(FI) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant(FJ) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs(FK) according to the riches of his glory(FL) in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father(FM) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(FN)

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me(FO) send greetings. 22 All God’s people(FP) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ(FQ) be with your spirit.(FR) Amen.[j]

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  2. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
  3. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
  4. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
  5. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit
  6. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
  7. Philippians 2:7 Or the form
  8. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5
  9. Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of
  10. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.
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Philippians 1-4
New King James Version

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the [a]bishops and (A)deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness and Prayer

3 (B)I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in (C)every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 (D)for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun (E)a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness (F)which are by Jesus Christ, (G)to the glory and praise of God.

Christ Is Preached

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident (H)to the whole [b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

To Live Is Christ

19 For I know that (I)this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but (J)with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life (K)or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [d]cannot tell. 23 [e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a (L)desire to depart and be with Christ, which is (M)far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that (N)your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Striving and Suffering for Christ

27 Only (O)let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, (P)with one mind (Q)striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [f]to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you (R)it has been granted on behalf of Christ, (S)not only to believe in Him, but also to (T)suffer for His sake, 30 (U)having the same conflict (V)which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Unity Through Humility

2 Therefore if there is any [g]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any (W)affection and mercy, 2 (X)fulfill my joy (Y)by being like-minded, having the same love, being of (Z)one accord, of one mind. 3 (AA)Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but (AB)in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 (AC)Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of (AD)others.

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 (AE)Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, (AF)being in the form of God, did not consider it [h]robbery to be equal with God, 7 (AG)but [i]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form (AH)of a bondservant, and (AI)coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and (AJ)became (AK)obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 (AL)Therefore God also (AM)has highly exalted Him and (AN)given Him the name which is above every name, 10 (AO)that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and (AP)that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Light Bearers

12 Therefore, my beloved, (AQ)as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, (AR)work out your own salvation with (AS)fear and trembling; 13 for (AT)it is God who works in you both to will and to do (AU)for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things (AV)without [j]complaining and (AW)disputing,[k] 15 that you may become blameless and [l]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as (AX)lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that (AY)I may rejoice in the day of Christ that (AZ)I have not run in vain or labored in (BA)vain.

17 Yes, and if (BB)I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice (BC)and service of your faith, (BD)I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy Commended

19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send (BE)Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your [m]state. 20 For I have no one (BF)like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. 22 But you know his proven character, (BG)that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Epaphroditus Praised

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you (BH)Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and (BI)fellow soldier, (BJ)but your messenger and (BK)the one who ministered to my need; 26 (BL)since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, [n]not regarding his life, (BM)to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

All for Christ

3 Finally, my brethren, (BN)rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

2 (BO)Beware of dogs, beware of (BP)evil workers, (BQ)beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are (BR)the circumcision, (BS)who worship [o]God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though (BT)I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I (BU)more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, (BV)of the tribe of Benjamin, (BW)a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, (BX)a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, (BY)persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But (BZ)what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss (CA)for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having (CB)my own righteousness, which is from the law, but (CC)that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the (CD)power of His resurrection, and (CE)the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may (CF)attain[p] to the resurrection from the dead.

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already (CG)attained,[q] or am already (CH)perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [r]apprehended; but one thing I do, (CI)forgetting those things which are behind and (CJ)reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 (CK)I press toward the goal for the prize of (CL)the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are (CM)mature, (CN)have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, (CO)God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already [s]attained, (CP)let us walk (CQ)by the same [t]rule, let us be of the same mind.

Our Citizenship in Heaven

17 Brethren, (CR)join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as (CS)you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are (CT)the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 (CU)whose end is destruction, (CV)whose god is their belly, and (CW)whose glory is in their shame—(CX)who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For (CY)our citizenship is in heaven, (CZ)from which we also (DA)eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 (DB)who will transform our lowly body that it may be (DC)conformed to His glorious body, (DD)according to the working by which He is able even to (DE)subdue all things to Himself.

Be Anxious for Nothing; Think These Thoughts

4 Therefore, my beloved and (DF)longed-for brethren, (DG)my joy and crown, so (DH)stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche (DI)to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 [u]And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who (DJ)labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in (DK)the Book of Life.

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

5 Let your [v]gentleness be known to all men. (DM)The Lord is at hand.

6 (DN)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with (DO)thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and (DP)the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are (DQ)true, whatever things are (DR)noble, whatever things are (DS)just, (DT)whatever things are pure, whatever things are (DU)lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and (DV)the God of peace will be with you.

Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last (DW)your[w] 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, (DX)to be content: 12 (DY)I know how to [x]be abased, and I know how to [y]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 (DZ)through [z]Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well that (EA)you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, (EB)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 (EC)the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I [aa]have all and abound. I am full, having received from (ED)Epaphroditus the things sent from you, (EE)a sweet-smelling aroma, (EF)an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God (EG)shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 (EH)Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greeting and Blessing

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren (EI)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 [ab]you all. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 1:1 Lit. overseers
  2. Philippians 1:13 Or Praetorium
  3. Philippians 1:16 NU reverses vv. 16 and 17.
  4. Philippians 1:22 do not know
  5. Philippians 1:23 NU, M But
  6. Philippians 1:28 NU of your salvation
  7. Philippians 2:1 Or encouragement
  8. Philippians 2:6 Or something to be held onto to be equal
  9. Philippians 2:7 emptied Himself of His privileges
  10. Philippians 2:14 grumbling
  11. Philippians 2:14 arguing
  12. Philippians 2:15 innocent
  13. Philippians 2:19 condition
  14. Philippians 2:30 risking
  15. Philippians 3:3 NU, M in the Spirit of God
  16. Philippians 3:11 Lit. arrive at
  17. Philippians 3:12 obtained it
  18. Philippians 3:13 laid hold of it
  19. Philippians 3:16 arrived
  20. Philippians 3:16 NU omits rule and the rest of v. 16.
  21. Philippians 4:3 NU, M Yes
  22. Philippians 4:5 graciousness or forbearance
  23. Philippians 4:10 you have revived your care
  24. Philippians 4:12 live humbly
  25. Philippians 4:12 live in prosperity
  26. Philippians 4:13 NU Him who
  27. Philippians 4:18 Or have received all
  28. Philippians 4:23 NU your spirit
Close NLT

Philippians 1-4
New Living Translation

Greetings from Paul

1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.

I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the church leaders[a] and deacons.

2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.

9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters,[c] that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard,[d] knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers[e] here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message[f] without fear.

15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.

Paul’s Life for Christ

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

25 Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. 26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

Live as Citizens of Heaven

27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Have the Attitude of Christ

2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

6 Though he was God,[g]
    he did not think of equality with God
    as something to cling to.
7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges[h];
    he took the humble position of a slave[i]
    and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,[j]
8     he humbled himself in obedience to God
    and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
    and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

Shine Brightly for Christ

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless. 17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[k] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. 18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

Paul Commends Timothy

19 If the Lord Jesus is willing, I hope to send Timothy to you soon for a visit. Then he can cheer me up by telling me how you are getting along. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare. 21 All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ. 22 But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News. 23 I hope to send him to you just as soon as I find out what is going to happen to me here. 24 And I have confidence from the Lord that I myself will come to see you soon.

Paul Commends Epaphroditus

25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.

28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord’s love[l] and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.

The Priceless Value of Knowing Christ

3 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters,[m] rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.

2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God[n] are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.

7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[o] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!

Pressing toward the Goal

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[p] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

4 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,[q] stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

Words of Encouragement

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner,[r] to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.[s]

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts

10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[t] who gives me strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.

18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

Paul’s Final Greetings

21 Give my greetings to each of God’s holy people—all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar’s household.

23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[u]

Footnotes

  1. 1:1 Or overseers, or bishops.
  2. 1:11 Greek with the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ.
  3. 1:12 Greek brothers.
  4. 1:13 Greek including all the Praetorium.
  5. 1:14a Greek brothers in the Lord.
  6. 1:14b Some manuscripts read speak the message.
  7. 2:6 Or Being in the form of God.
  8. 2:7a Greek he emptied himself.
  9. 2:7b Or the form of a slave.
  10. 2:7c Some English translations put this phrase in verse 8.
  11. 2:17 Greek I will rejoice even if I am to be poured out as a liquid offering.
  12. 2:29 Greek in the Lord.
  13. 3:1 Greek brothers; also in 3:13, 17.
  14. 3:3 Some manuscripts read worship God in spirit; one early manuscript reads worship in spirit.
  15. 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of Christ.
  16. 3:13 Some manuscripts read not yet achieved it.
  17. 4:1 Greek brothers; also in 4:8.
  18. 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus.
  19. 4:5 Greek the Lord is near.
  20. 4:13 Greek through the one.
  21. 4:23 Some manuscripts add Amen.
Close NCV

Philippians 1-4
New Century Version

1 From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.

To all of God’s holy people in Christ Jesus who live in Philippi, including your overseers and deacons:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you. 5 I thank God for the help you gave me while I preached the Good News—help you gave from the first day you believed until now. 6 God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

7 And I know that I am right to think like this about all of you, because I have you in my heart. All of you share in God’s grace with me while I am in prison and while I am defending and proving the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows that I want to see you very much, because I love all of you with the love of Christ Jesus.

9 This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; 10 that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; 11 that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.

Paul’s Troubles Help the Work

12 I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. 13 All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ. 14 Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God.

15 It is true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous and ambitious, but others preach about Christ because they want to help. 16 They preach because they have love, and they know that God gave me the work of defending the Good News. 17 But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for me in prison.

18 But it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy. 19 Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom. 20 I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die. 21 To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me. 22 If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose—living or dying. 23 It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better, 24 but you need me here in my body. 25 Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith. 26 You will be very happy in Christ Jesus when I am with you again.

27 Only one thing concerns me: Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. Then whether I come and visit you or am away from you, I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News, 28 and that you are not afraid of those who are against you. All of this is proof that your enemies will be destroyed but that you will be saved by God. 29 God gave you the honor not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for him, both of which bring glory to Christ. 30 When I was with you, you saw the struggles I had, and you hear about the struggles I am having now. You yourselves are having the same kind of struggles.

2 Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness? 2 If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose. 3 When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. 4 Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.

Be Unselfish Like Christ

5 In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.

6 Christ himself was like God in everything.
    But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit.
7 But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
    He was born as a man
    and became like a servant.
8 And when he was living as a man,
    he humbled himself and was fully obedient to God,
    even when that caused his death—death on a cross.
9 So God raised him to the highest place.
    God made his name greater than every other name
10 so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—
    everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
11 And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
    and bring glory to God the Father.

Be the People God Wants You to Be

12 My dear friends, you have always obeyed God when I was with you. It is even more important that you obey now while I am away from you. Keep on working to complete your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 because God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases him.

14 Do everything without complaining or arguing. 15 Then you will be innocent and without any wrong. You will be God’s children without fault. But you are living with crooked and mean people all around you, among whom you shine like stars in the dark world. 16 You offer the teaching that gives life. So when Christ comes again, I can be happy because my work was not wasted. I ran the race and won.

17 Your faith makes you offer your lives as a sacrifice in serving God. If I have to offer my own blood with your sacrifice, I will be happy and full of joy with all of you. 18 You also should be happy and full of joy with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon. I will be happy to learn how you are. 20 I have no one else like Timothy, who truly cares for you. 21 Other people are interested only in their own lives, not in the work of Jesus Christ. 22 You know the kind of person Timothy is. You know he has served with me in telling the Good News, as a son serves his father. 23 I plan to send him to you quickly when I know what will happen to me. 24 I am sure that the Lord will help me to come to you soon.

25 Epaphroditus, my brother in Christ, works and serves with me in the army of Christ. When I needed help, you sent him to me. I think now that I must send him back to you, 26 because he wants very much to see all of you. He is worried because you heard that he was sick. 27 Yes, he was sick, and nearly died, but God had mercy on him and me too so that I would not have more sadness. 28 I want very much to send him to you so that when you see him you can be happy, and I can stop worrying about you. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with much joy. Give honor to people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to give me the help you could not give in your service to me.

The Importance of Christ

3 My brothers and sisters, be full of joy in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it will help you to be more ready. 2 Watch out for those who do evil, who are like dogs, who demand to cut[a] the body. 3 We are the ones who are truly circumcised. We worship God through his Spirit, and our pride is in Christ Jesus. We do not put trust in ourselves or anything we can do, 4 although I might be able to put trust in myself. If anyone thinks he has a reason to trust in himself, he should know that I have greater reason for trusting in myself. 5 I was circumcised eight days after my birth. I am from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a Hebrew, and my parents were Hebrews. I had a strict view of the law, which is why I became a Pharisee. 6 I was so enthusiastic I tried to hurt the church. No one could find fault with the way I obeyed the law of Moses. 7 Those things were important to me, but now I think they are worth nothing because of Christ. 8 Not only those things, but I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ 9 and to belong to him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with him. 10 I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death. 11 Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead.

Continuing Toward Our Goal

12 I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and to make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. 13 Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above.

15 All of us who are spiritually mature should think this way, too. And if there are things you do not agree with, God will make them clear to you. 16 But we should continue following the truth we already have.

17 Brothers and sisters, all of you should try to follow my example and to copy those who live the way we showed you. 18 Many people live like enemies of the cross of Christ. I have often told you about them, and it makes me cry to tell you about them now. 19 In the end, they will be destroyed. They do whatever their bodies want, they are proud of their shameful acts, and they think only about earthly things. 20 But our homeland is in heaven, and we are waiting for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, to come from heaven. 21 By his power to rule all things, he will change our humble bodies and make them like his own glorious body.

What the Christians Are to Do

4 My dear brothers and sisters, I love you and want to see you. You bring me joy and make me proud of you, so stand strong in the Lord as I have told you.

2 I ask Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 And I ask you, my faithful friend, to help these women. They served with me in telling the Good News, together with Clement and others who worked with me, whose names are written in the book of life.[b]

4 Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.

5 Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. 7 And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. 9 Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you.

Paul Thanks the Christians

10 I am very happy in the Lord that you have shown your care for me again. You continued to care about me, but there was no way for you to show it. 11 I am not telling you this because I need anything. I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. 12 I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. 13 I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.

14 But it was good that you helped me when I needed it. 15 You Philippians remember when I first preached the Good News there. When I left Macedonia, you were the only church that gave me help. 16 Several times you sent me things I needed when I was in Thessalonica. 17 Really, it is not that I want to receive gifts from you, but I want you to have the good that comes from giving. 18 And now I have everything, and more. I have all I need, because Epaphroditus brought your gift to me. It is like a sweet-smelling sacrifice offered to God, who accepts that sacrifice and is pleased with it. 19 My God will use his wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. 20 Glory to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.

21 Greet each of God’s people in Christ Jesus. Those who are with me send greetings to you. 22 All of God’s people greet you, particularly those from the palace of Caesar.

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

Footnotes

  1. 3:2 cut The word in Greek is like the word “circumcise,” but it means “to cut completely off.”
  2. 4:3 book of life God’s book that has the names of all God’s chosen people (Revelation 3:5; 21:27).
Close NRSVUE

Philippians 1-4
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Salutation

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops[a] and deacons:[b]

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(A)

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

3 I thank my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy 5 for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.(B) 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete[c] it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart,[d] for all of you are my partners in God’s grace,[e] both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.(C) 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the tender affection of Christ Jesus.(D) 9 And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight(E) 10 to help you to determine what really matters, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest[f] of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Present Circumstances

12 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[g] and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ, 14 and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word[h] with greater boldness and without fear.

15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry but others from goodwill. 16 These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true, and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my salvation.(F) 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way but that by my speaking with all boldness Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death.(G) 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me, yet I cannot say which I will choose. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better,(H) 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that, by my presence again with you, your boast might abound in Christ Jesus because of me.(I)

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel 28 and in no way frightened by those opposing you. For them, this is evidence of their destruction but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing.(J) 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ but of suffering for him as well,(K) 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.(L)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 If, then, there is any comfort in Christ, any consolation from love, any partnership in the Spirit, any tender affection and sympathy,(M) 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.(N) 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.(O) 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others.(P) 5 Let the same mind be in you that was[i] in Christ Jesus,(Q)

6 who, though he existed in the form of God,
    did not regard equality with God
    as something to be grasped,(R)
7 but emptied himself,
    taking the form of a slave,
    assuming human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human,(S)
8     he humbled himself
    and became obedient to the point of death—
    even death on a cross.(T)

9 Therefore God exalted him even more highly
    and gave him the name
    that is above every other name,(U)
10 so that at the name given to Jesus
    every knee should bend,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(V)
11 and every tongue should confess
    that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.(W)

Shining as Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence but much more now in my absence, work on your own salvation with fear and trembling,(X) 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing,(Y) 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world,(Z) 16 holding forth the word of life so that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.(AA)

17 But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the service of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice together with all of you;(AB) 18 in the same way also you should rejoice and rejoice together with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I, too, may be consoled by news of you. 20 I have no one so like myself who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.(AC) 22 But Timothy’s[j] worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.(AD) 23 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me, 24 and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.

25 Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and coworker and fellow soldier, your messenger[k] and minister to my need,(AE) 26 for he has been longing for[l] all of you and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again and that I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him, then, in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people,(AF) 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ,[m] risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.

3 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.

Breaking with the Past

To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a source of steadfastness.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh![n](AG) 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God[o] and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh(AH)— 4 even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;(AI) 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.(AJ) 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ(AK) 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but one that comes through faith in Christ,[p] the righteousness from God based on faith.(AL) 10 I want to know Christ[q] and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.(AM)

Pressing toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal,[r] but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ[s] has laid hold of me.(AN) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have laid hold[t] of it, but one thing I have laid hold of: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,(AO) 14 I press on toward the goal, toward the prize of the heavenly[u] call of God in Christ Jesus.(AP) 15 Let those of us, then, who are mature[v] think this way, and if you think differently about anything, this, too, God will reveal to you.(AQ) 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.(AR)

17 Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.(AS) 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.(AT) 19 Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things.(AU) 20 But our citizenship[w] is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation[x] that it may be conformed to the body of his glory,[y] by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.(AV) 4 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Exhortations

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion,[z] help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.(AW)

4 Rejoice[aa] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[ab](AX) 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.(AY) 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.(AZ) 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(BA)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[ac] these things. 9 As for the things that you have learned and received and heard and noticed in me, do them, and the God of peace will be with you.(BB)

Acknowledgment of the Philippians’ Gift

10 I rejoice[ad] in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me but had no opportunity to show it.[ae](BC) 11 Not that I am referring to being in need, for I have learned to be content with whatever I have.(BD) 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.(BE) 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.(BF) 14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.

15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone.(BG) 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit[af] that accumulates to your account.(BH) 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.(BI) 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.(BJ) 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.(BK)

Final Greetings and Benediction

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household.

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

Footnotes

  1. 1.1 Or overseers
  2. 1.1 Or helpers
  3. 1.6 Or perfect
  4. 1.7 Or because you hold me in your heart
  5. 1.7 Gk in grace
  6. 1.11 Gk fruit
  7. 1.13 Gk whole praetorium
  8. 1.14 Other ancient authorities read word of God
  9. 2.5 Or that you have
  10. 2.22 Gk his
  11. 2.25 Gk apostle
  12. 2.26 Other ancient authorities read longing to see
  13. 2.30 Other ancient authorities read of the Lord
  14. 3.2 Gk the mutilation
  15. 3.3 Other ancient authorities read worship God in spirit
  16. 3.9 Or through the faith of Christ
  17. 3.10 Gk him
  18. 3.12 Or have already been made perfect
  19. 3.12 Other ancient authorities read Christ Jesus
  20. 3.13 Other ancient authorities read yet laid hold
  21. 3.14 Gk upward
  22. 3.15 Or perfect
  23. 3.20 Or commonwealth
  24. 3.21 Or our humble bodies
  25. 3.21 Or his glorious body
  26. 4.3 Or loyal Syzygus
  27. 4.4 Or Farewell
  28. 4.4 Or Farewell
  29. 4.8 Gk take account of
  30. 4.10 Gk I rejoiced
  31. 4.10 Gk lacks to show it
  32. 4.17 Gk fruit
  33. 4.23 Other ancient authorities add Amen
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