Practical Counsel

4 So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown.^(A) In this manner stand firm^(B) in the Lord, dear friends. ² I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. ³ Yes, I also ask you, true partner,^[a] to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^{(C) 6} Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(D) every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(E)

⁸ Finally brothers, whatever is true,^(F) whatever is honorable,^(G) whatever is just,^(H) whatever is pure,^(I) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(J) and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(K) and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again^(L) you renewed your care for me.^(M) You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot.^(N) In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him^[b] who strengthens me.^{(O) 14} Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

¹⁵ And you Philippians^(P) know that in the early days of the gospel,^(Q) when I left Macedonia,^(R) no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica^(S) you sent gifts for my need^(T) several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[c](U) that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full,^(V) and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus^(W) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing^(X) to God. ¹⁹ And my God^(Y) will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father^(Z) be glory forever and ever.^(AA) Amen.^(AB)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you. ²² All the saints greet you, but especially those from Caesar’s^(AC) household.^{(AD) 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^[d](AE)