Think of Excellence

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, [a]whom I (A)long to see, my joy and crown, (B)stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to [b](C)live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true [c]companion, I ask you also, help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement as well as the rest of my (D)fellow workers, whose (E)names are in the book of life.

(F)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. (G)The Lord is [d]near. (H)Do not [e]be anxious about anything, but in everything by (I)prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And (J)the peace of God, which surpasses all [f]comprehension, will (K)guard your hearts and (L)minds in (M)Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, (N)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [g]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen (O)in me, practice these things, and (P)the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provisions

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last (Q)you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked an opportunity to act. 11 Not that I speak [h]from need, for I have learned to be [i](R)content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going (S)hungry, both of having abundance and (T)suffering need. 13 I can do all things [j]through Him who (U)strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to (V)share with me in my difficulty.

15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the [k](W)first preaching of the gospel, after I left (X)Macedonia, no church (Y)shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone; 16 for even in (Z)Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 (AA)Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the [l]profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am [m]amply supplied, having received from (AB)Epaphroditus [n]what you have sent, [o](AC)a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And (AD)my God will supply [p]all your needs according to His (AE)riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to (AF)our God and Father (AG)be the glory [q]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every [r]saint in Christ Jesus. (AH)The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 (AI)All the [s](AJ)saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 (AK)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (AL)be with your spirit.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 Lit and longed for
  2. Philippians 4:2 Or be of the same mind
  3. Philippians 4:3 Lit yokefellow
  4. Philippians 4:5 Or at hand
  5. Philippians 4:6 I.e., have anxiety
  6. Philippians 4:7 Lit mind
  7. Philippians 4:8 Or lovable and gracious
  8. Philippians 4:11 Lit according to
  9. Philippians 4:11 Or self-sufficient
  10. Philippians 4:13 Lit in
  11. Philippians 4:15 Lit beginning of
  12. Philippians 4:17 Lit fruit
  13. Philippians 4:18 Lit made full
  14. Philippians 4:18 Lit the things from you
  15. Philippians 4:18 Lit an odor of fragrance
  16. Philippians 4:19 Or every need of yours
  17. Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages
  18. Philippians 4:21 Or holy one; i.e., God’s people
  19. Philippians 4:22 See note v 21

Dear brother Christians, I love you and long to see you, for you are my joy and my reward for my work. My beloved friends, stay true to the Lord.

And now I want to plead with those two dear women, Euodias and Syntyche. Please, please, with the Lord’s help, quarrel no more—be friends again. And I ask you, my true teammate, to help these women, for they worked side by side with me in telling the Good News to others; and they worked with Clement, too, and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are written in the Book of Life.

Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. Remember that the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

And now, brothers, as I close this letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 How grateful I am and how I praise the Lord that you are helping me again. I know you have always been anxious to send what you could, but for a while you didn’t have the chance. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; 13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. 14 But even so, you have done right in helping me in my present difficulty.

15 As you well know, when I first brought the Gospel to you and then went on my way, leaving Macedonia, only you Philippians became my partners in giving and receiving. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was over in Thessalonica you sent help twice. 17 But though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well-earned reward you will have because of your kindness.

18 At the moment I have all I need—more than I need! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me when Epaphroditus came. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that pleases God well. 19 And it is he who will supply all your needs from his riches in glory because of what Christ Jesus has done for us. 20 Now unto God our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Sincerely, Paul

P.S. 21 Say hello for me to all the Christians there; the brothers with me send their greetings, too. 22 And all the other Christians here want to be remembered to you, especially those who work in Caesar’s palace. 23 The blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon your spirits.

Christian Practices

So then, my brothers and sisters,[a] dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I say also to you, true companion,[b] help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry[c] along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness.[d] The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds[e] in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,[f] whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation for Support

10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.)[g] 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. 12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment,[h] whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things[i] through the one[j] who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble.

15 And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion[k] you sent something for my need. 17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift.[l] Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers[m] with me here send greetings. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[n]

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.
  2. Philippians 4:3 tn Or “faithful fellow worker.” This is more likely a descriptive noun, although some scholars interpret the word σύζυγος (suzugos) here as a proper name (“Syzygos”), L&N 42.45.
  3. Philippians 4:3 tn Grk “in the gospel,” a metonymy in which the gospel itself is substituted for the ministry of making the gospel known.
  4. Philippians 4:5 tn Grk “let your gentleness be seen by all.” The passive voice construction has been converted to active voice in the translation for stylistic reasons.
  5. Philippians 4:7 tn Grk “will guard the hearts of you and the minds of you.” To improve the English style, the second occurrence of ὑμῶν (humōn, “of you”) has not been translated, since it is somewhat redundant in English.
  6. Philippians 4:8 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12.
  7. Philippians 4:10 tn Grk “for you were even concerned, but you lacked opportunity.”
  8. Philippians 4:12 tn The words “of contentment” are not in the Greek text, but are implied by Paul’s remarks at the end of v. 11.
  9. Philippians 4:13 tn The Greek word translated “all things” is in emphatic position at the beginning of the Greek sentence.
  10. Philippians 4:13 tc Although some excellent witnesses lack explicit reference to the one strengthening Paul (so א* A B D* I 33 1739 lat co Cl), the majority of witnesses (א2 D2 [F G] Ψ 075 1175 1241 1505 1881 2464 M al sy Hier) add Χριστῷ (Christō) here (thus, “through Christ who strengthens me”). But this kind of reading is patently secondary, and is a predictable variant. Further, the shorter reading is much harder, for it leaves the agent unspecified.
  11. Philippians 4:16 tn Or “several times”; Grk, “both once and twice.” The literal expression “once and twice” is frequently used as a Greek idiom referring to an indefinite low number, but more than once (“several times”); see L&N 60.70.
  12. Philippians 4:17 tn Grk “Not that I am seeking the gift.” The phrase “I do not say this…” has been supplied in the translation to complete the thought for the modern reader.
  13. Philippians 4:21 tn Or perhaps, “The brothers and sisters” (so TEV, TNIV; cf. NRSV “The friends”; CEV “The Lord’s followers”) If “brothers” refers to Paul’s traveling companions, it is probably that only men are in view (cf. NAB, NLT). Since v. 22 mentions “all the saints,” which presumably includes everyone, it is more probable here that only Paul’s traveling companions are in view.
  14. Philippians 4:23 tc Most witnesses, including several significant ones (P46 א A D Ψ 33 1175 1241 1505 2464 M lat sy bo), have ἀμήν (amēn, “amen”) at the end of this letter, while an impressive combination of Alexandrian and Western mss (B F G 075 6 075 1739* 1881 sa Ambst) lack the valedictory particle. Such a conclusion is routinely added by scribes to NT books because a few of these books originally had such an ending (cf. Rom 16:27; Gal 6:18; Jude 25). A majority of Greek witnesses have the concluding ἀμήν in every NT book except Acts, James, and 3 John (and even in these books, ἀμήν is found in some witnesses). It is thus a predictable variant. Thus, on internal grounds, with sufficient support from external evidence, the preferred reading is the omission of ἀμήν.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters,[a] 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

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. And I ask you, my true partner,[b] 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.

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

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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.

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. 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,[d] 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.[e]

Footnotes

  1. 4:1 Greek brothers; also in 4:8.
  2. 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus.
  3. 4:5 Greek the Lord is near.
  4. 4:13 Greek through the one.
  5. 4:23 Some manuscripts add Amen.

Therefore, my brothers,[a] whom I love and (A)long for, (B)my joy and (C)crown, (D)stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Exhortation, Encouragement, and Prayer

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to (E)agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion,[b] help these women, who have labored[c] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, (F)whose names are in the book of life.

(G)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. (H)The Lord is at hand; (I)do not be anxious about anything, (J)but in everything by prayer and supplication (K)with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And (L)the peace of God, (M)which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned[e] and (N)received and heard and seen (O)in me—practice these things, and (P)the God of peace will be with you.

God's Provision

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length (Q)you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be (R)content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and (S)hunger, abundance and (T)need. 13 I can do all things (U)through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you (V)to share[f] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that (W)in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, (X)no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 (Y)Not that I seek the gift, but I seek (Z)the fruit that increases to your credit.[g] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, (AA)having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, (AB)a fragrant offering, (AC)a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God (AD)will supply every need of yours (AE)according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To (AF)our God and Father be (AG)glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. (AH)The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 (AI)All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

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

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 8, 21
  2. Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus; Greek true yokefellow
  3. Philippians 4:3 Or strived (see 1:27)
  4. Philippians 4:5 Or gentleness
  5. Philippians 4:9 Or these things—9which things you have also learned
  6. Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in
  7. Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account