Philippians 4
Christian Standard Bible
4 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown,(A) in this manner stand firm(B) in the Lord, dear friends.
Practical Counsel
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[b] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.(C) 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses(D) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.(E)
8 Finally[c] brothers and sisters, 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 anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received(K) and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Appreciation of Support
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because 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 find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with 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[d] who strengthens me.(O) 14 Still, you did well by partnering 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[e](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,[f] 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. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s(AC) household.(AD) 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[g](AE)
Philippians 4
New Century Version
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.[a]
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
- 4:3 book of life God’s book that has the names of all God’s chosen people (Revelation 3:5; 21:27).
The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
