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

Paul’s Advice

So, brothers and sisters, I love you and miss you. You are my joy and my crown. Therefore, dear friends, keep your relationship with the Lord firm!

I encourage both Euodia and Syntyche to have the attitude the Lord wants them to have. Yes, I also ask you, Syzugus, my true partner, to help these women. They fought beside me to spread the Good News along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Always Be Joyful

Always be joyful in the Lord! I’ll say it again: Be joyful! Let everyone know how considerate you are. The Lord is near. Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Yeshua.

Finally, brothers and sisters, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable. Practice what you’ve learned and received from me, what you heard and saw me do. Then the God who gives this peace will be with you.

Thanks for Your Gifts

10 The Lord has filled me with joy because you again showed interest in me. You were interested but did not have an opportunity to show it. 11 I’m not saying this because I’m in any need. I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. 12 I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little. 13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.

15 You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. 16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice. 17 It’s not that I’m looking for a gift. The opposite is true. I’m looking for your resources to increase. 18 You have paid me in full, and I have more than enough. Now that Epaphroditus has brought me your gifts, you have filled my needs. Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased. 19 My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Yeshua. 20 Glory belongs to our God and Father forever! Amen.

21 Greet everyone who believes in Christ Yeshua. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings to you. 22 All God’s people here, especially those in the emperor’s palace, greet you. 23 May the good will[a] of our Lord Yeshua Christ be with you.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:23 Or “grace.”