Philippians 3-4

Holman Christian Standard Bible

Knowing Christ

3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice^(A) in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a protection for you.

² Watch out for “dogs,”^[a] watch out for evil^(B) workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. ³ For we are the circumcision,^(C) the ones who serve by the Spirit^(D) of God, boast in Christ Jesus,^(E) and do not put confidence in the flesh— ⁴ although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day;^(F) of the nation of Israel,^(G) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(H) a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law,^(I) a Pharisee; ⁶ regarding zeal,^(J) persecuting^(K) the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law,^(L) blameless.^(M)

⁷ But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value^(N) of knowing Christ^(O) Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ^{(P) 9} and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law,^(Q) but one that is through faith in Christ^[b]—the righteousness from God based on faith.^{(R) 10} My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings,^(S) being conformed to His death,^{(T) 11} assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

¹² Not that I have already reached the goal or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold^(U) of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brothers, I do not^[c] consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(V) and reaching forward to what is ahead, ¹⁴ I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly^[d] call in Christ Jesus.^{(W) 15} Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal^(X) this also to you. ¹⁶ In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. ¹⁷ Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. ¹⁸ For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross^(Y) of Christ. ¹⁹ Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory^(Z) is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things, ²⁰ but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious^(AA) body,^(AB) by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.

Practical Counsel

4 So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown.^(AC) In this manner stand firm^(AD) 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,^[e] 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.^{(AE) 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^(AF) every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(AG)

⁸ Finally brothers, whatever is true,^(AH) whatever is honorable,^(AI) whatever is just,^(AJ) whatever is pure,^(AK) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(AL) and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(AM) 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^(AN) you renewed your care for me.^(AO) 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.^(AP) 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^[f] who strengthens me.^{(AQ) 14} Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

¹⁵ And you Philippians^(AR) know that in the early days of the gospel,^(AS) when I left Macedonia,^(AT) no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica^(AU) you sent gifts for my need^(AV) several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[g](AW) that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full,^(AX) and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus^(AY) what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing^(AZ) to God. ¹⁹ And my God^(BA) will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father^(BB) be glory forever and ever.^(BC) Amen.^(BD)

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^(BE) household.^{(BF) 23} The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.^[h](BG)