Closing Exhortations
4 Therefore, my dear brothers whom I long for, my joy and my victor’s crown, this is how you must stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to have the same attitude in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, my true partner,[a] to help these women. They have worked hard with me to advance[b] the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Keep on rejoicing in the Lord at all times. I will say it again: Keep on rejoicing! 5 Let your gracious attitude[c] be known to all people. The Lord is near: 6 Never worry about anything. Instead, in every situation let your petitions be made known to God through prayers and requests, with thanksgiving. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes far beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your hearts and minds in union with the Messiah[d] Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—keep thinking about these things. 9 Likewise, keep practicing these things: what you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The Philippians’ Gifts
10 Now I rejoice in the Lord greatly, because once again you have shown your concern for me. Of course, you were concerned for me but you did not have an opportunity to show it.[e] 11 I am not saying this because I am in any need, for I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am in. 12 I know how to be humble, and I know how to prosper. In each and every situation I have learned the secret of being full and of going hungry, of having too much and of having too little. 13 I can do all things through him[f] who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles.
15 You Philippians also know that in the early days[g] of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church participated with me in the matter of giving and receiving except for you. 16 Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs not once, but twice. 17 It is not that I am looking for a gift. No, I want to see that you receive the fruit that increases to your benefit. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough. I am fully supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant aroma, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully supply your every need according to his glorious riches in the Messiah[h] Jesus. 20 Glory belongs to our God and Father forever and ever! Amen.
Final Greeting
21 Greet every saint who is in union with the Messiah[i] Jesus. The brothers who are with me send their greetings to you. 22 All the saints, especially those of the emperor’s[j] household, greet you.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah,[k] be with your spirit! Amen.[l]
Footnotes
- Philippians 4:3 Or my loyal Syzygus
- Philippians 4:3 The Gk. lacks to advance
- Philippians 4:5 Lit. spirit
- Philippians 4:7 Or Christ
- Philippians 4:10 The Gk. lacks to show it
- Philippians 4:13 Other mss. read the Messiah
- Philippians 4:15 Lit. in the beginning
- Philippians 4:19 Or Christ
- Philippians 4:21 Or Christ
- Philippians 4:22 Or Caesar’s
- Philippians 4:23 Or Christ
- Philippians 4:23 Other mss. lack Amen