He greets certain of them, exhorts them to live and bear themselves honourably, and thanks them for the provision that they made for him in prison.
4 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, continue in such a way in the Lord, beloveds. 2 I pray Euodias and beseech Syntyche to be of one accord in the Lord. 3 Yea and I beseech you, faithful yokefellow, help the women who laboured with me in the gospel, and with Clement also, and with my other labour-fellows whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men.
The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in all things let your requests be made known to God, in prayer and supplication with giving of thanks. 7 And may the peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Furthermore, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honourable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things belong to love, whatever things are of good report, if there be any virtuous thing, if there be any praiseworthy thing: these same have in your minds. 9 The things you have both learned and received, heard and also seen in me, those things do, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at the last you have come around again to care for me – where you had been concerned, but you lacked opportunity. 11 I am not speaking out of need. For I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I can both cast myself down and I can also prosper. Everywhere and in all things I am taught both to be full and to be hungry, to have plenty and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things with the help of Christ, who strengthens me. 14 Notwithstanding, you have done well to bear part with me in my tribulation.
15 You of Philippi know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bore part with me (as regards giving and receiving) but you only. 16 For when I was in Thessalonica, you sent once and afterward again to supply my needs – 17 not that I desire gifts, but I desire abundant fruit on your parts. 18 I welcomed everything, and have plenty. I was filled after I received from Epaphroditus that which came from you, an odour that smells sweet, a sacrifice accepted and pleasing to God.
19 May my God fulfil all your needs through his glorious riches in Jesus Christ. 20 To our God and Father be glory forevermore. Amen.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, and most of all those who are of the Emperor’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Sent from Rome by the hand
of Epaphroditus.