Philippians 4
4
Think of Excellence
1Therefore, my #4:1 Lit brethren.fellow believers, whom I love and long for, my delight and crown [my wreath of victory], in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. [Dan 12:1; Mal 3:16, 17; Rev 3:5; 21:27]
4Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! [Ps 37:4] 5Let your gentle spirit [your graciousness, unselfishness, mercy, tolerance, and patience] be known to all people. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. [John 14:27]
8Finally, #4:8 Lit brethren.believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart]. 9The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
God’s Provisions
10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] 14Nevertheless, it was right of you to share [with me] in my difficulties.
15And you Philippians know that in the early days of preaching the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of #4:15 The word used here was commonly used in financial transactions referring to payments or installments.giving and receiving except you alone; 16for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17Not that I seek the gift itself, but I do seek the profit which increases to your [heavenly] account [the blessing which is accumulating for you]. 18But I have received everything in full and more; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. They are the fragrant aroma of an offering, an acceptable sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights. 19And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be the glory #4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages.forever and ever. Amen.
21Remember me to every #4:21 Every born-again believer (saint) has been reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, made holy and set apart for God’s purpose.saint in Christ Jesus. The #4:21 Lit brethren.brothers who are with me greet you. 22All #4:22 Lit the saints.God’s people wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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Philippians 4
4
1Dear friends, I love you and long to see you. Please keep on being faithful to the Lord. You are my pride and joy.
Paul Encourages the Lord's Followers
2Euodia and Syntyche, you belong to the Lord, so I beg you to stop arguing with each other. 3And, my true partner,#4.3 partner: Or “Syzygus,” a person's name. I ask you to help them. These women have worked together with me and with Clement and with the others in spreading the good news. Their names are now written in the book of life.#4.3 the book of life: A book in which the names of God's people are written.
4Always be glad because of the Lord! I will say it again: Be glad. 5Always be gentle with others. The Lord will soon be here. 6Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. 9You know the teachings I gave you, and you know what you heard me say and saw me do. So follow my example. And God, who gives peace, will be with you.
Paul Gives Thanks for the Gifts He Was Given
10The Lord has made me very grateful that at last you have thought about me once again. Actually, you were thinking about me all along, but you didn't have any chance to show it. 11I am not complaining about having too little. I have learned to be satisfied with#4.11 be satisfied with: Or “get by on.” whatever I have. 12I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little. 13Christ gives me the strength to face anything.
14It was good of you to help me when I was having such a hard time. 15#2 Co 11.9. My friends at Philippi, you remember what it was like when I started preaching the good news in Macedonia.#4.15 when I started preaching the good news in Macedonia: Paul is talking about his first visit to Philippi (see Acts 16.12-40). After I left there, you were the only church that became my partner by giving blessings and by receiving them in return. 16#Ac 17.1. Even when I was in Thessalonica, you helped me more than once. 17I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving.
18 #
Ex 29.18. I have been paid back everything, and with interest. I am completely satisfied with the gifts you sent with Epaphroditus. They are like a sweet-smelling offering or like the right kind of sacrifice that pleases God. 19I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus! 20May God our Father be praised forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21Give my greetings to all who are God's people because of Christ Jesus.
The Lord's followers here with me send you their greetings.
22All of God's people send their greetings, especially those in the service of the Emperor.
23I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless your life!
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© 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.