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Philippians Chapter 4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 23 Verses

What is Philippians 4 about?

The epistle of joy — contentment in every circumstance, humility modeled on Christ's kenosis, and the peace that surpasses understanding. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
2I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord.
3Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
5Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity.
11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content.
12I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
13I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
14Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction.
15And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only;
16for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.
17Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.
18But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things [that came] from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
19And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20Now unto our God and Father [be] the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren that are with me salute you.
22All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar`s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
← Philippians 3

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Therefore, my brethren, etc.] Not in a natural but spiritual relation; having the same Father, being of the same family, and household of faith: seeing that on the one hand there were false teachers, who stand described by various characters in the preceding chapter, by whom they were in danger of being carried away from the simplicity of the Gospel; and on the other hand, such were the conduct and conversation of the apostle, and other true believers, and such were their expectations of Christ from heaven, and of happiness from him as there expressed; therefore he exhorts to steadfastness in him, and that under…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“EXHORTATIONS: THANKS FOR THE SUPPLY FROM PHILIPPI: GREETING; AND CLOSING BENEDICTION. (Phi. 4:1-23) "Wherefore"; since we have such a glorious hope (Phi 3:20-21). dearly beloved--repeated again at the close of the verse, implying that his great love to them should be a motive to their obedience. longed for--"yearned after" in your absence (Phi 1:8). crown--in the day of the Lord (Phi 2:16; Th1 2:19). so--as I have admonished you. stand fast-- (Phi 1:27).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for - Doddridge unites this verse with the previous chapter, and supposes that it is the proper close of the solemn statement which the apostle makes there. The word “therefore” - ὥστε hōste - has undoubted reference to the remarks made there; and the meaning is, that in view of the fact that there were many professed Christians who were not sincere - that the “citizenship” of all true Christians was in heaven, and that Christians looked for the coming of the Lord Jesus, who would make them like to himself, the apostle exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord. The…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“So stand - As ye have done hitherto. Philippians 4:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“4:1 stay true to the Lord (literally stand in the Lord): Cp. 1:27. • Their continuing faithfulness to Christ was a deep source of joy to Paul and the crown for his hard work (see 1 Thes 2:19-20).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“Therefore: Phi 3:20, Phi 3:21; Pe2 3:11-14 and: Phi 1:8, Phi 2:26 my joy: Phi 2:16; Co2 1:14; Th1 2:19, Th1 2:20, Th1 3:9 so: Phi 1:27; Psa 27:14, Psa 125:1; Mat 10:22; Joh 8:31, Joh 15:3, Joh 15:4; Act 2:42, Act 11:23; Act 14:22; Rom 2:7; Co1 15:58, Co1 16:13; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:10-18; Col 4:12; Th1 3:8, Th1 3:13; Th2 2:15; Ti2 2:1; Heb 3:14, Heb 4:14, Heb 10:23, Heb 10:35, Heb 10:36; Pe2 3:17; Jde 1:20, Jde 1:21, Jde 1:24, Jde 1:25; Rev 3:10, Rev 3:11 Philippians 4:2”
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