Stand Firm and Rejoice
Two women in the church are asked by name to agree. Then the well-known lines: worry about nothing, pray about everything, and our Father's peace beyond understanding guards you. Paul thanks them for money sent, saying he has learned contentment full or hungry, and did not need it.
4 1So, my dear, longed-for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord this way, dear ones.
2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, I ask you too, true partner: help these women—they struggled with me for the gospel, along with Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5Show your gentleness to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Worry about nothing; instead, in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known to our Father. 7The peace of our Father, beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, fix your minds on whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy—and keep dwelling on these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—do these things, and our Father of peace will be with you.
The Father Honored by Their Generosity
10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me—you were indeed concerned, but lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak from need—I've learned to be content in any circumstance. 12I know how to be brought low, and I know how to overflow. In any and every circumstance I've learned the secret: full and hungry, overflowing and lacking. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15You Philippians know too: when the gospel began, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in giving and receiving except you alone. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18I have received full payment, and more—filled, having received from Epaphroditus your gifts, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to our Father. a a v18 Paul borrows temple-sacrifice language to describe the Philippians' financial gift as a genuine act of worship. 19And my Father will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. b b v22 "Caesar's household" refers to slaves, freedmen, and servants employed in the Roman emperor's service — not his family.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
