The Bible — World English Bible

Philippians 4

In brief

Philippians 4 concludes the letter of joy. Paul invites the Philippians to stand firm and asks two women to make peace, then calls them to always rejoice in the Lord. He offers a remedy for worry: present everything to God in prayer with gratitude, and God's peace will guard your hearts and minds. He invites you to fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, and pure. Paul then explains he has learned contentment in every circumstance, thanks the church, and promises that God will supply all his needs.

The chapter in 6 parts

  1. v. 1-3Stand firm and remain united
  2. v. 4-7Rejoice, pray, and receive God's peace
  3. v. 8-9Direct your thoughts and practice what you have learned
  4. v. 10-13The secret of contentment
  5. v. 14-20The generosity of the Philippians and God's provision
  6. v. 21-23Final greetings

1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

2I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.

3Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News 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 gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.

9The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.

11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.

12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

13I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

14However you did well that you shared in my affliction.

15You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.

16For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.

17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.

18But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.

19My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

22All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Key verses

Verse 4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Paul calls for joy not once but repeatedly. Joy is not a feeling but a choice rooted in Jesus' presence.

Verse 6-7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The cure for anxiety is prayer with gratitude.

Verse 8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is any praise, think about these things.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable: if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Your thoughts shape your life. Guard what you think about.

Verse 12-13
I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, through him who gives me strength.

Verse 19
My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Paul promises the Philippians that his God will supply all their needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The promise is to those who have themselves been generous.

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What the sermons say

Get This Out of My HeadThe preacher shows that joy in Philippians is not happiness based on good circumstances. It is a deep rejoicing that holds even in hardship. Paul writes this letter from prison. Yet he calls them to rejoice. This joy comes from knowing Jesus, not from pleasant feelings.Read the summary →An Explosion of Joy: The Three Pillars of PhilippiansInstead of anxiety, Paul prescribes prayer and thanksgiving. The preacher explores what it means to present your requests to God: not just ask for answers but thank him, releasing your grip on the problem. God's peace comes in that release.Read the summary →Living Without Fear: Four Keys for When Fear Knocks at Your DoorYour thoughts affect your heart and actions. The preacher shows how Paul is not asking you to be naive but to be intentional: what you feed your mind with shapes who you are. Feed it truth, nobility, purity, and loveliness.Read the summary →Your Miracle Is Already in Christ : Seize It NowPaul has lived in plenty and in want. He learned contentement not through circumstances but through Christ. The preacher shows that true contentment frees you from the endless chase for more. It rests in Jesus.Read the summary →Simplicity According to Jesus: Breaking Free from Financial AnxietyA message on simplicity based on Philippians 4:12: Paul learned to be content in plenty as in want, which frees you from the race to accumulate.Read the summary →

Frequently asked questions about Philippians 4

How can you rejoice when life is hard?

Paul is not ignoring pain or difficulty. He is saying that joy is grounded not in circumstances but in Jesus. You can grieve and still rejoice, struggle and still be glad. Joy is deeper than happiness; it is trust that Jesus is with you and working.

What does Paul mean by 'the Lord is near'?

The Lord is near could mean Jesus is coming soon, or it could mean Jesus is present now, close at hand. Either way, it is comfort. The one who loves you, who died for you, is near. You are not facing life alone.

How does thanksgiving help with worry?

Thanksgiving shifts your focus. Instead of rehearsing what could go wrong, you remember what God has done and given. Gratitude unlocks trust. When you thank God, you declare that you believe he is good and trustworthy, even if you cannot see his plan.

What is the secret of contentment Paul learned?

The secret is not independence from circumstances but dependence on Christ. Paul learned to find sufficiency in Jesus himself, whether he had little or much. He says, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' That is the secret: he is enough.

Articles quoting Philippians 4

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World English Bible translation — public domain.