Philippians 4:

[Chapter 4 Synopsis: Stand firm in unity and harmony and rejoice in God and know His peace as you give Him your anxieties. Follow my example and do all we taught. Thanks for the gifts received]

• v.1-3 Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity
• v.4-9 Final Exhortations
• v.10-13 I’ve learned to be content in all circumstances
• v.14-20 Thanks for Their Gifts
• v.21-23 Final Greetings from all the believers here

v.1-3 Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

[Passage Synopsis: hold fast to God and be at peace and harmony with one another]

v.1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

v.2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

v.3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

[Note: So, wonderful people, stand firm in your faith. You two who struggle, be of one mind. These ladies need the help of the rest of you.]

v.4-9 Final Exhortations

[Passage Synopsis: rejoice in God, be gentle with one another, be at peace in Christ by overcoming anxiety in prayer, focus on what is good and put into practice all we’ve taught you

v.4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

v.5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

v.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

v.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

v.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.

v.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

[Note: Let your life be full of rejoicing and let your attitude be one of gentleness. Don’t have any worries but hand them over to God in prayer and His peace will anchor you. Fill your minds with all that is good, and what we’ve taught you – do, and know His peace.]

v.10-13 I’ve learned to be content in all circumstances

[Passage Synopsis: I’m blessed by your concern for me but I have learned contentedness in every situation, whether in need or with plenty, for I am His provision]

v.10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

v.11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

v.12 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, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  

v.13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

[Note: I’ve been really blessed by your concern for me and your provisions but I’ve learnt contentment always. I’ve known the extremes of poverty and affluence and of being content in both for with His strength I can handle anything He gives me to do.]

v.14-20 Thanks for Their Gifts

[Passage Synopsis: you have blessed me in the way you have provided for me more than once, including your recent gift you sent with Epaphroditus when he came. I am resourced and I know God will resource you.]

v.14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

v.15,16 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

v.17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

v.18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

v.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

v.20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

[Note: So yes, thank you for your concerns for what is happening to me, you have uniquely blessed and provided for me again and again. Not that I’m looking for gifts but I am fully blessed by your gifts and God will bless you with all you need, so to Him be the glory.]

v.21-23 Final Greetings from all the believers here

v.21,22 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

v.23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

[Note: We all send you our greetings, so know His grace always.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: