Philippians 4

Philippians 4:1

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

My beloved; see entry for Rom. 1:7.

Philippians 4:2

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.

(a) Euodia was a Philippian minister. Some translations render her name as Euodias, turning her into a man. Further reading: “How sexist is your Bible?”

(b) Euodia and Syntyche. These two Philippian ladies are famous for disagreeing, when they ought to be celebrated for preaching alongside Paul (see next verse). Further reading: “Women preachers? Where’s that in the Bible?”

Philippians 4:3

Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

(a) The gospel refers to the gospel of Christ or the gospel of God or the gospel of the kingdom. These are all different labels for what Paul referred to as “my gospel” or the gospel of grace. See entry for The Gospel.

(b) The book of life; see entry for Rev. 3:5.

Philippians 4:5

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.

The Lord is near. Good news – Jesus is coming!

Paul is not saying that Jesus’ return is imminent, because nobody except the Father knows when the Lord will come (Matt. 24:36). But a confident expectation that he is coming gives us the strength to wait patiently. Knowing the Judge is at the door gives us hope in the face of injustice (Jas. 5:9). Every day brings us one day closer to his return.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In Christ Jesus: see entry for Col. 1:28.

Philippians 4:17

Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

The profit. Paul was not fishing for funds from the Philippians, but he understood that when we invest into the kingdom we reap eternal rewards. We invest in the kingdom, in part, by supporting those who preach the gospel (see entry for 1 Cor. 9:14).

Philippians 4:19

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

(a) Supply. The original word (pleroo) means to make full, satisfy, and to cram. Jesus is your rich supply (Col. 2:19).

(b) All your needs. God is our great Provider and Helper who helps us in our time of need (Ps. 46:1). He provides us with food and drink (Matt. 6:25). He clothes us (Matt. 6:28). He shelters us (Ps. 61:4, 91:1) and protects us (Ps. 115:9-11). He meets our need for love and friendship (Matt. 11:19, Rom. 5:5, Eph. 2:4). He heals us (1 Pet. 2:24). He saves us, delivers us, and blesses us with every blessing there is (Eph. 1:3). Whatever your need, see God as your rich supply.

(c) Needs. Three fundamental needs determine whether we have a healthy and abundant life. We need love, we need faith, and we need hope. Faith gives us confidence for today, hope gives us confidence for tomorrow, but love gives us our place in the cosmos – our identity, our acceptance, our home.

Philippians 4:21

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

(a) Saint; see entry for Php. 1:1.

(b) In Christ Jesus. There are no saints outside of Christ Jesus and no sinners in Christ Jesus, for all who are in Christ are sanctified by Christ. Sanctification is one of the many blessings we enjoy as a result of being in union with Christ. See entry for Union.

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