The Grace Commentary – Your free verse-by-verse Bible commentary Philippians 4

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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.

(a) Therefore. “Given what I have just said about the return of the Lord and the glorious transformation of our bodies (Php. 3:20–21), remain rooted and steadfast in the Lord.”

(b) My beloved… my beloved. The original word agapētos means “dearly loved, esteemed, favorite, and worthy of love.” It is closely related to the verb agapaō, meaning to be “well pleased” or “fond of” or “content.” This word captures God’s heart for you. Your heavenly Father is fond of you. You are his esteemed favorite and he is well pleased with you. He looks at you with a feeling of deep contentment knowing that you are his dearly loved child.

All the epistle writers referred to believers as the beloved or dearly loved children of God (see entrada for Rom. 1:7).

(d) Whom I long to see. The Philippian church had a special place in Paul’s heart (Php. 1:7–8). He intended to visit them if and when he was released from his imprisonment (Php. 1:26, 2:24).

(mi) My joy and crown. “You are my delight and the reward for my labor.” People like the Philippians were the reason Paul got out of bed in the morning. They were his victory wreath, and the reason he chose to remain on earth when going to be with Christ would be better (Php. 1:24–25). Paul used similar words when writing to another church in Macedonia. “What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” (1 Th. 2:19).

(F) Stand firm in the true grace of God (1 Pet. 5:12). Don’t follow unspiritual influencers who are enemies of the cross (Php. 3:18).

Paul calls us to stand firm in many of his letters. We are to stand firm in the faith (1 Cor. 16:13), stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11), stand firm in our freedom (Gal. 5:1), and stand firm in what we have been taught (2 Th. 2:15).

Philippians 4:2

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

(a) Euodia and Syntyche were two Philippian ladies who had had a falling out. Their dispute had affected the church so deeply that Epaphroditus thought it was worth mentioning to Paul in Rome.

Euodia and Syntyche were both ministers (see next verse). Some older translations render “Euodia” as “Euodias,” turning her into a man. However, there is no evidence to justify this.

(b) Harmony in the Lord. “Agree in the Lord.” Sometimes the only way to achieve reconciliation is “in the Lord.” Our common fellowship in the spirit ought to be greater than those things that might divide us.

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) True companion. To whom is Paul speaking? We can’t be sure, but he may be speaking to his letter carrier and spiritual brother Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25). Perhaps he is giving Epaphroditus a nod to intervene on his behalf. “Help these women reconcile their differences.”

(b) These women. Euodia and Syntyche (see previous verse).

(C) Struggle. The original verb sunathleō means “to compete with” or “strive together” (Php. 1:27). It is composed of the words “together” (sun) and “athlete” (athleo). Like team members competing at the games, Euodia and Syntyche had strived with Paul towards the common cause of the gospel.

Paul’s struggle for the gospel was real, and in Philippi, it took the form of a severe flogging and unjust imprisonment (Acts 16:23). In many of the cities he visited, he faced opposition that was hostile and undeserved.

(d) The cause of. These words are italicized to show they are not in the original text but have been added for clarity. Like Timothy (see Php. 2:22), these two women had co-labored with Paul in spreading the gospel.

(mi) The gospel; ver entrada for Php. 1:5.

(F) Clement of Philippi is mentioned only once in scripture. We know nothing about him other than he was one of Paul’s fellow workers and a man worth mentioning. There was a Clement who became the bishop of Rome around AD92, some thirty years after this letter was written. But we have no evidence to suppose it was the same Clement. Clement was a common name in Roman times.

(gramo) The book of life; ver entrada for Rev. 3:5.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

(a) Rejoice in the Lord. First, we agree in the Lord (Php. 4:2). Then we rejoice in the Lord; see entrada for Php. 3:1.

(b) Always. There is no trial or troubling circumstance that cannot be improved by celebrating Jesus and his faithfulness to us.

Philippians 4:5

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

(a) Your gentle spirit. Those who bear the Spirit of the Prince of Peace are to be known for their gentle and peaceable natures.

Religion can be harsh and unforgiving, but God is gracious and merciful. “Be like God,” Paul is saying. “Don’t be religious.” Religion punishes the woman caught in adultery, but Jesus is gentle and forgiving. He identifies with the sinner in her brokenness and empowers her to sin no more.

(b) The Lord is near. Jesus is coming, and we eagerly await him (Php. 3:20).

The nearness of Jesus changes everything. How can we be a gentle people in the face of oppression and injustice? By remembering that the Lord is near. “The Judge is standing right at the door” (Jas. 5:9).

Paul is not saying that Jesus’ return is imminent because nobody, except the Father, knows when the Lord will come (Matt. 24:36). But we can live with a confident and eager expectation that he is coming. Every day brings us one day closer to his return.

Philippians 4:6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

(a) Anxious. It is not God’s will for you to be worried or anxious about anything (Matt. 6:31, 34, John 14:1). Give him your cares and concerns and he will give you his peace (Php. 4:7, 1 Pet. 5:7). “I cried unto the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4).

“Be anxious for nothing.” It is important to remember that these words were written by a man who had been in chains for years and was awaiting trial for his life. Paul had tested this promise again and again. He preached what he practiced.

(b) Nothing… everything. Your Father doesn’t want you to worry about anything. Don’t ever think, “I can’t trouble God with this small concern.” All our concerns are small to him. If it matters to you, it matters to him. Bring everything to him.

(C) Prayer is a remedy for anxiety and the antidote to worry. Prayer is the means by which we access the peace of God.

Prayer is a most productive use of your time. Prayer is not a work but a rest, yet prayer is how things get done in the economy of grace. When we humble ourselves in prayer and align ourselves with God’s will, we position ourselves to receive from the abundance of his grace. See also the entrada for Php. 1:4.

(d) Supplication. A supplication is an urgent and heartfelt plea made in a time of need. For example, “God, help!”

(mi) Thanksgiving infuses our prayers with faith. Thanksgiving reminds us that our heavenly Father hears our prayers and he cares for us (1 John 5:14–15). Thanksgiving reminds us that he has promised to supply all our needs (Matt. 6:33, Php. 4:19, 2 Pet. 1:3–4).

(F) Requests are things we ask for. We can ask for grace in our hour of need (Heb. 4:16). We can ask for wisdom (Jas. 1:5). We can ask our Father for whatever we need (Php. 4:19). Asking is how we lean on the Lord.

(gramo) Be made known to God. God already knows what you need, but like a good Father he wants you to ask. “You have not because you ask not” (Jas. 4:2).

Philippians 4:7

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

(a) The peace of God. God does not promise to end all our storms, but he promises to give us his peace in the storm.

(b) Surpasses. The original verb hyperechō, which is the same word Paul uses in Philippians 3:8, means “to hold above” or “have superiority.” The peace of God is superior to manmade peace. Manmade peace can only exist in the absence of trouble. But the supernatural peace of God brings rest and joy, even in the midst of storms.

(C) Guard. The original verb phroureō means “to stand guard like a military sentinel.” The peace of God protects us from making bad decisions and wrecking our lives. This is why we are to let the peace of Christ rule or govern our hearts (Col. 3:15).

We are not to be governed by anger, strife, or worry. When making an important decision, your heart should be filled with the peace of Christ. His peace protects you from heartbreak and disaster (Php. 4:7). If you lack peace, do not act. Re-center your heart. Cast your cares and anxieties upon the Lord and receive his peace (1 Pet. 5:7).

(d) en cristo jesus. The indwelling Spirit of Christ is the source of our peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

(a) Brethren; ver entrada for Php. 1:12.

(b) True, honorable, right, etc. We are to fill our minds with things that are: true and authentic, rather than false and perverse; honorable and admirable, rather than disgraceful and frivolous; right and just, rather than crooked and corrupt; pure, lovely, and reputable rather than defiled, degrading, and profane.

(C) Excellence… worthy of praise. The glory or excellence of God is on display throughout creation (Ps. 19:1–4, Is. 6:3, Rom. 1:20). His goodness is felt in music that moves us and poetry that stirs us. To pursue beauty and truth in art or science is to seek the beauty and truth that ultimately originate in God.

(d) Dwell on these things. Don’t fill your mind with earthly crud (Php. 3:19). Fill it with good things that reflect the goodness of God.

Philippians 4:9

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

(a) Things you have learned and received and heard and seen. The Philippians saw the power of God in Paul’s ministry, they heard the gospel, and they received it with faith. From him, they learned how to stand firm in the Lord and walk in grace.

(b) Practice these things. Walk in the ways you’ve been taught. “Follow my example” (Php. 3:17).

(d) Will be with you. God is always with you, but you will not sense his presence or peace if you are walking contrary to his ways. For example, if you fall from grace and put yourself under the law, you will feel condemned (see 2 Cor. 3:9). Or if you take grace as a license to sin and indulge the flesh, you will reap corruption (Gal. 6:8). To know the presence of God in your life, you need to walk by faith in his love and grace.

Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

(a) I rejoiced in the Lord. Paul was overjoyed to learn that the Philippians still cared for him.

(b) Revived your concern. The Philippians were dear friends who had been supporting Paul’s ministry (Php. 4:15–16). But they lost track of Paul for several years. They heard he had been arrested in Jerusalem, moved to Caesarea, then put on a ship for Rome. Perhaps they heard that his ship had been wrecked on Malta. They didn’t know where he was. But through the efforts of Epaphroditus, they found him in Rome and renewed their partnership by sending him a financial gift (Php. 4:17).

(C) You lacked opportunity. They couldn’t help Paul because they didn’t know where he was. From his initial arrest in Jerusalem to his arrival in Rome, about three years had passed.

It took more than two years for Paul to transit from the place of his arrest to the site of his final trial. During that time the Philippians would not have been able to locate him. By the time they got word he had been arrested in Judea on the fringes of the empire, he had been moved to Caesarea, then put on a ship that went all over the eastern Mediterranean before breaking up on the coast of Malta. By the time they learned he was in Rome, several years had passed.

(d) Opportunity. The letter to the Philippians is full of business terms like opportunity, account, giving, receiving, supply, loss, partnership, profit, and prosperity (Php. 1:5, 4:10, 12, 15, 17, 19). Why does Paul speak like this? Because this was a church of merchants and traders. Philippi was located on a busy trade route and was a transit point for spices and goods coming from the east. The first Philippian Christian was a businesswoman who traded in purple cloth (Acts 16:14), and the church was prosperous enough to send out emissaries bearing gifts (Php. 2:25, 4:18).

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

(a) Not that I speak from want. Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians’ gift is not based on his need because he has learned how to be content in any circumstance. His gratitude is for their love and thoughtfulness.

(b) I have learned. Contentment is something we can learn.

(C) Content. The original adjective autarkēs technically does not mean “content” but “self-sufficient.” It is related to the noun autarkeia, which can be translated as “sufficiency.” For example, “God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed” (2 Cor. 9:8). We have sufficiency and are content when we realize that “the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1).

The Stoic philosophers taught that the secret to contentment was to desire nothing. Paul said it better. “Contentment is learning to want what you have, and he who has Christ has everything” (paraphrase of Php. 3:8 and 4:19).

Philippians 4:12

I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

(a) I know how to get along. “I know how to be satisfied in times of hunger and lack as well as in times of abundance and prosperity.”

Many people are discontented because they seek happiness in their external circumstances. True contentment is found in knowing the One who knows us better than we know ourselves and who satisfies our deepest desires.

(b) Prosperity is better than poverty, but those who run after wealth are setting themselves up for misery and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9). “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:8).

(C) Learned. The word “learned” appears twice in verses 11 and 12, but the original Greek verbs differ. In verse 11, the original verb manthanō means “learning through instruction or experience,” whereas in verse 12, the original verb myeō means “to be initiated into a secret.” Paul had learned the secret of how to be satisfied in life.

(d) The secret to a contented life is knowing Christ (Php. 1:21, 3:8, 10). We weren’t made to be captive to our fleshly and fickle appetites. We were made to walk in the spirit and feed on the love of God. The “secret” to a good life is walking in fellowship with our Maker, reveling in his love, and sharing his life with others.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

(a) I can. People of faith have a can-do attitude. Fear will teach you to say “I can’t,” but faith declares “By the grace of God I can.” Paul’s fear of persecution might have hindered him in Corinth, but a word from the Lord stirred his faith and gave him boldness (Acts 18:9–10). When you know Christ in your crisis, “I can’t” becomes “I can.”

(b) I can do all things. I can go without and I can abound (see previous verse). By the grace of God, I can go through good times and bad times.

(C) Through him who strengthens me. God empowers us to do what our flesh cannot do. He imparts strength to us through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:16, Col. 1:11, 2 Th. 3:3). He enables us to endure and even rejoice in the most trying circumstances.

God does not make us mighty in our own strength, but when we rely on him he reveals his mighty power through us. This is why Paul could say, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Philippians 4:14

Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.

(a) You have done well. Few things made Paul happier than seeing the body of Christ serving and caring for one another in love. He gratefully acknowledges the love and support that he received from the Philippian church.

(b) To share with. The original verb sygkoinōneō means “co-partake” or “co-participate.” It is related to the words Paul has been using to describe the Philippians’ partnership and participation (koinōnia y sygkoinōnos) in the gospel (Php. 1:5, 1:7). Partnership implies active involvement or participation in a venture. In this case, the Philippians had sent Paul a financial gift (see next verse).

(C) My affliction or troubles. Paul was broke. Any possessions he owned were probably lost in the shipwreck (Acts 27:41), and being under house arrest meant he had limited opportunities to earn an income. He relied on the generosity of friends and the Philippians were true friends indeed.

Philippians 4:15

You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;

(a) filipenses. The Philippians were the inhabitants of the Roman colony of Philippi in Macedonia. They were a mix of Greek-speaking Macedonians, Roman veterans who had settled there, and other tribes.

(b) The first preaching of the gospel in Philippi was a historic milestone because it was the first recorded occasion that the gospel was preached in Europe.

(d) Macedonia was the mountainous region of northern Greece. After receiving a vision of a Macedonian man (Acts 16:9), Paul visited several cities in the region including Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica, and Berea (Acts 16:11–12, 17:1, 10). Paul returned to Philippi on a later trip through the region (Acts 20:6).

(mi) No church shared with me. This is a remarkable statement. Paul traveled at great cost and personal risk to preach the good news to thousands of people. Yet in the early years of his ministry, only the Philippian church supported him financially.

The subject of giving and receiving remains a sensitive one for many in the church, but for Paul, it was obvious that we should bless those who have blessed us (Gal. 6:6). “If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (1 Cor. 9:11). Paul might have starved without the support of his friends.

(F) The church; ver entrada for Php. 3:6.

Philippians 4:16

for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

(a) Thessalonica, the largest city in Macedonia, was 100 miles down the road from Philippi.

(b) You sent a gift. Paul stayed only a short time in Thessalonica (Acts 17:1–2), but during that time, he received two financial gifts from the Philippians.

Philippians 4:17

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

(a) Not that I seek the gift itself. “I’m not after your money.” Paul was aware that there were charlatans and crooks who went about teaching in the churches in the hope of making money (1 Tim. 6:4–5, 2 Pet. 2:3, 15). Paul was more interested in what the gift represented—the love and partnership of the Philippian believers.

(b) The profit or fruit that comes from preaching the gospel is people. People are the only things we can take with us into eternity. By partnering with Paul, the Philippians had a share in his harvest. By investing in his ministry, they would reap eternal rewards.

(C) Account. It is not inconsistent with the message of grace to say, as Paul did, that we are rewarded for our labor. “The one who plants and the one who waters will receive a reward according to their labor” (1 Cor. 3:8). He might have added that those who fund the preaching of the gospel will also be rewarded. The rewards are the eternal friends we make and the people we rescue from darkness.

Philippians 4:18

But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

(a) I have received everything in full. The Philippians had given Paul a generous gift.

(b) Abundance… amply supplied. Thanks to the money the Philippians had sent, the rent was paid, there was food on the table, and there was money for parchment and ink.

(d) A fragrant aroma. Paul uses Old Testament language to describe New Testament generosity.

(mi) Well-pleasing to God. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7), because God is a cheerful giver. “For God so loved that he gave…” (John 3:16). When the children of God freely share their Father’s blessings with others, the result is praise to the Father (Matt. 5:16).

Philippians 4:19

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

(a) My God. Having thanked the Philippians for their gift, Paul praises God for his supply. He recognizes that God is the ultimate Giver of all good things (Jas. 1:17). The Philippians had given money, but it was the Lord who blessed them in the first place giving them seed to sow and money to share (see 2 Cor. 9:10).

(b) God will supply. Your heavenly Father promises to meet all your needs. Some may say the promise is for those who give money. “You have to give to get.” But that is not what Paul says. God’s supply is not related to your performance but his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

(C) Supply. The original verb pleroo means “to make full,” “satisfy,” or “cram.” Your heavenly Father is an overwhelmingly generous God (Rom. 8:32). He is not stingy with his supply.

(d) All your needs. God is our great Provider who meets all our needs. He provides us with food and drink (Matt. 6:25), he clothes us (Matt. 6:28), and he shelters us (Ps. 61:4, 91:1). He meets our need for love and friendship (Matt. 11:19, Rom. 5:5, Eph. 2:4). He saves us, delivers us, and heals us (Ps. 34:17, 103:3, John 3:17, 2 Tim. 1:9, 1 Pet. 2:24). He sanctifies us and keeps us secure to the end (1 Cor. 1:8, Php. 1:6, 1 Th. 5:23, Jude 1:24). Whatever your need, see God as your rich supply. Truly, he blesses us with every blessing (Eph. 1:3).

(mi) Riches. The original noun ploutos is one of Paul’s favorite words for describing the riches or abundance of God’s grace (Eph. 1:7, 2:7), kindness (Rom. 2:4), and wisdom (Rom 11:33). Here Paul uses the word to describe the riches of God’s glory (see also Rom. 9:23, Eph. 3:16). His extreme language leaves us in no doubt about the extravagance of God. God’s glory and grace do not dribble out of heaven like a soft summer shower. They thunder down upon us like an endless waterfall.

(F) Riches in glory. God’s supply is not affected by the economic climate or inflation or which party is in government. It is limited only by the extraordinary and abounding riches of his glory. In other words, God’s supply is unlimited.

Philippians 4:20

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

(a) God and Father; ver entrada for Php. 1:2.

(b) Be the glory. Paul closes his letter by giving praise and honor to God.

(d) Amén or “so be it.” In the New Testament, the word “amen” often concludes expressions of praise and prayers to God (e.g., Matt. 6:13, Jude 1:25, Rev. 7:12). See also the entrada for Matt. 6:13.

Philippians 4:21

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

(a) Greet every saint. “Say ‘hi’ to everyone there in Philippi.” Although Paul ended some of his letters by greeting certain individuals (e.g., Rom. 16:3–15), he does not do so here. Maybe he does not want to single people out in case he offends others. The church had sent him a gift and it is proper that the church is corporately thanked and greeted. “Greet all the saints, rich and poor, Roman and Macedonian.”

(b) Saint; ver entrada for Php. 1:1.

(d) The brethren who are with me. Paul’s companions in Rome included Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke (Phm. 1:23–24), as well as Timothy (Php. 1:1). Others who came and went included Epaphroditus, Onesimus, and Tychicus (Eph. 6:21, Php. 2:25, Col. 4:7, Phm. 1:10–12).

Philippians 4:22

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

(a) The saints. The believers in Rome. This group would have included many of those named in the final chapter of Romans.

(b) Caesar’s household. The Christian civil servants (e.g., the officials, administrators) and soldiers whom Paul had led to the Lord.

Philippians 4:23

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

(a) The grace of the Lord Jesus refers to the grace of God that comes to us through his Son (John 1:16–17).

(b) Grace. Paul ends his letter the same way he starts it, with a gracious salutation (see Php. 1:2). Everything Paul wrote was bracketed by the grace of Jesus. Grace is what makes the good news, good news. May the grace of God be upon you as you read these words.

(C) Your spirit. The grace of God is received in your spirit so that all of you—your spirit, soul, and body—may be sanctified and kept safe until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Th. 5:23).

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Philippians 4