FocusAgreement, prayer, and disciplined thought
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching.
interpretation Philippians 4:1
KJVTherefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
Read it in context
Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving
Start reading at Philippians 4:1 (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23).
This verse marks the beginning of Paul's final exhortations, personal remarks, and thanksgiving, which comprise the entire fourth chapter of Philippians.
- 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
- 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
- 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
- 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
- 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
- 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
- 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
- 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
- 4:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
- 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
- 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
- 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
- 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
- 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
- 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
- 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- 4:20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
- 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.
- 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 4:1–4:23): Paul appeals particularly to Euodias and Syntyche for agreement, then addresses the whole church and thanks it for material support. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of Philippians 4:1 is an exhortation from Paul to the Philippian believers to 'stand fast in the Lord'. This verse serves as a transition, summarizing the preceding call to live as citizens of heaven and introducing further practical instructions for Christian living, including unity, joy, prayer, and right thinking.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing through Paul the importance of steadfastness in faith, the value of Christian fellowship, and the necessity of living a life that reflects heavenly citizenship even amidst earthly challenges. He reveals that believers are to find their joy and strength in the Lord, maintaining unity and peace.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is that of an epistle, specifically a letter of encouragement and instruction. It is characterized by warm personal affection, strong exhortations, and practical commands for Christian conduct, often using direct address and rhetorical appeals.
When
- When was it written? The book of Philippians was written around A.D. 61. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in the letter, primarily Paul's imprisonment and his communication with the Philippian church, occur during the time of his imprisonment around A.D. 61. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The exhortations and instructions in the passage are directed to the church at Philippi, located in Macedonia. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Rome, writing from prison. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23). Start reading at Philippians 4:1. This verse marks the beginning of Paul's final exhortations, personal remarks, and thanksgiving, which comprise the entire fourth chapter of Philippians.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Philippians 4:1 serves as a concluding exhortation that directly follows Paul's teaching in chapter 3 about pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, and living as citizens of heaven. The 'Therefore' links this call to 'stand fast in the Lord' to the preceding theological and ethical arguments, setting the stage for the final practical admonitions and expressions of gratitude in the rest of chapter 4. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? The passage points to Christ by commanding believers to 'stand fast in the Lord', indicating that Christ is the foundation and source of their steadfastness. It emphasizes that joy, peace, strength, and the supply of needs are all found 'in the Lord' or 'through Christ Jesus'. Paul's own contentment and ability to do 'all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13) directly attribute his power and perseverance to Christ. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to stand firm in their faith and commitment to the Lord, resisting worldly pressures and temptations. This involves maintaining unity with fellow believers, cultivating a spirit of joy and thankfulness, committing all concerns to God in prayer, and focusing on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. We are to learn contentment in all circumstances, trusting that God will supply our needs through Christ Jesus. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:2, Philippians 4:3, Philippians 4:7, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19, Philippians 4:21, Philippians 4:23
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- Therefore Phil 3:20-21 2 Pet 3:11-14
- and Phil 1:8 Phil 2:26
- my joy Phil 2:16 2 Cor 1:14 1 Thess 2:19-20 1 Thess 3:9
- so Phil 1:27 Ps 27:14 Ps 125:1 Matt 10:22 John 8:31 John 15:3-4 Acts 2:42 Acts 11:23
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 4
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Gratitude for the gift
Philippians 4:10–20FocusContentment and partnership
Connection to the wholePaul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support.
interpretation Closing greetings
Philippians 4:21–23FocusGrace and fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe greetings bring the letter back to shared belonging in Christ across the distance between Paul and the church.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation Imprisonment and worthy conduct
Philippians 1:12–30FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation The mind of Christ and faithful servants
Philippians 2:1–30FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.