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.
Read it in contextGratitude for the gift
Start reading at Philippians 4:10 (Philippians 4:10 to Philippians 4:20).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support.
4:10But 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.
4:11Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
4:12I 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.
4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
4:14Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
4:15Now 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.
4:16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
4:18But 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.
4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
4:20Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
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 topic of this reading unit? Gratitude for the gift. Read Philippians 4:10 through Philippians 4:20 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Gratitude for the gift (Philippians 4:10 to Philippians 4:20).
Start reading at Philippians 4:10. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support.
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
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
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.