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 4:6
KJVBe careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Read it in context
Final Exhortations and Thanksgiving
Start reading at Philippians 4:1 (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23).
This chapter serves as the conclusion of Paul's letter, containing final instructions, personal greetings, and expressions of gratitude to the Philippian church. Philippians 4:6 is a key exhortation within this concluding section, providing the means to experience God's peace amidst life's challenges.
- 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 is an exhortation to cast off anxiety and instead bring all requests to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. It emphasizes trusting God with all concerns.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His desire for His people to approach Him with all their needs and anxieties through prayer and gratitude. He promises His peace, which surpasses all understanding, to guard their hearts and minds when they do so.
- What is the literary style? Epistle (a letter).
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 61.
- When does the event take place? The letter was written during Paul's imprisonment. The command to pray without anxiety is a timeless instruction for believers.
Where
- Where did it happen? The act of prayer and supplication can occur anywhere. The letter itself was written from Rome.
- Where was the author located? Rome, while in prison.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Final Exhortations and Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:23). Start reading at Philippians 4:1. This chapter serves as the conclusion of Paul's letter, containing final instructions, personal greetings, and expressions of gratitude to the Philippian church. Philippians 4:6 is a key exhortation within this concluding section, providing the means to experience God's peace amidst life's challenges.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is a central part of Paul's concluding exhortations to the Philippians. It follows commands to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) and to let their moderation be known (Philippians 4:5), providing the practical means—prayer with thanksgiving—to achieve the peace of God promised in the subsequent verse (Philippians 4:7). It also sets the stage for Paul's later discussion of contentment and God's provision (Philippians 4:11-19).
- How does it point to Christ? The peace of God, which is the direct result of making requests known to God, is promised to keep believers' hearts and minds 'through Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:7). Christ is the mediator through whom believers approach God in prayer and receive His peace and strength, as Paul states, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me' (Philippians 4:13). stated in the text
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to replace anxiety with prayer and supplication, bringing all their requests to God with a thankful heart. This practice leads to experiencing God's peace, which guards their hearts and minds in all circumstances.
Cited: Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:2, Philippians 4:3, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:5, Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7, Philippians 4:11, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 4:19
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
- careful Dan 3:16 Matt 6:25-33 Matt 10:19 Matt 13:22 Luke 10:41 Luke 12:29 1 Cor 7:21,32 1 Pet 5:7
- in Gen 32:7-12 1 Sam 1:15 1 Sam 30:6 2 Chr 32:20 2 Chr 33:12-13 Ps 34:5-7 Ps 51:15 Ps 55:17,22
- thanksgiving 1 Sam 7:12 2 Cor 1:11 Eph 5:20 Col 3:15,17
- known Prov 15:8 Song 2:14 Matt 6:8
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.