He exhorts them to perseverance in all good and acknowledges their
charitable contributions to him.
4:1. Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and
my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
4:2. I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the
Lord.
4:3. And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women
who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of
my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4:4. Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.
4:5. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.
4:6. Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and
supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to
God.
4:7. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep
your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
4:8. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever
of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline:
think on these things.
For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc. . .Here the
apostle enumerates general precepts of morality, which they ought to
practise. Whatsoever things are true. . .in words, in promises, in
lawful oaths, etc., he commands rectitude of mind, and sincerity of
heart. Whatsoever modest. . .by these words he prescribes gravity in
manners, modesty in dress, and decency in conversation. Whatsoever
just. . .That is, in dealing with others, in buying or selling, in trade
or business, to be fair and honest. Whatsoever holy. . .by these words
may be understood, that those who are in a religious state professed,
or in holy orders, should lead a life of sanctity and chastity,
according to the vows they make; but these words being also applied to
those in the world, indicate the virtuous life they are bound by the
divine commandments to follow. Whatsoever lovely. . .that is, to
practise those good offices in society, that procure us the esteem and
good will of our neighbours. Whatsoever of good fame. . .That is, that
by our conduct and behaviour we should edify our neighbours, and give
them good example by our actions. If there be any virtue, if any praise
of discipline. . .that those in error, by seeing the morality and good
discipline of the true religion, may be converted. And finally, the
apostle commands, not only the Philippians, but all Christians, to
think on these things. . .that is, to make it their study and concern
that the peace of God might be with them.
4:9. The things which you have both learned and received and heard and
seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.
4:10. Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your
thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you
were busied.
4:11. I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in
whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.
4:12. I know both how to be brought low, 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 in him who strengtheneth me.
4:14. Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my
tribulation.
4:15. And you also know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the
gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me
as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.
4:16. For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use.
4:17. Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to
your account.
4:18. But I have all and abound: I am filled, having received from
Epaphroditus the things you sent, an odour of sweetness, an acceptable
sacrifice, pleasing to God.
4:19. And may my God supply all your want, according to his riches in
glory in Christ Jesus.
4:20. Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.
4:21. Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus.
4:22. The brethren who are with me salute you. All the saints salute
you: especially they that are of Caesar's household.
4:23. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.