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.