Philippians 4
Philippians 3:10-17; 4:2-8 in Papyrus 16 (3rd century).
BookEpistle to the Philippians
CategoryPauline epistles
Christian Bible partNew Testament
Order in the Christian part11

Philippians 4 is the fourth and final chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul the Apostle about mid-50s to early 60s AD and addressed to the Christians in Philippi.[1] This chapter contains Paul's final exhortation, thanks for support and conclusion of the epistle.[2]

Text

The original text was written in Koine Greek. This chapter is divided into 23 verses.

Textual witnesses

Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter are:

Citizens of earth and heaven (3:17–4:1)

Translator J. B. Phillips,[4] commentator Robert Murray, the New Revised Standard Version and the Jerusalem Bible connect verse 1 with the final section of the previous chapter, as the conclusion of Paul's main exhortations in chapters 2–3.[2] Commentator Joseph Benson says "certainly it should not have been separated" from chapter 3.[5]

Verse 1

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.[6]

This verse is "overflows with words of love and joy", with the word 'beloved' (epipothetoi) "echoes Epaphroditus' yearning" in chapter 2 (2:26).[2]

Last Appeal for Harmony (4:2–3)

Paul asks the two diakonoi, Euodia and Syntyche, female leaders of different house-groups in Philippi, "to be of the same mind" (to think, phronein, "the same").[2]

Verse 3

And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.[7]

Paul addresses one of the leaders responsible for the church.[8] Benson suggests he is probably addressing Silas, "for Silas had been his yoke-fellow at the very place".[5]

Last Call to Joy, Peace, and Right Thinking in Christ (4:4–9)

According to Paul, the cure of the troubles in the church is to recall "the charismatic joy of their first coming to faith", just as he told the Thessalonian church that "in spite of persecutions you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).[2]

Verse 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice![9]

  • "Rejoice in the Lord always": a repetition of the exhortation in Philippians 3:1, with the addition "always", because in Christ there is always cause and matter for rejoicing, even in harsh times.[10]
  • "[and] again, I say, rejoice": Paul continues to suggest this, because it is very important for the comfort of believers, and the honor of Christ.[10]

Verse 6

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;[11]

Verse 7

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.[12]

Paul's Attitude to Gifts Received and Last Greetings (4:10–23)

Paul acknowledges the support from the church in Philippi, describing it as "a sacrifice pleasing to God", and prays that God will take care of their needs, before closing the epistle with a mention of "Caesar's household" ("emperor's household") in verse 22, probably as a hint (cf. Philippians 1:13) of the success Paul in obtaining Praetorian contacts.[13]

Verse 13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.[14]
  • "Christ": the name (in Greek: Χριστῷ, Christō) is found in the majority of textual witnesses (א2 D2 [F G] Ψ 075 1175 1241 1505 1881 2464 M al sy Hier), but other excellent textual witnesses lack explicit reference, so rendered as "him" (א* A B D* I 33 1739 lat co Cl).[15]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ↑ Murray 2007, pp. 1179–1180.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Murray 2007, p. 1189.
  3. ↑ Comfort, Philip W.; David P. Barrett (2001). The Text of the Earliest New Testament Greek Manuscripts. Wheaton, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-8423-5265-9.
  4. ↑ Philippians 4:1: J.B. Phillips New Testament
  5. 1 2 Benson, J., Benson Commentary on Philippians 1, accessed 14 June 2020
  6. ↑ Philippians 4:1: NKJV
  7. ↑ Philippians 4:3
  8. ↑ La Bible du Semeur, footnote b at Philippians 4:3
  9. ↑ Philippians 4:4 NKJV
  10. 1 2 John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, "Philippians 4:4"
  11. ↑ Philippians 4:6 NKJV
  12. ↑ Philippians 4:7
  13. ↑ Murray 2007, p. 1190.
  14. ↑ Philippians 4:13 NKJV
  15. ↑ Note [b] on Philippians 4:13 in NET Bible

Works cited

  • Murray, Robert, SJ (2007). "69. Philippians". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (First (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 1179–1190. ISBN 978-0199277186. Retrieved February 6, 2019.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

General sources

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