Philippians

1Chapter

Greeting

1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons.
2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7Indeed, it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8For God is my witness, how deeply I miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, 10so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Advance of the Gospel

12Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Living Is Christ

21For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ —which is far better — 24but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
27Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation —and this is from God. 29For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.
2Chapter

Christian Humility

1If, then, there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2make my joy complete by thinking the same way, having the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. 4Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.

Christ’s Humility and Exaltation

5Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. 7Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, 8he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross. 9For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven and on earth and under the earth — 11and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose. 14Do everything without grumbling and arguing, 15so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world, 16by holding firm to the word of life. Then I can boast in the day of Christ that I didn’t run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18In the same way you should also be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I too may be encouraged by news about you. 20For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; 21all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22But you know his proven character, because he has served with me in the gospel ministry like a son with a father. 23Therefore, I hope to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.
25But I considered it necessary to send you Epaphroditus —my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as your messenger and minister to my need — 26since he has been longing for all of you and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. 27Indeed, he was so sick that he nearly died. However, God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28For this reason, I am very eager to send him so that you may rejoice again when you see him and I may be less anxious. 29Therefore, welcome him in the Lord with great joy and hold people like him in honor, 30because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up what was lacking in your ministry to me.
3Chapter

Knowing Christ

1In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh— 4although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.
7But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ —the righteousness from God based on faith. 10My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Reaching Forward to God’s Goal

12Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. 15Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you. 16In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained. 17Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things. 20Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.
4Chapter
1So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

Practical Counsel

2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. 9Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

10I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 14Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.
15And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Study
Chapter 4
CSB

TWISTED SCRIPTURE

Philippians 4:13

Athletes probably cite this verse more than any other, and Christians from every walk of life quote it when facing big challenges. While it may be a motivating verse for many believers, Paul is not claiming that Christians can do absolutely anything. After all, is it really possible to run three-minute miles or bench press one thousand pounds? The context shows that Paul actually had Christian perseverance in mind. He wrote this letter from prison. Part of his emphasis was to commend the Philippians for their care and support of him in his tough circumstances (v. 10). Paul said that he had learned how to be content even in the midst of tribulations such as poverty and hunger (vv. 11-12). The secret to this contentment was trusting God’s provisions and strength, which so often had enabled Paul to overcome hardships in his life as a missionary (v. 13). This is the meaning of Philippians 4:13. We can do all the things God calls us to in our Christian walk because God will strengthen us.

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Concluding Exhortations and Thanksgiving. Paul encourages the Philippians, calling for reconciliation, joyful faith, and disciplined thinking (vv. 2–9).

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Standing Together for the Gospel. Paul entreats the Philippians to stand unified in the Lord for the sake of the gospel.

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Therefore. This transitional verse can be read as either the conclusion to the previous section or the introduction to ch. 4. my joy and crown. The Philippians’ spiritual success would be Paul’s “crowning achievement” (cf. 1 Thess. 2:19–20), and their perseverance and final salvation will bring him great joy (cf. Phil. 2:17).

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Paul does not reveal the source of tension between Euodia and Syntyche. He exhorts them to apply the principle stated in 2:2; agree (4:2) and “being of the same mind” (2:2) are the same Greek phrase (to auto phronein/phronēte).

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Reconciliation often requires third-party intervention, in this case a true companion. This person is unnamed in the esv, although the word (Gk. syzygos, “true yokefellow,” see esv footnote) could be read as a proper name. Paul is especially eager to see Euodia and Syntyche reconciled because they have labored side by side with him in the gospel. Cf. 1:27, where Paul also encourages unity among those who are “striving side by side” (Gk. synathleō, the same verb used here) for the gospel. Paul did not isolate himself and minister alone; he deliberately worked with many others. In view of first-century culture, Euodia and Syntyche probably ministered mainly among women (cf. notes on Acts 18:26; Rom. 16:7; 1 Tim. 2:12). The book of life has OT roots (e.g., Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28; cf. Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27) and refers to God’s record of those who belong to him.

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Rejoicing in Faith. Paul calls the Philippians to attitudes of joy and reason, so that they replace anxiety with expectant, grateful prayer. He also calls them to think upon and practice Christian virtues.

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Rejoice. The joy that Paul calls for is not a happiness that depends on circumstances but a deep contentment that is in the Lord, based on trust in the sovereign, living God, and that therefore is available always, even in difficult times.

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Reasonableness is crucial for maintaining community; it is the disposition that seeks what is best for everyone and not just for oneself. The Lord is at hand emphasizes the fact that Jesus will surely return as judge and will hold people responsible for their deeds (cf. James 5:9). Paul does not specify when this will happen (cf. Matt. 24:36–44; 2 Pet. 3:1–13).

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Paul echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (see Matt. 6:25–34) that believers are not to be anxious but are to entrust themselves into the hands of their loving heavenly Father, whose peace will guard them in Christ Jesus. Paul’s use of “guard” may reflect his own imprisonment or the status of Philippi as a Roman colony with a military garrison. In either case, it is not Roman soldiers who guard believers—it is the peace of God Almighty. Because God is sovereign and in control, Christians can entrust all their difficulties to him, who rules over all creation and who is wise and loving in all his ways (Rom. 8:31–39). An attitude of thanksgiving contributes directly to this inward peace.

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think about these things. The Philippians are to fill their minds with things that will inspire worship of God and service to others.

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Beyond having a proper spiritual outlook (v. 8), the Philippians are to practice what they have seen Paul doing. As they make progress in this way, they will find that it is not simply the peace of God but the God of peace himself who will be with them.

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Thanksgiving for the Philippians’ Gift; Paul’s Contentment in God. Paul thanks the Philippians for their gift to him and assures them that God will in turn supply all of their needs.

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Paul is grateful for the Philippians’ support, but he wants them to know that even in difficult circumstances he has learned … to be content.

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The secret of living amid life’s difficulties is simple: trusting God in such a way that one can say, I can do all things through him who strengthens me. This does not mean God will bless whatever a person does; it must be read within the context of the letter, with its emphasis on obedience to God and service to God and others.

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The Philippians share in Paul’s ministry, not just at the spiritual level but at the practical level of financial support (cf. note on 1:3–5). They contributed to his work after he had left Macedonia (4:15) as well as when he was just down the road in Thessalonica, which was also in Macedonia (v. 16; cf. Acts 17:1).

ESV

Lest they imagine he has moved away from the service-centered perspective of the earlier chapters, Paul reminds the Philippians that even his reception of their gifts is ultimately for their benefit. Likely using a business metaphor, he is seeking the fruit that increases to your credit (cf. esv footnote: “the profit that accrues to your account”). God sees their sacrifice and is pleased.

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Paul is well supplied by the Philippians’ gift, and because it has been offered to him for the service of the gospel, he can return to images drawn from Israel’s worship. The gift is a fragrant offering (the Gk. osmēn euōdias occurs often in the Septuagint in connection with the “pleasing aroma” of sacrifices to God; see Gen. 8:21; Ex. 29:18; Lev. 4:31) and a sacrifice acceptable to God. While the literal offerings of the OT system have been done away with in Christ, the principle behind them of costly devotion to God remains.

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Those who are generous toward God will find that he is generous toward them and will supply their every need … in Christ Jesus.

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Just as the “hymn of Christ” (2:5–11) ended with “to the glory of God the Father,” so Paul concludes the body of his letter with a doxology: To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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Greetings. The exhortation to greet every saint reinforces the personal nature of Paul’s communication and shows that the truths of the letter were to be lived out by real people in the real world. Caesar’s household could refer not only to the “royal family” but to anyone connected with the emperor’s service, including soldiers, slaves, or freedmen. It is likely that some of the latter group had responded positively to Paul’s message; there is no evidence that the emperor’s actual family were believers at this point. The fact that some within Caesar’s circles had believed would have had particular resonance in Roman Philippi.

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Benediction. Paul ends his letter with a reminder that true progress in life is a gift of God through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.