Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
So then, my dear Brothers, whom I am longing to see — you who are my joy and my crown, stand fast in union with the Lord, dear friends.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
I entreat Euodia, and I entreat Syntyche, to live in harmony, in union with the Lord;
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.
yes, and I ask you, my true comrade, to help them, remembering that they toiled by my side in spreading the Good News; and so, too, did Clement and my other fellow-workers, whose names are ‘in the Book of Life.’
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.
All joy be yours at all times in your union with the Lord. Again I repeat — All joy be yours.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand.
Let your forbearing spirit be plain to every one. The Lord is near.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Do not be anxious about anything; but under all circumstances, by prayer and entreaty joined with thanksgiving, make your needs known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Then the Peace of God, which is beyond all human understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and thoughts, through your union with Christ Jesus.
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.
In conclusion, Brothers, wherever you find anything true or honourable, righteous or pure, loveable or praiseworthy, or if ‘virtue’ and ‘honour’ have any meaning, there let your thoughts dwell.
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.
All that you learned and received and heard and saw in me put into practice continually; and then God, the giver of peace, will be with you.
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.
It was a matter of great joy to me, as one in union with the Lord, that at length your interest in me had revived. The interest indeed you had, but not the opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.
Do not think that I am saying this under the pressure of want. For I, however I am placed, have learned to be independent of circumstances.
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.
I know how to face humble circumstances, and I know how to face prosperity. Into all and every human experience I have been initiated — into plenty and hunger, into prosperity and want.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
I can do everything in the strength of him who makes me strong!
14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Yet you have acted nobly in sharing my troubles.
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.
And you at Philippi know, as well as I, that in the early days of the Good News — at the time when I had just left Macedonia — no Church, with the one exception of yourselves, had anything to do with me as far as giving and receiving are concerned.
16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
Indeed, even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent more than once to relieve my wants.
17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
It is not that I am anxious for your gifts, but I am anxious to see the abundant return that will be placed to your account. I have enough of everything, and to spare.
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.
My wants are fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts which you sent me — the sweet fragrance of a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
And my God, out of the greatness of his wealth, will, in glory, fully satisfy your every need, through your union with Christ Jesus.
To him, our God and Father, be ascribed all glory for every and ever. Amen. (aiōn g165)
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
Give my greeting to every one of the People of Christ Jesus. The Brothers who are with me send your their greetings.
22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.
All Christ’s People here, and especially those who belong to the Emperor’s household, send theirs.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.
May the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ rest on your souls.
