Philippians 4:1-9·~1 min

Rejoice in the Lord

Paul calls the Philippians his joy and crown and tells them to stand firm in the Lord. He urges Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord and asks a loyal coworker to help them, since they have labored in the gospel alongside him and the other fellow workers whose names are in the book of life.

T¹herefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. ²I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. ³Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Paul tells them to rejoice in the Lord always, to let their gentleness be known to all, and not to be anxious, but to bring everything to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. In response, the peace of God that surpasses understanding will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near. ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul tells them to set their minds on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise. What they have learned, received, heard, and seen in him they are to put into practice, and the God of peace will be with them.

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think on these things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Section summaryPaul addresses the Philippians with deep affection and tells them to stand firm in the Lord, while urging Euodia and Syntyche toward agreement and calling others to help them. He then gives a series of commands that shape the church's inner life: rejoice always, let gentleness be known, bring every anxiety to God with thanksgiving, dwell on what is excellent, and practice what has been learned, so that God's peace and presence may guard and accompany them.

Role in the chapterThis opening section serves as a concentrated picture of the life Paul wants for the church. It brings together relational repair, joy, prayer, disciplined thought, and peace in Christ.