What does Philippians chapter 4 mean? (2024)

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THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.

The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.

Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.

Chapter 4 speaks of Christ's strength in times of suffering. This includes prayers and encouragement (Philippians 4:1–9) and a focus on God's provision (Philippians 4:10–20), followed by a short conclusion (Philippians 4:21–23).

Verse 1 actually concludes Paul's previous passage, from the end of chapter 3, with an encouragement to "stand firm" in the Lord.

In verses 2–3, he mentions Euodia and Syntyche, two women in the Philippian church involved in some kind of disagreement. He urges them to "agree in the Lord." Paul then refers to a person called the "true companion," asking him to help the women, Clement, and the rest of his workers (Philippians 4:3).

Paul then transitions to a focus on rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Christians are not to be anxious about anything, but instead to bring prayers of all kinds to the Lord (Philippians 4:6). This does not mean a total lack of thought. Rather, it means a lack of fear or anxiety. The peace of God protects (Philippians 4:7). Paul also encourages his readers to focus on things that are good (Philippians 4:8). This includes all they had learned and received and heard and seen in Paul (Philippians 4:9). The Philippian Christians are instructed to think about them, and to apply them, knowing God's peace would be with them (Philippians 4:9).

The second part of this passage focuses on God's provision (Philippians 4:10–20). Paul rejoices that the Philippian believers were now helping him again financially (Philippians 4:10). He did not write this because he was greedy, or desperate. Instead, he had learned how to be content in all situations (Philippians 4:11). He knew how to be content either in abundance or in need (Philippians 4:12), claiming he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13).

Paul refers to their kindness in helping him during his time of trouble (Philippians 4:14). The church in Philippi was the first to help him financially, not once, but on multiple occasions (Philippians 4:15–17). Paul says he is well supplied as a result of the gifts Epaphroditus had brought to him from the Philippians. He considers them as a "fragrant offering" to the Lord (Philippians 4:18).

The final section of this chapter provides a brief conclusion (Philippians 4:21–23). Paul tells his readers to greet "every saint in Christ Jesus" and that the believers with him send their greetings (Philippians 4:21). This included "especially those of Caesar's household" (Philippians 4:22), referring to some who served the emperor who had become believers in Christ. The final verse resembles many of Paul's other letters, stating, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Paul starts and ends his letter with a focus on grace from Jesus, the one who offers everything necessary to both know and follow the Lord.

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THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.

The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

New American Standard Bible Copyright© 1960 - 2020 by The Lockman Foundation.

Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright© 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by Permission.

What does Philippians chapter 4 mean? (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message in Philippians chapter 4? ›

Chapter 4 speaks of Christ's strength in times of suffering. This includes prayers and encouragement (Philippians 4:1–9) and a focus on God's provision (Philippians 4:10–20), followed by a short conclusion (Philippians 4:21–23).

What does the Bible mean when it says you are enough? ›

Isn't it a relief to know that we can never be “good enough” apart from our Savior – and that He loves us anyway. God wants you just as you are! You are enough, because you were made in the image of God and carry His likeness in You!

What does Philippians 4 summarize? ›

Paul expresses his mindset of joy that the Philippian believers care about him and have sent him financial support while he is imprisoned. He explains that the secret of contentment in all situations is through the strength given to us by Jesus.

What does it mean that we should think on whatever is pure Philippians 4? ›

Philippians 4:8) God's words given through Paul exhorts us to “think about such things.” This means filling our minds and dwelling on things that are true, noble, right, and pure, rather than the chaos of the world.

Who is Paul's true companion in Philippians 4? ›

We know Epaphroditus carried the letter back to Philippi, so he would be present among the congregation at its reading. Paul acknowledges Epaphroditus's close connection with himself, as “my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25), which might qualify him as Paul's true companion.

What lessons can we learn from Philippians 4? ›

Philippians Chapter 4 is an uplifting chapter that reminds us of the importance of positive thinking in the life of a Christian. As Christians, our focus needs to be on glorifying God and serving others. Everything else is a distraction!

What are the key verses of Philippians 4? ›

The Power in a Verse- Philippians 4:6-9
  • “Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.
  • Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
  • Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.
  • His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Jun 16, 2022

What is the observation of Philippians 4? ›

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What does "just" mean in Philippians 4? ›

- its often translated as right, righteous, righteousness...which of. course is a major theme in the Bible. - one writer defined this word (dikaia) as "upright or just, conformable to God's standards and thus worthy of His approval." - The United Bible Society's Dictionary defines this as "conforming.

How can you apply Philippians 4-8 to your life? ›

Instead of focusing on the lies that swirl around in our minds, this verse invites us to focus on what is true. Instead of focusing on the world's evil and immorality, we are invited to focus on what is honorable and morally excellent. Instead of injustice, we are invited to be those who seek justice and righteousness.

How do I keep my mind pure? ›

We can keep our thoughts pure by avoiding evil. When a bad thought enters our minds, we should immediately think about something inspiring such as a hymn, poem, or scripture. We can also pray for the Lord's help to resist unclean thoughts.

What is the moral lesson of Philippians 4 13? ›

God is more glorified when we are content in trials than when we are content with blessings. Philippians 4:13 isn't just for Christian superheroes. It's for every child of God in every situation in life, especially the tough ones. No trial or tragedy is too hard to face, not if you have Jesus.

What does content mean in Philippians 4? ›

The Bible clearly teaches us to "be content" no matter what our circ*mstances are. In Philippians 4:11, Paul said, I have learned in whatsoever state I am in therewith to be content. The Amplified Bible describes being content as satisfied to the point where you are not disturbed or disquieted.

What are the things we should dwell on according to Philippians 4 8? ›

CSB Finally 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.

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