Philippians 4

Rejoice in the Lord always

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!a ²I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.b ³Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.c

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!d ⁵Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.e ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.f

⁷And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.g ⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.h 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.i

I have learned to be content

¹⁰I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.j ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.k ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.l

¹³I can do all this through him who gives me strength.m ¹⁴Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.n ¹⁵Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

¹⁷Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.o ¹⁸I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.p ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.q

²⁰To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final greetings

²¹Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. ²²All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. ²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.