Add parallel Print Page Options

Paul and Timotheus, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with overseers and ministrants;

Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God upon all the remembrance of you,

always, in every supplication of mine for you all, with joy making the supplication,

for your contribution to the good news from the first day till now,

having been confident of this very thing, that He who did begin in you a good work, will perform [it] till a day of Jesus Christ,

according as it is righteous for me to think this in behalf of you all, because of my having you in the heart, both in my bonds, and [in] the defence and confirmation of the good news, all of you being fellow-partakers with me of grace.

For God is my witness, how I long for you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ,

and this I pray, that your love yet more and more may abound in full knowledge, and all judgment,

10 for your proving the things that differ, that ye may be pure and offenceless -- to a day of Christ,

11 being filled with the fruit of righteousness, that [is] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12 And I wish you to know, brethren, that the things concerning me, rather to an advancement of the good news have come,

13 so that my bonds have become manifest in Christ in the whole praetorium, and to the other places -- all,

14 and the greater part of the brethren in the Lord, having confidence by my bonds, are more abundantly bold -- fearlessly to speak the word.

15 Certain, indeed, even through envy and contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ;

16 the one, indeed, of rivalry the Christ do proclaim, not purely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds,

17 and the other out of love, having known that for defence of the good news I am set:

18 what then? in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed -- and in this I rejoice, yea, and shall rejoice.

19 For I have known that this shall fall out to me for salvation, through your supplication, and the supply of the Spirit of Christ Jesus,

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, and in all freedom, as always, also now Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether through life or through death,

21 for to me to live [is] Christ, and to die gain.

22 And if to live in the flesh [is] to me a fruit of work, then what shall I choose? I know not;

23 for I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart, and to be with Christ, for it is far better,

24 and to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account,

25 and of this being persuaded, I have known that I shall remain and continue with you all, to your advancement and joy of the faith,

26 that your boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence again to you.

27 Only worthily of the good news of the Christ conduct ye yourselves, that, whether having come and seen you, whether being absent I may hear of the things concerning you, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul, striving together for the faith of the good news,

28 and not terrified in anything by those opposing, which to them indeed is a token of destruction, and to you of salvation, and that from God;

29 because to you it was granted, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also on behalf of him to suffer;

30 the same conflict having, such as ye saw in me, and now hear of in me.

If, then, any exhortation [is] in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

fulfil ye my joy, that ye may mind the same thing -- having the same love -- of one soul -- minding the one thing,

nothing in rivalry or vain-glory, but in humility of mind one another counting more excellent than yourselves --

each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others.

For, let this mind be in you that [is] also in Christ Jesus,

who, being in the form of God, thought [it] not robbery to be equal to God,

but did empty himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made,

and in fashion having been found as a man, he humbled himself, having become obedient unto death -- death even of a cross,

wherefore, also, God did highly exalt him, and gave to him a name that [is] above every name,

10 that in the name of Jesus every knee may bow -- of heavenlies, and earthlies, and what are under the earth --

11 and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 So that, my beloved, as ye always obey, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, with fear and trembling your own salvation work out,

13 for God it is who is working in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 All things do without murmurings and reasonings,

15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God, unblemished in the midst of a generation crooked and perverse, among whom ye do appear as luminaries in the world,

16 the word of life holding forth, for rejoicing to me in regard to a day of Christ, that not in vain did I run, nor in vain did I labour;

17 but if also I am poured forth upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and joy with you all,

18 because of this do ye also rejoice and joy with me.

19 And I hope, in the Lord Jesus, Timotheus to send quickly to you, that I also may be of good spirit, having known the things concerning you,

20 for I have no one like-minded, who sincerely for the things concerning you will care,

21 for the whole seek their own things, not the things of the Christ Jesus,

22 and the proof of him ye know, that as a child [serveth] a father, with me he did serve in regard to the good news;

23 him, indeed, therefore, I hope to send, when I may see through the things concerning me -- immediately;

24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall quickly come.

25 And I thought [it] necessary Epaphroditus -- my brother, and fellow-workman, and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need -- to send unto you,

26 seeing he was longing after you all, and in heaviness, because ye heard that he ailed,

27 for he also ailed nigh to death, but God did deal kindly with him, and not with him only, but also with me, that sorrow upon sorrow I might not have.

28 The more eagerly, therefore, I did send him, that having seen him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful;

29 receive him, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy, and hold such in honour,

30 because on account of the work of the Christ he drew near to death, having hazarded the life that he might fill up your deficiency of service unto me.

As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord; the same things to write to you to me indeed is not tiresome, and for you [is] sure;

look to the dogs, look to the evil-workers, look to the concision;

for we are the circumcision, who by the Spirit are serving God, and glorying in Christ Jesus, and in flesh having no trust,

though I also have [cause of] trust in flesh. If any other one doth think to have trust in flesh, I more;

circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee!

according to zeal persecuting the assembly! according to righteousness that is in law becoming blameless!

But what things were to me gains, these I have counted, because of the Christ, loss;

yes, indeed, and I count all things to be loss, because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom of the all things I suffered loss, and do count them to be refuse, that Christ I may gain, and be found in him,

not having my righteousness, which [is] of law, but that which [is] through faith of Christ -- the righteousness that is of God by the faith,

10 to know him, and the power of his rising again, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,

11 if anyhow I may attain to the rising again of the dead.

12 Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus;

13 brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold; and one thing -- the things behind indeed forgetting, and to the things before stretching forth --

14 to the mark I pursue for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 As many, therefore, as [are] perfect -- let us think this, and if [in] anything ye think otherwise, this also shall God reveal to you,

16 but to what we have come -- by the same rule walk, the same thing think;

17 become followers together of me, brethren, and observe those thus walking, according as ye have us -- a pattern;

18 for many walk of whom many times I told you -- and now also weeping tell -- the enemies of the cross of the Christ!

19 whose end [is] destruction, whose god [is] the belly, and whose glory [is] in their shame, who the things on earth are minding.

20 For our citizenship is in the heavens, whence also a Saviour we await -- the Lord Jesus Christ --

21 who shall transform the body of our humiliation to its becoming conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working of his power, even to subject to himself the all things.

So then, my brethren, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand ye in the Lord, beloved.

Euodia I exhort, and Syntyche I exhort, to be of the same mind in the Lord;

and I ask also thee, genuine yoke-fellow, be assisting those women who in the good news did strive along with me, with Clement also, and the others, my fellow-workers, whose names [are] in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice;

let your forbearance be known to all men; the Lord [is] near;

for nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer, and by supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God;

and the peace of God, that is surpassing all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

As to the rest, brethren, as many things as are true, as many as [are] grave, as many as [are] righteous, as many as [are] pure, as many as [are] lovely, as many as [are] of good report, if any worthiness, and if any praise, these things think upon;

the things that also ye did learn, and receive, and hear, and saw in me, those do, and the God of the peace shall be with you.

10 And I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye flourished again in caring for me, for which also ye were caring, and lacked opportunity;

11 not that in respect of want I say [it], for I did learn in the things in which I am -- to be content;

12 I have known both to be abased, and I have known to abound; in everything and in all things I have been initiated, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.

13 For all things I have strength, in Christ's strengthening me;

14 but ye did well, having communicated with my tribulation;

15 and ye have known, even ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the good news when I went forth from Macedonia, no assembly did communicate with me in regard to giving and receiving except ye only;

16 because also in Thessalonica, both once and again to my need ye sent;

17 not that I seek after the gift, but I seek after the fruit that is overflowing to your account;

18 and I have all things, and abound; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things from you -- an odour of a sweet smell -- a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God:

19 and my God shall supply all your need, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus;

20 and to God, even our Father, [is] the glory -- to the ages of the ages. Amen.

21 Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus; there salute you the brethren with me;

22 there salute you all the saints, and specially those of Caesar's house;

23 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [is] with you all. Amen.

Paul and Timothy,(A) servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people(B) in Christ Jesus at Philippi,(C) together with the overseers(D) and deacons[a]:(E)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(F)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

I thank my God every time I remember you.(G) In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray(H) with joy because of your partnership(I) in the gospel from the first day(J) until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion(K) until the day of Christ Jesus.(L)

It is right(M) for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart(N) and, whether I am in chains(O) or defending(P) and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify(Q) how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love(R) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,(S) 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,(T) 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness(U) that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[b] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains(V) for Christ. 14 And because of my chains,(W) most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(X)

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.(Y) 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition,(Z) not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.(AA) 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers(AB) and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ(AC) what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[d](AD) 20 I eagerly expect(AE) and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage(AF) so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,(AG) whether by life or by death.(AH) 21 For to me, to live is Christ(AI) and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart(AJ) and be with Christ,(AK) which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy(AL) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm(AM) in the one Spirit,[e] striving together(AN) as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you(AO) on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer(AP) for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle(AQ) you saw(AR) I had, and now hear(AS) that I still have.

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,(AT) if any tenderness and compassion,(AU) then make my joy complete(AV) by being like-minded,(AW) having the same love, being one(AX) in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(AY) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(AZ) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.(BA)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:(BB)

Who, being in very nature[f] God,(BC)
    did not consider equality with God(BD) something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing(BE)
    by taking the very nature[g] of a servant,(BF)
    being made in human likeness.(BG)
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death(BH)
        even death on a cross!(BI)

Therefore God exalted him(BJ) to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,(BK)
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,(BL)
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,(BM)
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,(BN)
    to the glory of God the Father.

Do Everything Without Grumbling

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,(BO) 13 for it is God who works in you(BP) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.(BQ)

14 Do everything without grumbling(BR) or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless(BS) and pure, “children of God(BT) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[h](BU) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ(BV) that I did not run(BW) or labor in vain.(BX) 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering(BY) on the sacrifice(BZ) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.(CA) 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy(CB) to you soon,(CC) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him,(CD) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests,(CE) not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father(CF) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.(CG) 24 And I am confident(CH) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker(CI) and fellow soldier,(CJ) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.(CK) 26 For he longs for all of you(CL) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,(CM) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,(CN) 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.(CO)

No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,(CP) and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs,(CQ) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision,(CR) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,(CS) and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.(CT)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised(CU) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,(CV) of the tribe of Benjamin,(CW) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;(CX) as for zeal,(CY) persecuting the church;(CZ) as for righteousness based on the law,(DA) faultless.

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss(DB) for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing(DC) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ(DD) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,(DE) but that which is through faith in[i] Christ—the righteousness(DF) that comes from God on the basis of faith.(DG) 10 I want to know(DH) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,(DI) becoming like him in his death,(DJ) 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection(DK) from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,(DL) but I press on to take hold(DM) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.(DN) 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind(DO) and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on(DP) toward the goal to win the prize(DQ) for which God has called(DR) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

15 All of us, then, who are mature(DS) should take such a view of things.(DT) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.(DU) 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

17 Join together in following my example,(DV) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.(DW) 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,(DX) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.(DY) 19 Their destiny(DZ) is destruction, their god is their stomach,(EA) and their glory is in their shame.(EB) Their mind is set on earthly things.(EC) 20 But our citizenship(ED) is in heaven.(EE) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,(EF) 21 who, by the power(EG) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies(EH) so that they will be like his glorious body.(EI)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,(EJ) my joy and crown, stand firm(EK) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind(EL) in the Lord. Yes, 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,(EM) whose names are in the book of life.(EN)

Final Exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(EO) Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.(EP) Do not be anxious about anything,(EQ) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.(ER) And the peace of God,(ES) which transcends all understanding,(ET) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.(EU) And the God of peace(EV) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.(EW) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content(EX) whatever the circumstances. 12 I 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,(EY) whether living in plenty or in want.(EZ) 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.(FA)

14 Yet it was good of you to share(FB) in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days(FC) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,(FD) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;(FE) 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica,(FF) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.(FG) 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.(FH) 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus(FI) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant(FJ) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs(FK) according to the riches of his glory(FL) in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father(FM) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(FN)

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me(FO) send greetings. 22 All God’s people(FP) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ(FQ) be with your spirit.(FR) Amen.[j]

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 1:1 The word deacons refers here to Christians designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Romans 16:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  2. Philippians 1:12 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 14; and in 3:1, 13, 17; 4:1, 8, 21.
  3. Philippians 1:13 Or whole palace
  4. Philippians 1:19 Or vindication; or salvation
  5. Philippians 1:27 Or in one spirit
  6. Philippians 2:6 Or in the form of
  7. Philippians 2:7 Or the form
  8. Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5
  9. Philippians 3:9 Or through the faithfulness of
  10. Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.