Think of Excellence

Therefore, my beloved brethren [a]whom I (A)long to see, my joy and crown, in this way (B)stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to [b](C)live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my (D)fellow workers, whose (E)names are in the book of life.

(F)Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. (G)The Lord is [c]near. (H)Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by (I)prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And (J)the peace of God, which surpasses all [d]comprehension, will (K)guard your hearts and your (L)minds in (M)Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, (N)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [e]lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, [f]dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen (O)in me, practice these things, and (P)the God of peace will be with you.

God’s Provisions

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last (Q)you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak [g]from want, for I have learned to be [h](R)content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going (S)hungry, both of having abundance and (T)suffering need. 13 I can do all things [i]through Him who (U)strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to (V)share with me in my affliction.

15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the [j](W)first preaching of the gospel, after I left (X)Macedonia, no church (Y)shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in (Z)Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 (AA)Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the [k]profit which increases to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am [l]amply supplied, having received from (AB)Epaphroditus [m]what you have sent, [n](AC)a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And (AD)my God will supply [o]all your needs according to His (AE)riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to (AF)our God and Father (AG)be the glory [p]forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every [q]saint in Christ Jesus. (AH)The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 (AI)All the [r](AJ)saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 (AK)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (AL)be with your spirit.

Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:1 Lit and longed for
  2. Philippians 4:2 Or be of the same mind
  3. Philippians 4:5 Or at hand
  4. Philippians 4:7 Lit mind
  5. Philippians 4:8 Or lovable and gracious
  6. Philippians 4:8 Lit ponder these things
  7. Philippians 4:11 Lit according to
  8. Philippians 4:11 Or self-sufficient
  9. Philippians 4:13 Lit in
  10. Philippians 4:15 Lit beginning of
  11. Philippians 4:17 Lit fruit
  12. Philippians 4:18 Lit made full
  13. Philippians 4:18 Lit the things from you
  14. Philippians 4:18 Lit an odor of fragrance
  15. Philippians 4:19 Or every need of yours
  16. Philippians 4:20 Lit to the ages of the ages
  17. Philippians 4:21 Or holy one
  18. Philippians 4:22 V 21, note 1