4:1 THEREFORE, MY brethren, whom I love and yearn to see, my delight and crown (wreath of victory), thus stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. |
4:2 I entreat {and} advise Euodia and I entreat {and} advise Syntyche to agree {and} to work in harmony in the Lord. |
4:3 And I exhort you too, [my] genuine yokefellow, help these [two women to keep on cooperating], for they have toiled along with me in [the spreading of] the good news (the Gospel), as have Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life. |
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! |
4:5 Let all men know {and} perceive {and} recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. |
4:6 Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. |
4:7 And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison {and} mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. |
4:8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence {and} is honorable {and} seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely {and} lovable, whatever is kind {and} winsome {and} gracious, if there is any virtue {and} excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on {and} weigh {and} take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. |
4:9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, {and} model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you. |
4:10 I was made very happy in the Lord that now you have revived your interest in my welfare after so long a time; you were indeed thinking of me, but you had no opportunity to show it. |
4:11 Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. |
4:12 I know how to be abased {and} live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty {and} live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency {and} enough to spare or going without {and} being in want. |
4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]. |
4:14 But it was right {and} commendable {and} noble of you to contribute for my needs {and} to share my difficulties with me. |
4:15 And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me {and} opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. |
4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [me contributions] for my needs, not only once but a second time. |
4:17 Not that I seek {or} am eager for [your] gift, but I do seek {and} am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit [the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account]. |
4:18 But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need {and} am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. [They are the] fragrant odor of an offering {and} sacrifice which God welcomes {and} in which He delights. |
4:19 And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. |
4:20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever (through the endless eternities of the eternities). {Amen (so be it).} |
4:21 Remember me to every saint (every born-again believer) in Christ Jesus. The brethren (my associates) who are with me greet you. |
4:22 All the saints (God's consecrated ones here) wish to be remembered to you, especially those of Caesar's household. |
4:23 The grace (spiritual favor and blessing) of the Lord Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) be with your spirit. {Amen (so be it).} |