Philippians 4

Philippians 4
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Head-piece to Philippians. Philippians 2:7-8. Print made by James Heath. 1800. Published by T. Macklin, London.
Book	Epistle to the Philippians
Bible part	New Testament
Order in the Bible part	11
Category	Pauline epistles

Philippians 4 is the fourth (and the last) chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is authored by Paul of Tarsus and Timothy.^[1][2]

Text

• The original text is written in Koine Greek.
• Some most ancient manuscripts containing this chapter are:
  • Codex Vaticanus (AD 325-350)
  • Codex Sinaiticus (AD 330-360)
  • Codex Alexandrinus (ca. AD 400-440)
  • Codex Freerianus (ca. AD 450; extant: verses 3-6, 13-15)
  • Codex Claromontanus (ca. AD 550)
• This chapter is divided into 23 verses.

Structure

This chapter can be grouped (with cross references to other parts of the Bible):

• Philippians 4:1-7 = Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer
• Philippians 4:8-9 = Meditate on These Things
• Philippians 4:10-19 = Philippian Generosity
• Philippians 4:20-23 = Greeting and Blessing

Verse 4

New King James Version

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!^[3]

• Rejoice in the Lord alway

This is a repetition of the exhortation in the preceding chapter; (See Gill on Philippians 3:1); with this addition "alway"; for there is always cause and matter for rejoicing in Christ, even in times of affliction, distress, and persecution; since he is always the same; his grace is always sufficient; his blood has a continual virtue in it, and always speaks for peace and pardon; his righteousness is an everlasting one, and so is his salvation, and such is his love; though some join this word with what follows,^[4]

• [and] again, I say, rejoice;

this is what was continually inculcated by him, as being of great importance and use for the comfort of believers, and the honour of Christ.^[4]

Verse 6

New King James Version

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;^[5]

Verse 7

New King James Version

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.^[6]

See also

• Clement
• Epaphroditus
• Euodia
• Jesus Christ
• Macedonia
• Philippi
• Syntyche
• Thessalonica
• Other related Bible parts: Romans 8, Hebrews 4

References

1. Halley, Henry H. Halley's Bible Handbook: an abbreviated Bible commentary. 23rd edition. Zondervan Publishing House. 1962.
2. Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook. Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee. 2012.
3. Philippians 4:4
4. John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible, - Philippians 4:4
5. Philippians 4:6
6. Philippians 4:7

External links

• Philippians 4 NIV