4:1
So then, my brothers and dear friends whom I miss so much, my joy and my crown, hold firm in the Lord, dear friends.
4:2
I urge Euodia, and I urge Syntyche to come to agreement with each other in the Lord;
4:3
and I ask you, Syzygus, really to be a 'partner' and help them. These women have struggled hard for the gospel with me, along with Clement and all my other fellow-workers, whose names are written in the book of life.
4:4
Always be joyful, then, in the Lord; I repeat, be joyful.
4:5
Let your good sense be obvious to everybody. The Lord is near.
4:6
Never worry about anything; but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer and petition shot through with gratitude,
4:7
and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
4:8
Finally, brothers, let your minds be filled with everything that is true, everything that is honourable, everything that is upright and pure, everything that we love and admire -- with whatever is good and praiseworthy.
4:9
Keep doing everything you learnt from me and were told by me and have heard or seen me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
4:10
As for me, I am full of joy in the Lord, now that at last your consideration for me has blossomed again; though I recognise that you really did have consideration before, but had no opportunity to show it.
4:11
I do not say this because I have lacked anything; I have learnt to manage with whatever I have.
4:12
I know how to live modestly, and I know how to live luxuriously too: in every way now I have mastered the secret of all conditions: full stomach and empty stomach, plenty and poverty.
4:13
There is nothing I cannot do in the One who strengthens me.
4:14
All the same, it was good of you to share with me in my hardships.
4:15
In the early days of the gospel, as you of Philippi well know, when I left Macedonia, no church other than yourselves made common account with me in the matter of expenditure and receipts. You were the only ones;
4:16
and what is more, you have twice sent me what I needed in Thessalonica.
4:17
It is not the gift that I value most; what I value is the interest that is mounting up in your account.
4:18
I have all that I need and more: I am fully provided, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the offering that you sent, a pleasing smell, the sacrifice which is acceptable and pleasing to God.
4:19
And my God will fulfil all your needs out of the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
4:20
And so glory be to God our Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
4:21
My greetings to every one of God's holy people in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings.
4:22
All God's holy people send you their greetings, especially those of Caesar's household.
4:23
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Previous
Next