Phili 4 | HCSB | STEP | So then , my brothers , you are dearly loved and longed for – my joy and crown . In this manner stand firm in the Lord , dear friends .

‏ Philippians 4

Practical Counsel

1 So then, my ^{▼▼brother(s): The Greek word adelphoi can be used as a reference to males only or to groups that include males and females. It is the context of each usage that determines the proper meaning.}brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for – my joy and crown. ^b In this manner stand firm ^c in the Lord, dear friends. 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner, ^{▼▼Or true Syzygus, possibly a person’s name} to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. ^e 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses ^f every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ^g

8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, ^h whatever is honorable, ⁱ whatever is just, ^j whatever is pure, ^k whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence ^l and if there is any praise – dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received ^m and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Appreciation of Support

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again ⁿ you renewed your care for me. ^o You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. ^p In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through Him ^{▼▼Other mss read Christ} who strengthens me. ^r 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

15 And you Philippians ^s know that in the early days of the gospel, ^t when I left Macedonia, ^u no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica ^v you sent gifts for my need ^w several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit ^{▼▼Lit fruit
,} ^y that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, ^z and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus ^aa what you provided – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing ^ab to God. 19 And my God ^ac will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father ^ad be glory forever and ever. ^ae ^{▼▼Amen: The transliteration of a Hebrew word signifying that something is certain, valid, truthful, or faithful; it is often used at the end of biblical songs, hymns, and prayers.}Amen. ^ag

Final Greetings

21 Greet every ^{▼▼saint(s)/sanctification/sanctify/sanctified: The work of the Holy Spirit that separates believers in Jesus from the world; at the time of saving faith in Jesus, the believer is made a saint; therefore, all believers are saints. The believer participates with the Spirit in a process of transformation that continues until glorification. The goal of sanctification is progressive conformity to the image of Jesus Christ.}saint in Christ Jesus. Those brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those from Caesar’s ^ai household. ^aj 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. ^{▼▼Other mss add Amen.
,} ^al