Philippians 3–4

Warning Against Evil Workers

3Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, but is a safeguard for you. ²Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the mutilation.^{a 3}For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship^b by the Spirit^c of God and boast in Christ Jesus and do not put confidence in the flesh, ⁴although I could have confidence even in the flesh.

Righteousness Through Christ

If anyone else thinks to put confidence in the flesh, I can do so more: ⁵circumcised on the eighth day^d, from the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born from Hebrews, according to the law a Pharisee, ⁶according to zeal persecuting the church, according to the righteousness in the law being blameless. ⁷But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have considered loss because of Christ. ⁸More than that^e, I even consider all things to be loss because of the surpassing greatness of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for the sake of whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and consider them^* dung, in order that I may gain Christ ⁹and may be found in him, not having my righteousness which is from the law, but which is through faith in Christ,^f the righteousness from God on the basis of faith,^{g 10}so that I may know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, ¹¹if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹²Not that I have already received this,^* or have already been made perfect, but I press on if indeed I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ.^{h 13}Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it.^* But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Imitate Paul

¹⁵Therefore as many as are perfect, let us hold this opinionⁱ, and if you think anything differently, God will reveal this also to you. ¹⁶Only to what we have attained, to the same hold on. ¹⁷Become fellow imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who walk in this way, just as you have us as an example. ¹⁸For many live, of whom I spoke about to you many times, but now speak about even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ, ¹⁹whose end is destruction, whose God is the stomach, and whose glory is in their shame, the ones who think on earthly things. ²⁰For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹who will transform our humble body to be conformed to his glorious body, in accordance with the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Appeal for Unity

4So then, my beloved and greatly desired brothers, my joy and crown, thus stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. ²I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche to be in agreement^a in the Lord. ³Yes, I ask also you, true yokefellow, help them, who struggled along with me in the gospel with both Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life.

Be Anxious for Nothing

⁴Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. ⁵Let your gentleness be made known to all people. The Lord is near. ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds^b in Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything praiseworthy, think about these things. ⁹And the things which you have learned and received and heard about and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Support for Paul’s Ministry

¹⁰But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your concern for me^c, for whom also you were thinking, but you had no opportunity to express it. ¹¹Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹²I know how both to make do with little^d and I know how to have an abundance^e. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to have an abundance^f and to go without. ¹³I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me. ¹⁴Nevertheless you have done well by sharing^* with me in my affliction. ¹⁵Now you also know, Philippians, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone, ¹⁶because even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion^g you sent for my need. ¹⁷Not that I seek the gift, but I seek for the profit that increases to your account. ¹⁸But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am well supplied^h because^* I received from Epaphroditus what you had sentⁱ, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will fulfill your every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever^j. Amen.

Final Greetings and Benediction

²¹Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me greet you. ²²All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household. ²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.