4:1 stand firm See note on 1:27.

4:2 I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche Paul names two women who had worked with him (v. 3) and apparently were at odds. Their quarrel might have been a key reason why Paul wrote this letter.

4:3 true yokefellow, help them Paul calls for a church member to guide the women toward reconciliation.

book of life Refers to God’s record of His faithful people (Exod 32:32–33; Psa 69:28; Rev 3:5 and note; 21:27).

4:4 Rejoice The motif of maintaining joy in the midst of suffering is common in Paul’s writings (Col 1:24; 2:5; 1 Thess 1:6; 2 Cor 8:2).

Chairō Word Study

4:5 gentleness Refers to showing consideration for one another (compare Phil 2:3–4). By displaying gentleness toward all people—believers and unbelievers alike—Christians reveal the gospel’s power to transform and reconcile.

The Lord is near Paul again references the Day of Christ as motivation to live in a godly manner (see 1:6 and note; 1:10; 2:16). The early Christians lived with a sense of urgency because they believed the Lord’s return was imminent (compare Matt 24:36–44; 2 Pet 3:1–13).

4:6 Be anxious for nothing Paul probably was aware of hardships facing the Philippians (see note on Phil 1:29).

prayer Paul wants the believers to acknowledge their dependence on God and His provision.

Prayers in Paul’s Letters Table

4:7 peace The Greek word used here, eirēnē, conveys a range of meanings, including well-being, prosperity, freedom from anxiety, safety from harm, and deliverance from enemies.

guard your hearts and your minds Paul envisions God’s peace as a soldier who protects the hearts and minds of believers from anxiety, fear, and doubt.

4:9 practice these things Paul’s life offers an example of putting his instruction (v. 8) into practice.

4:10 your concern The Philippians showed their concern for Paul by sending Epaphroditus to care for him while he is in prison.

4:13 do all things Paul testifies to the sufficiency of Christ’s strength. He is prepared to endure any circumstance in life because Christ empowers him to do so.

4:15 Macedonia Roman province on the Balkan Peninsula where Philippi was located. Paul traveled through this area during his second and third missionary journeys.

giving and receiving Earlier, Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians because of their ongoing support and partnership (1:5).

4:16 Thessalonica Macedonian port city on the Aegean Sea; Paul’s next stop after Philippi during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:40–17:1).

4:17 increases to your account Paul clarifies his previous comments (Phil 4:10–16). By commending the Philippians’ gift, he is not indirectly seeking another. Rather, he is celebrating their generosity as a sign of their growing faith.

4:18 Epaphroditus His visit was a tangible expression of the Philippians’ concern for Paul and his needs. See 2:25–30; note on 2:25.

4:19 every need Paul’s needs were met through the Philippians’ generous financial gift. In the tradition of mutual exchange common to ancient friendship, Paul trusts God to meet the needs of the church at Philippi (see note on 1:5).

4:20 glory The Greek term used here, doxa, refers to God’s majesty and honor. See note on Rom 1:23.

Doxa Word Study

Amen A term that expresses agreement about what has been said (see note on Gal 1:5).

4:21 saint See note on Eph 1:1.

4:22 Caesar’s household Refers to believers in Caesar’s family or among those who work for the emperor.

4:23 grace of the Lord Jesus Christ Paul’s typical way of closing his letters (e.g., Gal 6:18; 1 Thess 5:28).