Philippians

¹Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I miss so much, my joy and my crown, stand firm in the Lord! ²Iexhort Evodia and Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord. ³Yes, I beg you also, Syzygus,¹⁹⁸⁷ help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News and also with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, rejoice! ⁵Let your kindness be known to all. The Lord is at hand! ⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. ⁷And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

⁸Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are commendable, if there is any virtue or any praise, think about these things. ⁹What you learned, received, heard, and saw in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul’s needs and thankfulness

¹⁰But now, I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that your consideration¹⁹⁸⁸ for me has blossomed again! (I know that you were thinking about me but lacked the opportunity). ¹¹I do not want to speak about what I lack, because I have learned to be satisfied with whatever state I am in! ¹²I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to overflow. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret of being both filled and hungry, of being in abundance and in need. ¹³I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me. ¹⁴However, it was a good thing that you shared in my affliction. ¹⁵As you Philippians know as well, in the beginning of the Good News when I departed from Macedonia, no Church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving—only you did! ¹⁶For even [when I was] in Thessalonica you supplied help for my needs once and again. ¹⁷It is not that I seek the gift; what I value is the interest that is accumulating in your account! ¹⁸I actually have all things and I overflow since I received from Epaphroditus what came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God! ¹⁹My God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰To our God and Father be the glory unto ages of ages! Amen.

²¹Greet every saint in Christ Jesus! The brethren who are with me greet you. ²²All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. ²³The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

1987. Either a personal name or an expression meaning “true yoke-fellow”
1988. Or “concern/care”