Rejoice in the Lord
1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
- PHIL 4:2[NOTE]EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE. Two women who fought side by side with Paul for the gospel, 4:3. Now they are fighting each other, so Paul begs them to agree in the Lord. Even good leaders clash. Paul counts them with his fellow workers, the word he uses for Timothy and Titus. Many believe this shows women led in ministry and every role is open to them, see Phoebe and Junia in Romans 16. Others say a fellow worker is not the same as a pastor or elder.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- PHIL 4:7[HEART]The peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The Generosity of the Philippians// 2 Corinthians 8:1–15
10Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need. 13I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
- PHIL 4:11[NOTABLE]Paul learned to be content with a full stomach or an empty one, 4:12. That is what 4:13 is about. I can do all things means I can get through anything, rich or broke, because Christ gives me strength. Athletes love to put it on their eye black, and that is fine, as long as you remember Paul wrote it hungry and in chains, not holding a trophy.
- PHIL 4:13[TEXT]THROUGH CHRIST. The oldest complete copies, Codex Sinaiticus before it was corrected, Alexandrinus and Vaticanus, say through Him who gives me strength. The word Christ was added in later copies and is in the King James. The meaning is the same, because Him is Christ. This verse is lost from Papyrus 46.
14Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. 15And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. 16For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.
17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 18I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
19And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings// Ephesians 6:21–24; 2 Timothy 4:19–22
21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus.
The brothers who are with me send you greetings.
22All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.