FocusAgreement, prayer, and disciplined thought
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching.
interpretation Philippians 4:8
KJVFinally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Read it in context
Stand fast in practical matters
Start reading at Philippians 4:1 (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:9).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching.
- 4:1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
- 4:2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
- 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
- 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
- 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
- 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Timothy named alongside him in the greeting. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Philippians 4:1–4:23): Paul appeals particularly to Euodias and Syntyche for agreement, then addresses the whole church and thanks it for material support. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? All the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, including their bishops and deacons. Biblical references: Philippians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Stand fast in practical matters. Read Philippians 4:1 through Philippians 4:9 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The appeal to steadfastness addresses a disagreement and directs the whole church toward rejoicing, prayer, worthy thought, and practiced teaching. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes in bonds and discusses possible release, death, and planned visits. The letter does not identify a calendar date or directly name the prison city. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The saints at Philippi are addressed; Paul's present confinement is described without a named city in the letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Stand fast in practical matters (Philippians 4:1 to Philippians 4:9). Start reading at Philippians 4:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Christ's humility and obedience, Paul's desire to know Him, and the hope of bodily transformation shape the exhortation. Read the account of Christ's humility in its call to the same mind rather than as permission to import an unstated philosophical scheme. See Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Serve with humility, pursue unity, and remain faithful amid difficulty. Contentment and strength should be read in the circumstances Paul describes, not as a promise of unlimited personal achievement. interpretation
Cited: Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:9, Philippians 2:5, Philippians 2:8, Philippians 3:10, Philippians 3:21
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
Philippians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- Finally Phil 3:1
- whatsoever Rom 12:9-21 1 Cor 13:4-7 Gal 5:22 Jas 3:17 2 Pet 1:5-7
- are true Matt 22:16 John 7:18 Rom 12:9 2 Cor 6:8 Eph 4:25 Eph 5:9 Eph 6:14 1 Pet 1:22
- honest Acts 6:3 Rom 12:17 Rom 13:13 2 Cor 8:21 2 Cor 13:7 1 Thess 4:12 1 Tim 2:2 1 Tim 3:4,8,11
- are just Gen 18:19 Deut 16:20 2 Sam 23:3 Ps 82:2 Prov 11:1 Prov 16:11 Prov 20:7 Isa 26:7
- are pure 1 Tim 4:12 1 Tim 5:2 Titus 2:14 Jas 1:27 Jas 3:17 2 Pet 3:1 1 John 3:3
- are lovely 2 Sam 1:23 Song 5:16 1 Cor 13:1-13 1 Pet 4:8
- are of Acts 6:3 Acts 10:22 Acts 22:12 Col 4:5 1 Thess 5:22 1 Tim 3:7 1 Tim 5:10 Heb 11:2
- virtue Ruth 3:11 Prov 12:4 Prov 31:10,29 2 Pet 1:3-4
- praise Prov 31:31 Rom 2:29 Rom 13:3 1 Cor 4:5 2 Cor 8:18
- think Luke 16:15 1 Thess 5:21 1 John 4:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Philippians 4
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Gratitude for the gift
Philippians 4:10–20FocusContentment and partnership
Connection to the wholePaul explains his learned contentment and strength in Christ within the concrete setting of need, provision, and the Philippians' support.
interpretation Closing greetings
Philippians 4:21–23FocusGrace and fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe greetings bring the letter back to shared belonging in Christ across the distance between Paul and the church.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Philippians
Paul and Timothy address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. Paul's imprisonment and the church's partnership form the setting for calls to unity, humility, endurance, and contentment.
Philippians 1:1 Philippians 1:5 Philippians 1:12
Thanksgiving and prayer
Philippians 1:1–11FocusPartnership in the gospel
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the church's fellowship and prays for discerning love and fruitful righteousness.
interpretation Imprisonment and worthy conduct
Philippians 1:12–30FocusChrist magnified through adversity
Connection to the wholePaul interprets his circumstances through the gospel's progress and urges the church to stand together amid opposition.
interpretation The mind of Christ and faithful servants
Philippians 2:1–30FocusHumility and self-giving
Connection to the wholeChrist's example grounds the call to humble obedience, with Timothy and Epaphroditus providing practical examples of care.
interpretation Knowing Christ and pressing onward
Philippians 3:1–21FocusTrue confidence and heavenly citizenship
Connection to the wholePaul rejects confidence in fleshly credentials, pursues knowing Christ, and calls the church to follow a faithful pattern.
interpretation FocusPrayer, conduct, and shared support
Connection to the wholeThe closing chapter applies steadfastness to relationships, thought, and need, ending with gratitude for the church's gift.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.