He exhorts them to perseverance in all good and acknowledges their charitable contributions to him.

¹ And so, my most beloved and most desired brothers, my joy and my crown: stand firm in this way, in the Lord, most beloved.

² I ask Euodia, and I beg Syntyche, to have the same understanding in the Lord.¹

1. 4:2On the spiritual level of meaning, this verse refers to the Great Schism between the West and much of the East. The Church in the West is the Latin Rite, and Euodia is a Latin name. But Syntyche is a Greek name. So Euodia is a figure for the West, and Syntyche is a figure for those Eastern Churches that went astray from the Faith. The Holy Spirit is using the historical disagreement between these two women (the Church is often represented under the figure of a Bride) to represent the Great Schism. And notice that the Spirit ‘asks’ Euodia (the West) but ‘begs’ Syntyche (the Eastern schismatice) indicating that it is the Eastern schismatics who have erred. This verse is the Holy Spirit asking for the healing of the Great Schism.(Conte)

³ And I also ask you, as my genuine companion, to assist those women who have labored with me in the Gospel, with Clement and the rest of my assistants, whose names are in the Book of Life.

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice.

⁵ Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is near.

⁶ Be anxious about nothing. But in all things, with prayer and supplication, with acts of thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.

⁷ And so shall the peace of God, which exceeds all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Concerning the rest, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is chaste, whatever is just, whatever is holy, whatever is worthy to be loved, whatever is of good repute, if there is any virtue, if there is any praiseworthy discipline: meditate on these.^123456789

1. 4:8For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, etc: Here the apostle enumerates general precepts of morality, which they ought to practise.(Challoner)
2. 4:8Whatsoever things are true: in words, in promises, in lawful oaths, etc., he commands rectitude of mind, and sincerity of heart.(Challoner)
3. 4:8Whatsoever modest: by these words he prescribes gravity in manners, modesty in dress, and decency in conversation.(Challoner)
4. 4:8Whatsoever just: That is, in dealing with others, in buying or selling, in trade or business, to be fair and honest.(Challoner)
5. 4:8Whatsoever holy: by these words may be understood, that those who are in a religious state professed, or in holy orders, should lead a life of sanctity and chastity, according to the vows they make; but these words being also applied to those in the world, indicate the virtuous life they are bound by the divine commandments to follow.(Challoner)
6. 4:8Whatsoever lovely: that is, to practise those good offices in society, that procure us the esteem and good will of our neighbours.(Challoner)
7. 4:8Whatsoever of good fame: That is, that by our conduct and behaviour we should edify our neighbours, and give them good example by our actions.(Challoner)
8. 4:8If there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: that those in error, by seeing the morality and good discipline of the true religion, may be converted.(Challoner)
9. 4:8To think on these things: And finally, the apostle commands, not only the Philippians, but all Christians, to make it their study and concern that the peace of God might be with them.(Challoner)

⁹ All the things that you have learned and accepted and heard and seen in me, do these. And so shall the God of peace be with you.

¹⁰ Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly, because finally, after some time, your feelings for me have flourished again, just as you formerly felt. For you had been preoccupied.

¹¹ I am not saying this as if out of need. For I have learned that, in whatever state I am, it is sufficient.

¹² I know how to be humbled, and I know how to abound. I am prepared for anything, anywhere: either to be full or to be hungry, either to have abundance or to endure scarcity.

¹³ Everything is possible in him who has strengthened me.

¹⁴ Yet truly, you have done well by sharing in my tribulation.

¹⁵ But you also know, O Philippians, that at the beginning of the Gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not a single church shared with me in the plan of giving and receiving, except you alone.

¹⁶ For you even sent to Thessalonica, once, and then a second time, for what was useful to me.

¹⁷ It is not that I am seeking a gift. Instead, I seek the fruit that abounds to your benefit.

¹⁸ But I have everything in abundance. I have been filled up, having received from Epaphroditus the things that you sent; this is an odor of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

¹⁹ And may my God fulfill all your desires, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ And to God our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.

²² The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

The Letter to the Philippians

²³ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.