Philippians – Chapter 4

New Testament23 Verses

Chapter Summary

Philippians 4 opens with the words: "Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." Across its 23 verses, two threads run through the text: prayer and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.

3And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.

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

6Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.

7And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

8For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things.

9The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.

10Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.

11I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.

12I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound (every where and in all things I am instructed): both to be full and to be hungry: both to abound and to suffer need.

13I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me.

14Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation.

15And you also know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.

16For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use.

17Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account.

18But I have all and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, an odour of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

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

20Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.

21Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus.

22The brethren who are with me salute you. All the saints salute you: especially they that are of Caesar's household.

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

Important Verses in Philippians 4

Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Philippians 4:1

And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.

Philippians 4:20

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Philippians 4:23

Historical Context

Philippians belongs to the New Testament and was composed for the faithful church at Philippi, taught to rejoice in the Lord always. Chapter 4 of 4 brings the book to its close, gathering up themes introduced earlier. It is a apostolic teaching addressed to a Christian community with 23 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter begins: "Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly…" It concludes: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. " In terms of historical background, Written in chains to his beloved first European church, Philippians overflows with joy—the word appears sixteen times. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: About AD 61-62.

Who Wrote It

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison

When It Was Written

About AD 61-62

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, this chapter addresses specific questions facing early Christian communities. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." The passage repeatedly touches on prayer and petition to God.

Catholic exegesis reads Philippians 4 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Christ hymn reveals His divine nature and humility (CIC 461). St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2340).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • Love of God and love of neighbor sum up the whole law and reveal the very nature of God.

Reflection for Today

In Philippians Chapter 4, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of joy in Christ and the mind of Christ.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Philippians Chapter 4 supports that call by drawing attention to purity of heart and interior conversion within the wider message that Rejoice in the Lord always.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of purity of heart and interior conversion bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philippians Chapter 4 about?

Philippians 4 contains 23 verses. It opens with "Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly…" and closes with "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. ". The book as a whole is epistle.

What is a key verse in Philippians 4?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Philippians and when?

The Apostle Paul, writing from prison. About AD 61-62.

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