Philippians 4

1So then, my dear brothers and sisters, whom I love and long to see, my joy and my crown: stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends. 2I appeal to Euodia and I appeal to Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true partner, to help these women. They have fought side by side with me for the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything. Instead, in everything, bring your requests to God through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. 7And God’s peace, which is beyond all our understanding, will stand guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters: all that is true, all that is honorable, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, all that is well spoken of—if there is any virtue, anything that deserves praise—let your minds dwell on these things. 9Put into practice what you learned and received from me, what you heard and saw in me. And the God of peace will be with you.

10It brought me great joy in the Lord that now at last your care for me has come into bloom again. You had been caring all along; you simply had no chance to show it. 11I do not say this because I am going short. However things stand with me, I have learned to be content. 12I know how to get by on little, and I know how to handle having plenty. In each and every situation I have been let into the secret: how to eat my fill and how to go hungry, how to have more than enough and how to do without. 13I have strength for every situation in the one who makes me strong. 14All the same, you did a fine thing when you took a share in my hardship.

15You know it yourselves, Philippians: in those first days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, yours was the only church that went into partnership with me in an account of giving and receiving. 16Even in Thessalonica you sent help for my needs more than once. 17It is not the gift I am after. What I am after is the profit that keeps adding up in your account. 18Everything has been paid to me in full, and I have more than enough. Since Epaphroditus brought me what you sent, I have all I need. Your gift is a sweet-smelling offering, a sacrifice God accepts, one that pleases him. 19And my God will fill every need you have, in keeping with his glorious wealth in Christ Jesus. 20Glory be to our God and Father for ever and ever. Amen.

21Greet every one of God’s holy people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send you greetings. 22All God’s holy people here greet you, especially those in the emperor’s household. 23May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.