Content in Christ

Paul begins with deep affection, calling the believers beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, and urging them to stand firm in the Lord. He asks Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord, and he asks a true partner to help these women. These women had worked hard beside Paul to spread the Good News, together with Clement and other fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Paul gives a series of short commands. Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Then he addresses worry: In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The promise follows: the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will keep watch over their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Paul tells them to think about whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good report.

Paul thanks the Philippians for their renewed care. He has learned the secret of contentment. He knows how to be humbled and how to abound, how to have enough food and how to go hungry. He writes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The Philippians had shared with him from the beginning, even sending help to Thessalonica. Their gift through Epaphroditus is a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. Paul closes: My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.