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1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dearly loved and deeply missed, my joy and victor’s crown, that is how you are to stand firm in union with the Lord, dear friends.
“And the God of Peace Will Be with You”
2 Euodia I beg, and I beg, too, Syntyche, to relate to each other with the same humble attitude in union with the Lord.
3 Yes, and I am asking ˢyou, too, true comrade, to come to the help of these women who have fought the battle side by side with me in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4 Rejoice in union with the Lord at all times. I will say it again—rejoice!
5 Let your graciousness be evident to everyone. The Lord is near.
6 Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God through prayer and earnest appeals, with thanksgiving.
7 And the peace of God, which exceeds all human understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in union with Messiah Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is righteous, whatever is pure, whatever calls forth love, whatever is commendable, if something is virtuous and if something is praiseworthy—it is these things on which you are to let your minds dwell.
9 The things you’ve learned and received and heard from me and observed in my example—these are the things that you are to put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
“It Was Very Kind of You to Share with Me in My Trials and Hardships”
10 Now, it brings me great joy in union with the Lord that now after some time you have again shown me such deep care and concern. I don’t mean that you at some point stopped caring—you just didn’t have an opportunity to show it.
11 It isn’t out of need that I am saying this. I have learned to be content, you see, in whatever circumstances I find myself.
12 I know what it is to barely scrape by, and I know what it is to have more than enough. In every respect and in all situations, I have been brought into the mystery of how to be content whether well-fed or hungry, whether having plenty or having little.
13 I have strength to face all things in union with the one who gives me strength.
14 In any case, it was very kind of you to share with me in my trials and hardships.
15 You yourselves know just as I do, dear Philippians, that in those days when you first received the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, there wasn’t a single assembly that shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except for you alone.
16 For even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help for my needs more than once.
17 I say these things not because I’m eager for gifts, but because I’m eager to see even more dividends credited to your account.
18 Now here is the receipt for all you’ve given me; I have more than enough. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the provision you sent, which is a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19 And the God whom I serve will use his glorious riches to fully supply you with everything you need in union with Messiah Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever into the ages of the ages. Amen.
“Please Give My Greetings”
21 Please give my greetings to each of the Lord’s holy people in union with Messiah Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings to you.
22 All the Lord’s holy people greet you, especially those in the Emperor’s service.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus the Messiah be with your spirit.