[Note: This is the final part of a 6-part series looking at Paul’s letter to the Philippians.]

In the previous post, we saw that knowing Christ surpasses all other pursuits. Paul shared his testimony of counting everything as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ, and he called the Philippians to press forward toward the goal. Now, as Paul concludes his letter in Phil. 4:2-23, he addresses practical matters: conflict resolution, anxiety, contentment, and partnership in the gospel.

The gospel produces peace, joy, and generous partnership.

Resolving Conflict in the Lord (4:2-3)

Paul begins this final section with a specific and somewhat surprising appeal: “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (4:2-3).

This is the only place in Paul’s letter where he addresses specific individuals by name in connection with a problem.¹ We don’t know what the disagreement between Euodia and Syntyche was about, but it was significant enough for Paul to address it publicly. These were not minor players in the church—they had “labored side by side” with Paul in the gospel. They were co-workers, partners in ministry.

Yet even faithful gospel workers can have conflicts. The gospel doesn’t eliminate disagreements, but it does provide the framework for resolving them. Notice Paul’s language: “agree in the Lord.” He’s not asking them to merely tolerate each other or to agree to disagree. He’s calling them to find unity in their shared relationship with Christ.

Paul also enlists help: “I ask you also, true companion, help these women.” We don’t know who this “true companion” (syzygos) is—perhaps a church leader, perhaps someone else close to the situation. But Paul recognizes that sometimes conflicts need outside help. Gospel unity doesn’t always happen automatically; sometimes it requires intervention, mediation, and assistance from others in the body.

The mention that their “names are in the book of life” is significant. Despite their current conflict, Paul affirms their salvation. They belong to Christ. This reminder may have served to put their disagreement in perspective—whatever they’re fighting about is not worth damaging their relationship or the church’s witness.

The Recipe for Peace (4:4-7)²

Paul then gives a series of rapid-fire commands that serve as a recipe for experiencing God’s peace:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (4:4-7).

Let’s look closely each element:

Rejoice Always (4:4)

Paul has mentioned joy and rejoicing throughout this letter, but here he commands it: “Rejoice in the Lord always.” The key phrase is “in the Lord.” This is not a command to manufacture happiness or to pretend everything is fine. It’s a command to find our joy in Christ, regardless of circumstances. Paul himself exemplifies this—writing from prison, he still rejoices.

The repetition—”again I will say, rejoice”—emphasizes the importance. Joy is not optional; it’s a mark of gospel living.

Be Reasonable (4:5)

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” The word “reasonableness” (epieikēs) can also be translated as gentleness, forbearance, or graciousness. It carries the idea of not insisting on one’s rights, being willing to yield, showing consideration for others. This connects back to the humility Paul emphasized in chapter 2. Gospel people are not harsh, demanding, or contentious; they’re gentle and gracious.

The Lord Is Near (4:5b)

“The Lord is at hand.” The Greek phrase ho kyrios engys is better translated “the Lord is near.” While some interpret this as referring to Christ’s imminent return, the context suggests Paul is emphasizing the Lord’s nearness to us. Notice what follows immediately: instructions about prayer and anxiety. Why can we bring our requests to God instead of being anxious? Because the Lord is near—He is present with us, accessible, ready to hear our prayers. This nearness of the Lord is both a comfort (He’s with us in our struggles) and a summons (we can come to Him with confidence). His presence should shape how we live, reminding us that we’re never alone in our anxieties or conflicts.

Prayer, not Anxiety (4:6)

“Do not be anxious about anything.” This is a command, not a suggestion. But how is this possible? Paul explains:

“But in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Anxiety is meant to drive us to prayer, not to despair. The antidote to worry is not trying harder to stop worrying; it’s bringing our concerns to God. Notice three aspects of prayer mentioned:

• Prayer (proseuchē): General word for prayer
• Supplication (deēsis): Specific requests, petitions for particular needs
• Thanksgiving (eucharistia): Gratitude, even in the midst of need

We’re to pray about “everything”—no concern is too small or too large to bring to God. And we’re to do so “with thanksgiving”—grateful for God’s past faithfulness, trusting His present care, confident in His future provision.

Experience God’s Peace (4:7)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This is the result of following Paul’s instructions. When we rejoice in the Lord, act with reasonableness, remember His presence and return, refuse anxiety, and pray about everything with thanksgiving—God’s peace comes.

This peace “surpasses all understanding”—it doesn’t make logical sense. Circumstances may be difficult, problems may remain unresolved, yet peace pervades. It’s a supernatural peace, a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).

And this peace “will guard” (phrourēsei) our hearts and minds. The word is military—it means to garrison, to keep watch over. God’s peace stands guard over our inner life, protecting us from the chaos of anxiety and fear.

Think on These Things (4:8-9)

Paul continues with instructions about our thought life: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (4:8).

This is a call to mental discipline. We are to control what we dwell on, what occupies our thoughts. Paul lists eight qualities:

• True: What corresponds to reality, what is genuine
• Honorable: What is worthy of respect
• Just: What is right and fair
• Pure: What is morally clean
• Lovely: What is pleasing, attractive
• Commendable: What has a good reputation
• Excellent: What is of high quality
• Praiseworthy: What deserves commendation

The phrase “think about these things” translates the Greek word logizomai, which is far more active than casual thinking. It means to reckon, to calculate, to deliberate carefully, to take inventory. It’s an accounting term—the same word Paul used earlier when he said he “counted” (logizomai) everything as loss for Christ (3:7-8). This is not passive musing or letting thoughts randomly drift through our minds. It’s deliberate, focused consideration. Paul is calling us to actively take stock of our thought patterns, to intentionally direct our mental energy toward what is true, honorable, and pure.

This kind of thinking requires effort. We must consciously choose what we allow our minds to dwell on. We must take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). What we repeatedly think about—what we calculate, reckon, and take inventory of—shapes who we become. If we fill our minds with what is true, honorable, and pure, we’ll become people characterized by those qualities. If we allow our minds to dwell on what is false, shameful, or impure, we’ll become people marked by those things instead.

Paul then returns to his call to imitate him: “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things. And the God of peace will be with you” (4:9). The gospel is both taught and caught. The Philippians have learned doctrine from Paul, but they’ve also observed his life. Now they must practice these things—put them into action.

The promise: “the God of peace will be with you.” Earlier Paul spoke of “the peace of God” (4:7); now he speaks of “the God of peace.” When we live according to gospel principles, we experience not only God’s peace but God’s presence.

Contentment in All Circumstances (4:10-13)

Paul now turns to thank the Philippians for their financial support: “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity” (4:10). Paul is grateful, but he’s careful to explain that his joy is not dependent on their gift: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (4:11-12).

The word “content” (autarkēs) means self-sufficient—but not in the sense of not needing others. Rather, Paul has learned to find sufficiency in Christ regardless of external circumstances. Whether he has much or little, whether circumstances are favorable or difficult, he’s content.

Notice: “I have learned.” Contentment didn’t come naturally to Paul. It was learned through experience, through ups and downs, through plenty and hunger. This is encouraging—contentment is not something we either have or don’t have. It’s something we can learn.

Paul reveals the secret: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:13). This verse is often quoted out of context as a general promise of empowerment. But in context, it’s specifically about contentment. Paul can face any circumstance—poverty or prosperity, abundance or need—because Christ strengthens him. The “all things” refers to the various situations Paul has just described.

Christ is Paul’s sufficiency. When Paul has little, Christ is enough. When Paul has much, Christ is still his treasure. This is true contentment—finding our satisfaction in Christ, not in circumstances.

God’s Supply and Our Generosity (4:14-20)

Paul now commends the Philippians’ generosity: “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again” (4:14-16).

The Philippians were unique. While other churches failed to support Paul financially, the Philippians consistently partnered with him. They sent aid multiple times, even when Paul was in Thessalonica. Their generosity was not a one-time gift but an ongoing pattern.

Paul clarifies his motive: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (4:17). Paul isn’t after their money for his own sake. He’s concerned about their spiritual fruit. Giving is not primarily about meeting the recipient’s need; it’s about the giver’s spiritual growth. Generosity is evidence of gospel transformation.

Paul assures them: “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (4:18). Their gift is not merely financial assistance; it’s worship. Using language from the Old Testament sacrificial system, Paul describes their gift as “a fragrant offering” and “a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” When we give sacrificially to advance the gospel, we’re offering worship to God.

Then comes one of the great promises of Scripture: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (4:19). The Philippians have supplied Paul’s need; now God will supply theirs. Notice it says “every need,” not “every want.” God promises to meet genuine needs, and He does so “according to his riches in glory”—not according to our poverty, but according to His infinite resources.

Paul breaks into doxology: “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (4:20). This is the fitting response to God’s faithful provision—worship and praise.

Final Greetings (4:21-23)

The mention of “Caesar’s household” is remarkable. Even in the emperor’s own household, the gospel had penetrated. This circles back to Paul’s earlier statement that his imprisonment had advanced the gospel (1:12-13). God’s word cannot be chained (2 Tim. 2:9).

Paul’s final words are a blessing: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (4:23). He began with grace (1:2) and ends with grace. From start to finish, the Christian life is lived in and by grace.

Application: Living in the Gospel’s Fruit

What does this final section teach us about gospel living? Three key lessons:

1. The Gospel Creates a Community That Resolves Conflict

Conflict is inevitable, even among faithful believers. But the gospel provides both the motivation and the means to pursue reconciliation. When we remember that we’re all saved by grace, that our names are in the book of life, that we’re united in Christ—it puts our disagreements in perspective.

Are there unresolved conflicts in your life? Is there someone you need to “agree with in the Lord”? Don’t let pride, hurt, or stubbornness prevent gospel unity. Pursue peace. Seek help if needed. Remember what matters most.

2. The Gospel Produces Peace That Defies Circumstances

Paul’s instructions in 4:4-9 are intensely practical. Rejoice always. Be gentle. Don’t worry. Pray about everything. Think on what is true and noble. These aren’t mere platitudes; they’re tested strategies for experiencing God’s peace.

The peace Paul describes is not the absence of problems; it’s the presence of God’s protection over our hearts and minds. It’s peace that doesn’t make sense to the world—peace in prison, peace in poverty, peace in persecution. This is the fruit of the gospel.

What robs you of peace? What causes anxiety? Practice Paul’s instructions: rejoice in the Lord, pray with thanksgiving, control your thought life. And experience the peace that surpasses understanding.

3. The Gospel Cultivates Contentment and Generosity

Paul’s contentment didn’t come from having enough money or favorable circumstances. It came from having Christ. And this contentment freed him to be generous—and to receive generosity—without being controlled by material concerns.

The Philippians’ generosity was worship. They sacrificially gave to advance the gospel, and God promised to supply their needs. This is the cycle of gospel partnership: we give generously, trusting God’s provision; God provides faithfully, enabling continued generosity.

Where is God calling you to greater contentment? Where is He calling you to greater generosity? Are you trusting Christ to be your sufficiency, or are you looking to circumstances, possessions, or security? Are you investing in gospel advancement, or hoarding for yourself?

As we conclude this series on Philippians, we return to where we began: Living out the gospel in the midst of suffering produces an unshakeable joy. Paul has shown us what this looks like:

• Gospel living begins with partnership, prayer, and overflowing love (1:1-11)
• Gospel living embraces hardship as a platform for advancing Christ (1:12-30)
• Gospel living flows from the mind of Christ—self-emptying humility (2:1-30)
• Gospel living treasures Christ above all earthly gain (3:1-4:1)
• Gospel living produces peace, contentment, and generous partnership (4:2-23)

This is not theoretical. Paul wrote from prison. He faced opposition, uncertainty, and hardship. Yet joy permeates every page. Why? Because his life was rooted in the gospel, his identity was in Christ, and his hope was in the God who began a good work and will bring it to completion.

The same gospel that transformed Paul is at work in us. The same Christ who was Paul’s treasure is ours. The same Spirit who strengthened Paul strengthens us. May we, like Paul, live out this gospel with joy—in partnership with others, in the face of suffering, with Christ-like humility, treasuring Jesus above all, and bearing the fruit of peace, contentment, and generosity.

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

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1. Philemon was addressed to a specific individual, but the letter was more an appeal, not a letter addressing specific problems. In addition, Paul writes in the letter to the Colossians, “And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord’” (Col. 4:17). ↩︎
2. For another discussion of this passage, see the blog post, “A Day of Thanksgiving–or Anxiety?”, at https://thegospeltoday.online/the-shepherds-voice/a-day-of-thanksgiving-or-anxiety/. ↩︎