ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Philippians 4

Phil. 4:1–23 Concluding Encouragement and Thanksgiving. Paul calls for reconciliation, joyful faith, and disciplined thinking.

Phil. 4:1 Therefore. This transitional verse can be read as either the conclusion to the previous section or the introduction to ch. 4. my joy and crown. The Philippians’ spiritual success would be Paul’s “crowning achievement” (compare 1 Thess. 2:19–20).

Phil. 4:2 Paul does not reveal the source of tension between Euodia and Syntyche. Agree and “being of the same mind” (2:2) translate the same Greek phrase.

Phil. 4:3 true companion. See esv footnote. labored side by side. Compare 1:27, where Paul also encourages unity among those who are “striving side by side” (the same verb used here) for the gospel. In view of first-century culture, Euodia and Syntyche probably ministered mainly among women. The book of life refers to God’s record of those who belong to him (Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28; see Rev. 3:5; 20:12; 15; 21:27).

Phil. 4:5 reasonableness. Seeking what is best for everyone and not just for oneself. The Lord is at hand. Jesus will return as judge and will hold people responsible for their deeds (see James 5:9).

Phil. 4:6–7 do not be anxious. See Matt. 6:25–34.

Phil. 4:8 think about these things. The Philippians must fill their minds with things that inspire worship of God and service to others.

Phil. 4:12–13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. This does not mean God will bless whatever a person does. It means God gives believers the strength to do whatever he asks them to do.

Phil. 4:14–16 The Philippians share in Paul’s ministry by offering financial support (see note on 1:3–5). They contributed to his work after he had left Macedonia (4:15) and when he was nearby in Thessalonica (v. 16; see Acts 17:1).

Phil. 4:17 Paul reminds the Philippians that even his acceptance of their financial gifts is ultimately for their benefit. Likely using a business image, he seeks the fruit that increases to your credit (see esv footnote: “the profit that accrues to your account”). God sees their sacrifice and is pleased.

Phil. 4:18 The Philippians’ gift is a fragrant offering (see Ex. 29:18; Lev. 4:31) and a sacrifice acceptable to God. While Christ has replaced the offerings of the OT system, the principle of costly devotion to God remains.

Phil. 4:21–22 The call to greet every saint shows the personal nature of Paul’s letter. Caesar’s household could refer to the “royal family” and to anyone connected with the emperor’s service, such as soldiers, slaves, or freedmen. It is likely that some of the latter group had responded positively to Paul’s message. There is no evidence that the emperor’s actual family were believers at this point.