Paul's Letter To the Philippians

Philippians 1

Paul's Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all of God's holy people in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and helpers: 2 Gracious favor and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always praying with joy, in my every prayer for all of you,

5 Because of your fellowship in the Good News from the first day until now; 6 Being convinced of this very thing, that he who has began a good work in you will carry it out to completion on the day of Christ Jesus. 7 For it's only right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of God's gracious favor. 8 For God is my witness, how I greatly long for all of you with the affection of Jesus Christ. [Literally, intestines: regarded by the Greeks as the seat of intense "passion", and by the Jews as the seat of "tender affection."] 9 And this I pray, that your love may super-abound still more and more in knowledge and all understanding; 10 That you may discern the things that are excellent, so that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, [Literally, to judge in the light of the sun. See John 3:21] 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

The Proclaiming of Christ Brings Rejoicing

12 But I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the things which have happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the Good News; 13 So that it has become apparent to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; [Literally, to shine forth] 14 And the majority of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word fearlessly. 15 Indeed some even proclaim Christ out of jealousy and strife; and some also out of good motives: 16 Indeed the former proclaim Christ out of contention, not from pure motives, in order to suppress me while I am in my chains;  [Or, oppress; Literally, add pressure to] 17 But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News. 18 What then? Moreover in every way Christ is proclaimed, whether in pretense or in truth; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice! 

[Note verses 15-18: "Christ is Proclaimed!" But sadly, this is what is missing in most of our modern gospel presentations today. They tell non-believers almost nothing about Christ. But “How can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?” Romans 10:14]

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For Paul to Live Is Christ

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance, through your prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 According to my intense anticipation and sure expectation, that in nothing I will be put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now Christ will also be magnified in my body whether through life or through death. 

21 Because for me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet which I should choose, I do not know.

23 Because I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to go and be with Christ, which is much better:

24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.

25 And being convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you, for your progress and the joy of your faith,

26 That your boasting in Christ Jesus concerning me may be more abundant, by my coming to you again.

Let Your Manner of Life Be True and Bold

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the Good News about Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear concerning you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one soul, striving together for the faith of the Good News;

28 And not being frightened in anything by your opponents: which for them is an indication of their destruction, but for you of your salvation, and that from God.

29 Because it has been graciously granted to you, on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in him, but also to suffer on his behalf,

30 Having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.

Philippians 2

 Be of One Mind

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender compassions and compassion,

2 Make my joy complete, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mindset;

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit. But rather, in humility of mind, esteem others above yourselves,

4 Let each of you not only look out for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.

The Humility and Exaltation of Christ

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God something to grasp for,

7 But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of human beings. 

8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God has also highly exalted him, and has given him a name which is above every name:

10 So that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Shine as Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always listened obediently, not only in my presence, but now much more so in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 Because it is God who works in you, both to desire and to do according to his good pleasure.

14 Do everything without grumbling and complaining:

15 So that you may become blameless and harmless Children of God, without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world;

16 Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may boast that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain.

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.

18 For this same reason you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Paul Sends Faithful Timothy

19 But I expect in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy to you soon; so that I also may be encouraged when I know your circumstances.

20 Because I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely be concerned about your circumstances.

21 Because everyone seeks after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.

22 But you know his proven character, that like a son with his father, he served with me in sharing the Good News.

23 Therefore I expect to send him now, as soon as I see how it goes with me.

24 But I am confident in the Lord that I myself will also come soon.

Epaphroditus Praised

25 But I considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your apostle, whom you sent to care for my needs.

26 Since he longs for you all, and he was deeply depressed, because you had heard that he was very weak.

27 For indeed he was very weak, to the point of death; but God had compassion on him, and not only on him but also on me, so that I wouldn't have sorrow upon sorrow.

28 Therefore I am more eager to send him, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.

29 Therefore receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold people like him in high esteem:

30 Because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his own life, to supply that which was lacking in your service to me.

Philippians 3

Circumcism Cannot Bring Salvation

1 Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, indeed, is not tedious for me, but for you it is a safeguard.

2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilators:

3 Because we who serve God in Spirit are the circumcision, and boast in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

4 Though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks they may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Paul Gives Up Everything for Christ

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as detriment for the sake of Christ.

8 Indeed, I also count all things loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as dog poop, that I may gain Christ, ["Dog-poop" is the literal meaning of ‘skybala’. So why do translators censor God's Word?]

9 And may be found in him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith,

10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death;

11 If by any means I may attain to the resurrection of the dead.

Press toward that Perfect Goal

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not count myself as having obtained; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this same mindset; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mindset.

Our Citizenship Is in Heaven

17 Brothers and sisters, be co-imitators of me; and note those who so walk, since you have us for an example.

18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their mind on earthly things.)

20 For our community is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ:

21 Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able to put all things in order under himself.

Philippians 4

1 Therefore, my beloved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and my crown, so stand firm in the Lord, beloved.

Let there Be No Strife

2 I urge Euodias, and I urge Syntyche, that they be of the same mindset in the Lord.

3 I also urge you, true comrade, help these women; for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Rejoice in the Lord Always

4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, Rejoice!

5 Let your graciousness be known to all people. The Lord is near!

6 Don't worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Think on these Things

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be anything worthy of praise, meditate on these things.

9 Those things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these do: and the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Philippian Generosity

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in regard to need, because I have learned to be content in whatever state I am in:

12 I know how to live on humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

14 Nevertheless you have done well, that you shared in my distress.

15 But you Philippians also know, that in the beginning of sharing the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation shared with me concerning giving and receiving, except you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again for my necessity.

17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

18 But I have all I need and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

19 And my God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory throughout the ages of eternity. Amen! (Indeed!)

Final Greetings

21 Embrace all of those who are holy in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me embrace you.

22 All of God's holy people embrace you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The gracious favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

Amen! (Indeed!)