Bible / Philippians

Philippians 4

World English Bible, Catholic edition, in plain modern English. About the translations

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

2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord.

3 Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!”

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. CCC

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

8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. CCC

9 Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.

12 I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

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

14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.

15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.

17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. Fathers

18 But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. Fathers

19 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.

22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

This chapter in the Catechism and the early Church

Where the Catechism of the Catholic Church cites these verses (from its footnotes on vatican.va), and where the earliest Church Fathers quote them (Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, public domain). Short quotes only; follow the links for the full text.

  1. Read the Catechism
    • CCC 2633 “When we share in God's saving love, we understand that every need can become the object of petition. Christ, who assumed all…”
  2. Read the Catechism
    • CCC 2633 “When we share in God's saving love, we understand that every need can become the object of petition. Christ, who assumed all…”
  3. Read the Catechism
    • CCC 1803 “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any…”
  4. Read the Catechism
    • CCC 273 “Only faith can embrace the mysterious ways of God's almighty power. This faith glories in its weaknesses in order to draw to…”
    • CCC 1460 “The penance the confessor imposes must take into account the penitent's personal situation and must seek his spiritual good. It must correspond…”
  5. Read the Fathers
    • “… the Levites shall have no part in the whole tribe of Levi, nor substance with Israel; their substance is the offerings (fructifications) of the Lord: these shall they eat." Wherefore also Paul says, "I do not seek after a gift, but I seek after fruit.”

      Quoted in Against Heresies, Book IV, St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. AD 180), Chapter VIII. Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1

  6. Read the Fathers
    • “As Paul also says to the Philippians, "I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that were sent from you, the odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God.”

      Quoted in Against Heresies, Book IV, St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. AD 180), Chapter XVIII. Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1