Catholic Commentary on Philippians 4

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Rejoice in the Lord always. Paul repeats it: again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The Catechism identifies this as the programme of Christian prayer in the face of anxiety: bring everything to God with thanksgiving, and receive in return not necessarily the answer you asked for but the peace that stands guard over the heart regardless of the answer (CCC 2633).

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. The discipline of the mind is an act of worship: what we choose to dwell on shapes what we become. Paul's instruction is not to ignore evil but to fill the mind so completely with what is excellent and praiseworthy that there is less room for what corrupts.

The Secret of Contentment

Paul has learned to be content in all circumstances, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. The verse is often extracted from context and used as a general confidence booster. In context it is a statement about contentment: Paul can endure every condition, abundant or deprived, because Christ strengthens him in each. The Catechism identifies Christian contentment as a participation in the divine sufficiency: the one who has Christ has enough, in every circumstance (CCC 2550).

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, the peace of God that transcends all understanding is given in exchange for the anxiety you bring to him in prayer. You do not receive it by being calm enough to deserve it. You receive it by bringing the anxiety to God, with thanksgiving even for what you do not yet understand, and trusting him with it. The transaction is simple. The anxiety is real. Bring it. The peace that passes understanding is waiting on the other side of prayer.

Prayer

Lord God, in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving we present our requests to you. Guard our hearts and minds with your peace that transcends all understanding. Teach us contentment in every circumstance through Christ who strengthens us. And fill our minds with all that is true and noble and right and pure and lovely. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

4
Rejoice in the Lord
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
 
2 I urge Euodia and Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow,* 4:3 Or I ask you, loyal Syzygus to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
 
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near.
 
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The Generosity of the Philippians
(2 Corinthians 8:1–15)
 
10 Now I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.† 4:13 NA, SBL, NE, and WH in the One who gives me strength. BYZ and TR in Christ who gives me strength.
 
14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. 15 And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. 16 For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.
 
17 Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 18 I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
 
19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
(Ephesians 6:21–24; 2 Timothy 4:19–22)
 
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus.
 
The brothers who are with me send you greetings.
 
22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar.
 
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.‡ 4:23 BYZ and TR include Amen.

*4:3 4:3 Or I ask you, loyal Syzygus

†4:13 4:13 NA, SBL, NE, and WH in the One who gives me strength. BYZ and TR in Christ who gives me strength.

‡4:23 4:23 BYZ and TR include Amen.

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