¶ Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, [my] dearly beloved.
Therefore {G5620}, my {G3450} brethren {G80} dearly beloved {G27} and {G2532} longed for {G1973}, my {G3450} joy {G5479} and {G2532} crown {G4735}, so {G3779} stand fast {G4739} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, my dearly beloved {G27}.
So, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and my crown, my dear friends, keep standing firm in union with the Lord.
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.
Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.
-
Philippians 1:27
¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; -
1 Corinthians 16:13
¶ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. -
Philippians 2:16
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. -
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. -
1 Corinthians 15:58
¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. -
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. -
John 15:4
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Philippians 4:1 opens the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians with a powerful and affectionate exhortation. It serves as a direct continuation and summary of the themes developed in chapter 3, urging the believers to remain firm in their faith and commitment to Christ.
Context
The opening word, "Therefore" (Greek: oun), is crucial, linking this verse intrinsically to the preceding chapter. In Philippians 3, Paul passionately describes his own pursuit of Christ, contrasting it with those who rely on human merit or are "enemies of the cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18), whose minds are set on earthly things. Having established the true goal of the Christian life—knowing Christ and attaining the resurrection—Paul now issues a direct command for the Philippian believers to live consistently with this high calling. His warm address reflects his deep personal bond with this particular church, which was known for its generosity and faithfulness.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
Practical Application
For believers today, Philippians 4:1 serves as a timeless call to spiritual stability. It reminds us: