1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown (cp. 1 Thess. 2:19,20), so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. (Euodias and Syntyche were both women that worked with Paul in the ministry. Obviously, Paul thought highly of them both.)
3 And I ask you also, true yoke-fellow, help those women since they labored with me in the good news, with Clement also, and with the rest of my fellowlabourers (see 1 Cor. 3:9), whose names are in the book of life. (See Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 20:15; 22:19, and cp. 21:27. The book of life is were church records are kept. Man does not keep those records.)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your forbearance be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. (Why would Paul say, "The Lord is at hand."? This was written almost 2,000 years ago. Paul would pass away not to long after this and be with the Lord.)
6 Be anxious for nothing (Don't worry); but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (God wants you to be content. Remember, this requires action action on your part by fortifying yourself in His Word.)
7 And the peace of God, surpassing every mind (or thought), shall garrison (see 2 Cor. 11:32. Gal. 3:23. 1 Pet. 1:5) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (If you fortify yourself in God's Word, you find true peace of mind. Adversity doesn't shake you up.)
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable (or venerable, grave), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, take account of these things. (Look for those things in your brethren. That isn't to say you should overlook negative things, but we should always look for the good in others.)
9 Those things, which you both learned, and received, and heard, and saw in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
B L1 10. Their past lack.
M1 11-13. Paul's own content.
L2 14. Their well-doing.
M2 15-18. Paul's gratitude.
L3 19.. Their need will be supplied.
M3 20. Paul's ascription.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your thinking on behalf of me has flourished again (lit. you received); on which you were mindful also, but you lacked opportunity. (They lacked the opportunity to show how much they thought of Paul.)
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Cp. 1 Tim. 6:6. Paul was fortified in the Word. Paul had a spirit that was capable of driving negative back.)
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: in every place and in all things I am instructed (lit. have been initiated into the secret) both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (It didn't matter what this flesh life brought Paul's way. He knew that God was in control. If you are fortified in the Word, you know how to be wiser than the serpent. You know Satan's plan and the limitations God has placed him under. You know Christ has given you power over all your enemies, including Satan.)
13 I am strong for all things through Christ which strengthens me.
14 Notwithstanding you have well done, having had fellowship with my affliction.
15 Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me for taking account giving and receiving, except you also, O Philippians know.
16 For even in Thessalonica also you sent once and again (lit. twice. Cp. 1 Thess. 2;18) to my necessity.
17 Not that I seek the gift: but I desire the fruit increasing to your account.
18 But I have all, and abound: I have been filled, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Salute every saint (see Acts 9:13) in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me salute you.
22 All the saints salute you, specially they that are of Caesar's household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.