Philippians 4:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me — practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

NIV: 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.

NASB: As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

CSB: Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

NLT: Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me — everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

KJV: Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

NKJV: The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Paul offers four ways in which he had offered teachings for his readers to follow. First, he referred to following the teachings he had given them in the past, prior to the writing of this letter. These are most likely the thoughts and ideas Paul himself had developed during his ministry.

Second, they are to follow what they had "received" from him. This probably also refers to Paul's teachings, with an emphasis on oral lessons and personal interaction. It is also likely a reference to ideas Paul had received from the Lord and perhaps the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:1–5), and in turn given to others.

Third, they are to follow what they had heard from Paul. Again, this likely included both his written and oral teachings. These would all have been considered equally authoritative.

Fourth, they are to follow what they had seen in Paul. Paul's example served as a living teaching tool to the Philippian believers. Previously, Paul had specifically asked his readers to mimic his approach (Philippians 3:17).

As usual, Paul's instructions are not merely meant to be known, or agreed to. They are meant to be put into action. The use of the Greek word prassete implies an ongoing, daily effort. This is not a one-time attempt or short-term effort to follow God. Those who followed Paul's advice can experience the incredible peace that comes from fellowship with God. Paul also uses the title "God of peace" in Romans 15:33; 16:20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The only other place this phrase is found in the New Testament is Hebrews 13:20.

Philippians 4:2–9 is Paul's appeal to the Philippian Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul's advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. The result of that emphasis ought to be an attitude of ''reasonableness,'' seen by all people. With a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.

Paul specifically asks two Christian women, Euodia and Syntyche, to settle their personal dispute. Other Christians are encouraged to act as reasonable, Christ-filled people. Paul notes that his experiences have taught him to be content with whatever material blessings he has. This reliance on the power of Christ not only allows believers to be content, it produces peace in our relationships to other Christians. This also requires a deliberate choice to set our attention on positive things. Paul extends sincere thanks to the Philippians for their generous support.

After putting suffering and hardship into perspective in the previous three chapters, Paul now gives specific thanks to the Philippians for their support and generosity. Prior passages in this letter have explained concepts like humility and hope, as well as a focus on Christ. Positive attitudes, and beneficial thinking, are especially important. In this concluding section, Paul calls on the Philippians to act with ''reasonableness,'' especially as they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is confident that God will bless these faithful Christians for their generous support.

Philippians is Paul's discussion of living the Christian life. In this letter to the church of Philippi, Paul highlights themes such as joy and glory. He also puts great emphasis on how a Christian's thinking—their attitude—affects the way they live out their faith. Paul is very thankful for the support of the Philippian church, but is also concerned about the influence of various false teachers. This letter is less theological than most of his other writings, and more practical.