Philippians 4:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

NIV: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

NASB: And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

CSB: And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

NLT: Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

KJV: And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

NKJV: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Those who choose prayer and trust during times of anxiety will experience the "peace of God." This peace offers three important positives. First, God's peace is supernatural and unexplainable. It is truly amazing how God can and will respond during times of difficulty.

Second, God's peace "will guard your hearts." The heart was seen as something to protect at all costs, since it influenced all of life (Proverbs 4:23). Paul held the Philippians believers "in my heart" (Philippians 1:7).

Third, God's peace will guard "your minds in Christ Jesus." This concept is connected with love for God and others (Matthew 22:37–40), as well as unity. Throughout Philippians Paul expresses concern about the unity of the Philippian church, especially in the mind (Philippians 1:27; 2:2, 5). He mentions the mind again this time as a statement that unity in the midst of disagreements requires a mind controlled by God's peace.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 8:55:41 PM