Bible / Philippians
Philippians 4
Douay-Rheims Bible, Challoner revision (1749–1752), the traditional Catholic English Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate. If you read a modern Bible, this is the same Scripture in older English; some names are spelled differently (Cesarea for Caesarea, Apocalypse for Revelation). About this translation
1 Therefore my dearly beloved brethren and most desired, my joy and my crown: so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
2 I beg of Evodia and I beseech Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord.
3 And I entreat thee also, my sincere companion, help those women who have laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement and the rest of my fellow labourers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: again, I say, rejoice.
5 Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh.
6 Be nothing solicitous: but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. CCC
7 And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. CCC
8 For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline: think on these things. CCC
9 The things which you have both learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do ye: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 Now I rejoice in the Lord exceedingly that now at length your thought for me hath flourished again, as you did also think; but you were busied.
11 I speak not as it were for want. For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be content therewith.
12 I know both how to be brought low, and I know how to abound (every where and in all things I am instructed): both to be full and to be hungry: both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me. CCC
14 Nevertheless, you have done well in communicating to my tribulation.
15 And you also know, O Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only.
16 For unto Thessalonica also you sent once and again for my use.
17 Not that I seek the gift: but I seek the fruit that may abound to your account. Fathers
18 But I have all and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things you sent, an odour of sweetness, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Fathers
19 And may my God supply all your want, according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to God and our Father be glory, world without end. Amen.
21 Salute ye every saint in Christ Jesus.
22 The brethren who are with me salute you. All the saints salute you: especially they that are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
This chapter in the Catechism and the early Church
Where the Catechism of the Catholic Church cites these verses (from its footnotes on vatican.va), and where the earliest Church Fathers quote them (Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, public domain). Short quotes only; follow the links for the full text.
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- CCC 2633 “When we share in God's saving love, we understand that every need can become the object of petition. Christ, who assumed all…”
Read the Catechism
- CCC 2633 “When we share in God's saving love, we understand that every need can become the object of petition. Christ, who assumed all…”
Read the Catechism
- CCC 1803 “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any…”
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Read the Fathers
“… the Levites shall have no part in the whole tribe of Levi, nor substance with Israel; their substance is the offerings (fructifications) of the Lord: these shall they eat." Wherefore also Paul says, "I do not seek after a gift, but I seek after fruit.”
Quoted in Against Heresies, Book IV, St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. AD 180), Chapter VIII. Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1
Read the Fathers
“As Paul also says to the Philippians, "I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that were sent from you, the odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, pleasing to God.”
Quoted in Against Heresies, Book IV, St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. AD 180), Chapter XVIII. Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1
A modern English Catholic translation will be added once its publisher grants permission.