Paragraph 4:4–7

This paragraph contrasts with 4:2–3 where Paul talked about arguing. In 4:4–7 he encouraged the Philippian believers to be happy and gentle, to pray and not to worry. He wanted them to experience the peace of God in their hearts and in their Christian community.

4:4

Rejoice in the Lord: This is the same Greek phrase as Paul used in 3:1a. See the note on that verse.

always: Here Paul made the expression “Rejoice in the Lord” stronger. He added the idea of always. He meant for the believers to continue rejoicing as they obeyed the Lord Jesus. They express their joy all the time as they thought about the Lord and all that he had done for them. Even when others persecuted them because they believed in Jesus, they could still be happy because they belonged to God.

I will say it again: Rejoice!: Paul was repeating what he had just said to give it emphasis and to show that it was very important.

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