Section 3:1–4:1

The Philippians should follow Paul’s example and trust Christ to make them righteous

Paul told the believers to watch out for those who were teaching that believers must be circumcised. He also warned them against those who were proud of doing evil. He encouraged them to follow his example instead. Paul tried to be like Christ and depended on him alone in order to become righteous.

In both 3:1 and 4:1, Paul talked about being joyful. Therefore, it is possible to consider that 3:1 is an introduction to this section and 4:1 is a summary of this section. However, some English versions consider that 3:1a is the final statement in the previous section and so attach it to the end of chapter 2 (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version). You may want to follow whatever the national language version in your area does here.

Paragraph 3:1a

3:1a

Finally: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Finally is to loipon, which literally means “[for] the rest.” There are different views about what it means here.

(1) Some commentators say that it indicates a change to a new topic and that it is best translated as “furthermore” or “concerning other matters.” For example:

Now then… (God’s Word)
-or-
Whatever happens… (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
And now… (Revised English Bible) (God’s Word, Revised English Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

(2) Other commentators think that it indicates that Paul meant to end his letter at this point. When he changed his mind and began writing about another topic, he left this word in the middle of his letter. (Berean Standard Bible, Good News Translation, Revised Standard Version, New International Version, NET Bible, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation (1). If in your language you have no way to show such a change in topic, you may need to leave to loipon untranslated (as in New Century Version).

my brothers: The term brothers here refers to other Christians, fellow believers, not to literal brothers. You might translate this as “brothers and sisters,” “older and younger siblings” or “relatives.” The term brothers also occurs in 1:12, 3:13, 3:17, 4:1, 4:8. See note on 1:12a.

rejoice in the Lord: The following rephrasings of rejoice in the Lord help to show what it means as well as how you might translate it:

rejoice because of ⌊what⌋ the Lord ⌊has done for you⌋
-or-
be very happy because ⌊you belong to⌋ the Lord

rejoice: The Greek word for rejoice here means “be happy.”

Paragraph 3:1b–4a

Paul told the Philippians to be on their guard against people who called themselves Christians but were teaching that Gentile Christians must become like Jews as well as trusting Christ. Paul made it clear that God saves people because of what Jesus has done for them, not because they obey the Jewish laws.

3:1b

It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again: Paul was saying that he was willing to repeat things the Philippians had heard before. He did not mind doing it, because he knew it was helpful.

the same things: This phrase has been understood as referring to

(1) warnings Paul had given the Philippians earlier, in other letters or when he was with them. Translations that begin a new paragraph at 3:1b are following this interpretation. (New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible)

(2) the commands to rejoice that Paul had given in 2:18 and 3:1. Paul had already talked about rejoicing in 1:18; 2:2; and 2:19. These versions put 3:1a and 3:1b in the same paragraph and begin a new paragraph with 3:2. (Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, NET Bible, Contemporary English Version, New American Standard Bible, New Living Translation (2004))

The first interpretation is recommended (1). Paul here began to discuss again the warnings he had given them earlier and said they were necessary for the spiritual safety of the Philippian believers.

You could translate the phrase the same things as:

the advice I gave you before

3:1c

it is a safeguard for you: This means that if the Philippians listened attentively to Paul’s repeated warnings, they would be protected from false teachers. Paul did not want other people to deceive the believers. He wanted to prevent the Philippians from being confused about what they believed, and he wanted to help them avoid others who would harm them spiritually.

a safeguard: The Greek here is an adjective meaning “safe.” In your language it may be possible to translate it with an adjective describing the warnings as providing safety, or describing the Philippians:

you will be safer (Good News Translation)

Or it may be better to use a noun:

a protection (New Jerusalem Bible)

Or a verb:

protect

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