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Advent · Third Sunday in Advent · Year C

Philippians 4:4-7

Exhortations

December 12, 2027

Young Woman Praying, Jean-Jacques Henner
Young Woman Praying, Jean-Jacques Henner, late 19th centuryThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
A young woman with red hair, seen in profile against a dark ground, joins her hands in quiet prayer.Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.Jean-Jacques HennerAn Alsatian painter in Paris, famous for his softly lit figures emerging from deep shadow.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New YorkThe Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, one of the largest art museums in the world.The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
LSB Three-Year Lectionary
GospelLuke 7:18-28Lk 7:18-28
EpistlePhil. 4:4-7Phil 4:4-7
Old TestamentZeph. 3:14-20Zep 3:14-20
PsalterPs. 85Ps 85

Overview & Insights

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Fresh Plea for Unity Two members of the church are begged by name to reach a common mind as fellow Christians, and another of Paul’s co-workers is urged to help them in this regard.

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Take it further: Philippians 4:4-7

Commentary

Philippians 4:4-7Phil 4:4-7 Working Preacher

The Lutheran home voice on this exact Advent 3 Epistle passage.

Philippians 4Phil 4 Enduring Word · David Guzik

A verse by verse evangelical commentary on rejoicing, gentleness, and the peace that guards the heart.

Classic commentaries on Philippians 4:4Classic commentaries on Phil 4:4 BibleHub

A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, and other historic commentators on this verse.

Philippians 4, Barnes' NotesPhil 4, Barnes' Notes StudyLight

Albert Barnes' notes on Paul's call to rejoicing and freedom from anxiety.

Background & Word Study

Philippians 4 interlinearPhil 4 interlinear BibleHub

The Greek text of Philippians 4 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.

PhilippiansPhil BibleProject

An animated overview of Paul's letter of joy and partnership in the gospel.

The Church Fathers

Philippians 4, patristic commentaryPhil 4, patristic commentary Catena

A verse linked catena gathering patristic comment on Philippians 4.

Questions preachers ask

What is the peace that guards the heart?

Paul tells the Philippians to pray rather than worry, and “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (4:6–7). He ends with a call to fill the mind with what is true and lovely.

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