Read Philippians 4 at Bible Gateway.
The book of Philippians forms a single chiastic structure. I am still working on the center of the structure; but here is what I have so far:
1a) Phi 1:1-2, Greetings + grace of the Lord Jesus Christ;
1b) Phi 1:3-11, Opening affirmations:
— Phi 1:3-4, Thanksgiving and prayer, making request before God;
— Phi 1:5-8, The Philippians’ fellowship with Paul in the gospel;
— Phi 1:9-11a, Approve the things that are excellent (chiasm);
— Phi 1:11b, To the glory and praise of God;
1c) Phi 1:12-17, Paul’s chains in defense of the gospel known to all men;
1d) Phi 1:18-26, Rejoicing in Christ (chiasm);
1e) Phi 1:27-2:11, Stand fast in one spirit, being like-minded in all humility (chiasm);
2e) Phi 4:1-3, Stand fast in the Lord, helping the women to be of the same mind;
2d) Phi 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice!;
2c) Phi 4:5, Let your gentleness be known to all men, the Lord is at hand;
2b) Phi 4:6-20, Closing admonitions:
— Phi 4:6, Thanksgiving and prayer, making request before God;
— Phi 4:7-9, Meditate on the things which are true and of good report (chiasm);
— Phi 4:10-19, The Philippians’ care in giving to Paul in the gospel;
— Phi 4:20, Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen;
2a) Phi 4:21-23, Greetings + grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The smaller chiasms within the larger one, that form some of the elements, which I have been able to uncover so far, are:
Phi 1:9-11a
1a) Phi 1:9, I pray that your love may abound in knowledge and all discernment;
central axis) Phi 1:10, That you may approve the things that are excellent;
2a) Phi 1:10-11a, Sincere + without offense + filled with the fruit of righteousness until the day of Christ.
Phi 1:18-26
1a) Phi 1:18, Christ preached, whether in pretense or in truth + rejoicing in Christ;
1b) Phi 1:19a, This will turn out for my deliverance;
1c) Phi 1:19b, Through your prayer;
central axis) Phi 1:19c, The supply of the Spirit of Christ;
2c) Phi 1:20a, According to my earnest expectation and hope;
2b) Phi 1:20b, That in nothing I shall be ashamed;
2a) Phi 1:20c-26, Christ magnified, whether by life or by death + rejoicing in Christ.
Phi 1:27-2:11
1a) Phi 1:27-28, The worthy gospel;
1b) Phi 1:29-30, Philippians’ suffering for Christ’s sake;
1c) Phi 2:1-2, Be like- minded in Christ;
1d) Phi 2:3a, Do not do anything through selfish ambition or conceit;
central axis) Phi 2:3b, But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself;
2d) Phi 2:4, Do look out, not only for self interest, but also the interests of others;
2c) Phi 2:5, Have this mind, which was in Christ;
2b) Phi 2:6-8, Christ’s suffering for our sake;
2a) Phi 2:9-11, The worthy Messiah.
Phi 4:7-9
1a) Phi 4:7a, The peace of God which passes understanding;
1b) Phi 4:7b, Will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus;
central axis) Phi 4:8, Whatever things are true and of a good report – meditate on these things;
2b) Phi 4:9a, The things which you learned and saw in me, do;
2a) Phi 4:9b, And the God of peace will be with you.
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