Read Philippians 4 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Greek Testament does not contain paragraph markers.
The Chiastic structure:
When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, he was under house arrest in Rome, waiting to have his case heard by Caesar. It was why he couldn’t go to the Philippians themselves, but needed to send Timothy or Epaphroditus in his place. So then how could he say that he does not speak from want (falling short in any needed thing)?
Because he has learned to be content whether his circumstances are good or bad, whether he lacks or abounds.
To be contented is to be satisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation, not needing more (Webster’s). I suggest then, that to be contentious is to be dissatisfied with one’s possessions, status, or situation. The contentious woman’s dissatisfaction is at the root of her arguments and quarrels (Pro 27:15-16).
One woman is satisfied with the content of her life, so she is content. Another woman is dissatisfied with the content of her life, so she is contentious. But here is the rub: satisfaction and dissatisfaction have nothing to do with the content of a life!
When we acknowledge the content of our lives as gifts from our loving Father’s hands, He who has sovereignty over possessions, status, and situation, and receive His gifts and His sovereignty with gratitude, then we have learned the secret to contentment.
Paul adds that he can do all things through the One who strengthens him. He can be brought low, he can abound; he can be full, he can be hungry; because Messiah Yeshua strengthens him (increases his power physically, mentally, in substance or influence) in whatever circumstance he is in. And, Messiah Yeshua is enough.
If there are questions these are good resources:
The Keys to Contentment, part one, part two, part three, part four – Christine Miller
Ma’owz, “Stronghold,” Strong’s H4581 – Christine Miller
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