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Philippians

About this book
Chapter 4

1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends! 2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life.⁠ 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!⁠ 5 Let everyone see your gentleness.⁠ The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.⁠ 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think about these things. 9 And what you learned and received and heard and saw in me, do these things. And the God of peace will be with you. 10 I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance.⁠ 12 I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. 13 I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble. 15 And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. 17 I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. 18 For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.⁠ 19 And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen. 21 Give greetings to all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers with me here send greetings. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Texts in conversation

Compare Philippians 4:3 and Pirkei Avot 2:1

New Testament · Rabbinic

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Summary

Philippians and Rabbinic tradition in Pirkei Avot both refer to a divine book of life, a tradition based on earlier Hebrew Bible and ancient Near Eastern traditions of heavenly tablets that record human deeds or destinies.

Passages

Philippians 4:3

New Testament
1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends! 2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God.
56–63 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in Philippians

Pirkei Avot 2:1

Rabbinic · Mishnah
1 Rabbi said: which is the straight path that a man should choose for himself? One which is an honor to the person adopting it and which brings him honor from others. Be as careful with a light commandment as with a grave one, for you do not know the reward for the fulfillment of the commandments. Weigh the loss incurred by fulfilling a commandment against its reward, and the gain from a transgression against the loss it entails. Apply your mind to three things and you will not come into the clutches of sin: Know what there is above you: an eye that sees, an ear that hears, and all your deeds are written in a book.
190–230 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in Pirkei Avot

References

"... There are several categories of 'books' in Jewish literature. Their origin lies in ancient Egyptian and Babylonian religion. In one book are written all of man's acts, both good and bad (see Isaiah 65:6; Malachi 3:16; Psalm 56:8-9, Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12; Jubilees 3:10; 5:13, 6:29; 30:22; 1 Enoch 47:3; 103:2; 108:7; Pirkei Avot 2:1). There is also the book of life (see Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; 1 Enoch 90:20; Testament of Levi 5:5 'the heavenly tables' [which remind one of the Tablets of Fate seized by Marduk). This book 'contains the secret of the future of the world. It is essentially a question not of reading this book, but of opening it. Once the seals are broken the events begin to occur before the seer's eyes.' The same idea occurs when 'the books' refers to the apocalypses themselves. They are to be made public by the breaking of their seals at the end of time (see Daniel 12:4, 9; 1 Enoch 105:1; 4 Esdras 12:37-38; and Revelation 6:3, 5, 6, 9, 12; 8:1) ..."
André Lacocque, The Book of Daniel (Eugene, OR: Cascade, 2018), 177.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

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Philippians 4:3 and Pirkei Avot 2:1

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