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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 Wisdom of Solomon 2:19 and Philippians 4:5

Deuterocanon · New Testament

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Summary

The Wisdom of Solomon describes the wicked plotting to test the righteous man with insult and torture, to see how gentle he is. Paul tells the Philippians to let their gentleness be known to all, echoing this language.

Passages

Wisdom of Solomon 2:19

Deuterocanon
18 For if the righteous man is God’s son, he will uphold him, and he will deliver him out of the hand of his adversaries. 19 Let’s test him with insult and torture, that we may find out how gentle he is, and test his patience. 20 Let’s condemn him to a shameful death, for he will be protected, according to his words.”
50 BCE – 50 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in the Wisdom of Solomon

Philippians 4:5

New Testament
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

References

... Philippians 1.28; 4.5. In the midst of the depiction in Wisdom of Solomon 2.12–5.13 of the righteous child of God, persecuted and put to death by the godless but raised to life by God, the wicked express their intention to persecute God’s child "that we may know his gentleness" (ἵνα γνῶμεν τὴν ἐπιείκειαν αὐτοῦ, Wisdom of Solomon 2.19). In Philippians 4.5, Paul’s command τὸ ἐπιεικὲς ὑμῶν γνωσθήτω πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ("let your gentleness be known to all people") introduces a clear intertextual allusion to this persecuted righteous figure of Wisdom. The obvious nature of the allusion in Philippians 4.5 renders it highly likely that also in Philippians 1.28, where the Philippians’ fearless testimony to the gospel is a proof to the opponents of their destruction (ἀπωλείας), but of the Philippians’ salvation (σωτηρίας), Paul’s language again recalls the righteous one of Wisdom of Solomon 2.12–5.13, whose persecution and death (Wisdom of Solomon 2.12-20) results in the destruction of his persecutors (ἀπωλείας, 5.7), but his salvation (σωτηρίας, 5.2) ...
James Ware, “‘The Word of Life’: Resurrection and Mission in Philippians,” in Paul as Missionary: Identity, Activity, Theology, and Practice, ed. Trevor J. Burke and Brian S. Rosner (London: T&T Clark International, 2011), 217.

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Wisdom of Solomon 2:19 and Philippians 4:5

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