Philippians 4:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 4:20
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Chapter Context
Philippians 4 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of obedience, love, sacrifice. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-23: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 4:20
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Analysis
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen (τῷ δὲ θεῷ καὶ πατρὶ ἡμῶν ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων· ἀμήν, tō de theō kai patri hēmōn hē doxa eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn; amēn)—Tō theō kai patri hēmōn ("to God and our Father")—doxology directed to God as Father. Hē doxa ("the glory")—ultimate purpose. Eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn ("unto the ages of ages," eternal duration). Amēn ("so be it," Hebrew affirmation). This doxology concludes the body of the letter before final greetings (vv. 21-23). Paul's consistent pattern: redirect praise to God. Everything—his ministry, their generosity, divine provision—serves one end: God's eternal glory. This echoes 2:11 (Christ-hymn climax) and threads through Philippians: all is for God's glory.
Historical Context
Doxologies (glory-ascriptions) were common Jewish and Christian worship forms (Rom 11:36, 16:27; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 1:17; Heb 13:21; 1 Pet 4:11; 2 Pet 3:18; Rev 1:6). They climax theological sections by orienting all toward God's praise. 'Forever and ever' (lit. 'ages of ages') is Hebraic superlative expressing eternity. Early Christians worshiped God and Christ with equal doxologies (2 Tim 4:18; 2 Pet 3:18; Rev 1:5-6), affirming Christ's deity. Paul's doxology here crowns Philippians' theme: joy and partnership exist for God's eternal glory.
Reflection
- How does directing 'glory' (doxa) to God forever shape your daily priorities?
- What in your life currently glorifies God versus seeking self-glory?
- How can you cultivate doxological living—orienting everything toward God's eternal praise?
Word Studies
- Glory: δόξα (Doxa) G1391 - Glory, majesty, splendor
Cross-References
- Glory: Philippians 1:11, Psalms 72:19, 115:1, Romans 11:36, Ephesians 3:21, Jude 1:25