Philippians 4:21
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 4:21
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
Chapter Context
Philippians 4 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, salvation, worship. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 4:21
21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
Analysis
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you (Ἀσπάσασθε πάντα ἅγιον ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ ἀδελφοί, Aspasasthe panta hagion en Christō Iēsou. aspazontai hymas hoi syn emoi adelphoi)—Aspasasthe ("greet, salute")—imperative for Philippians to greet panta hagion ("every saint"). En Christō Iēsou ("in Christ Jesus")—qualifier: those united to Christ. Hoi syn emoi adelphoi ("the brothers with me")—Paul's companions in Rome send greetings. Ancient letters closed with greetings maintaining relational networks. Paul's greetings emphasize Christian community: scattered geographically but united 'in Christ Jesus.' The command to greet 'every' saint stresses inclusion—no factions, no favorites, all are family.
Historical Context
Roman letters typically ended with greetings conveying social ties. Paul Christianizes this: greetings aren't mere courtesy but affirm spiritual kinship. 'Saints' (hagioi) are all believers, not special elite—positional holiness through union with Christ. Paul's Roman companions (possibly including Luke, Timothy, Aristarchus, others from Col 4:10-14) send greetings, demonstrating early Christian networks spanning cities and regions. Churches weren't isolated but interconnected through traveling ministers and letters.
Reflection
- Why does Paul command greeting 'every saint'—what factionalism might this address?
- How do greetings 'in Christ Jesus' differ from mere social pleasantries?
- What Christian communities beyond your local church should you actively maintain greetings with?
Cross-References
- Holy: Philippians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Ephesians 1:1
- Parallel theme: Galatians 1:2