Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
And the peace of God
The phrase "the peace of God" refers to a divine tranquility that surpasses human understanding. In the Greek, "peace" is "eirēnē," which implies a state of rest and harmony. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound sense of well-being and wholeness that comes from God Himself. Historically, peace was a rare commodity in the tumultuous times of the early church, making this promise particularly poignant. Theologically, it signifies a peace that is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereignty and love, transcending circumstances.

which surpasses all understanding
This part of the verse emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of God's peace. The Greek word for "surpasses" is "huperechō," meaning to rise above or exceed. This peace is beyond human logic or reasoning, suggesting that it is a supernatural gift. In a world that often seeks understanding through reason and evidence, this peace defies explanation and is a testament to the divine nature of God's provision. It is a peace that believers experience even when situations seem dire or chaotic.

will guard your hearts and your minds
The imagery here is of a military guard, with the Greek word "phroureō" meaning to protect or keep watch over. This suggests an active, vigilant protection over the believer's inner life. In the historical context of Philippi, a Roman colony with a strong military presence, this metaphor would resonate deeply. The heart and mind are the centers of emotion and thought, respectively, and this divine peace acts as a sentinel, safeguarding them from anxiety and fear.

in Christ Jesus
The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is central to understanding the source and means of this peace. It is through a relationship with Christ that believers access this divine peace. Theologically, being "in Christ" signifies union with Him, a foundational concept in Pauline theology. This union is the basis for all spiritual blessings, including peace. Historically, the early Christians faced persecution and trials, and their identity in Christ provided them with the strength and peace to endure. This peace is not self-generated but is a result of being anchored in the unchanging nature of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Philippians, writing from prison, encouraging the church in Philippi.

2. Philippi
A city in Macedonia, where the first European church was established by Paul.

3. The Philippian Church
The recipients of the letter, known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel.

4. Christ Jesus
Central to the message, as the peace of God is found in Him.

5. Roman Guard Imagery
Paul uses the imagery of a guard, likely influenced by his imprisonment, to describe how God's peace protects believers.
Teaching Points
Understanding God's Peace
God's peace is not dependent on circumstances but is a divine assurance that transcends human understanding.

Guarding Hearts and Minds
Just as a Roman guard protects, God's peace actively guards our inner being against anxiety and fear.

In Christ Jesus
The peace of God is accessible only through a relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of abiding in Him.

Surpassing Understanding
This peace is beyond human logic and reasoning, inviting believers to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Practical Steps to Experience Peace
Engage in prayer and thanksgiving as outlined in Philippians 4:6, which precedes the promise of peace.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the historical context of Paul's imprisonment enhance our appreciation of his message about peace in Philippians 4:7?

2. In what ways can the peace of God act as a guard over your heart and mind in today's world?

3. How does the peace that Jesus offers in John 14:27 compare to the peace described in Philippians 4:7?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's peace that surpassed your understanding. What were the circumstances, and how did it impact your faith?

5. How can you practically apply the principles of Philippians 4:6-7 in your daily life to cultivate a deeper sense of God's peace?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 14:27
Jesus speaks of giving His peace, not as the world gives, which aligns with the peace of God mentioned in Philippians 4:7.

Isaiah 26:3
Speaks of perfect peace for those whose minds are steadfast, connecting to the guarding of hearts and minds.

Colossians 3:15
Encourages letting the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, similar to the guarding aspect in Philippians.

Romans 5:1
Discusses peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, foundational to understanding the peace of God.

Ephesians 6:10-18
The armor of God, particularly the helmet of salvation, parallels the guarding of the mind.
Characteristics of PeaceG. S. Bowes, B. A.Philippians 4:7
God's PeaceJ. J. S. Bird, M. A.Philippians 4:7
How to Keep the HeartC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:7
Peace ProtectingH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:7
Peace ProtectiveMatthew Henry.Philippians 4:7
The Divine PeaceT. Binney, LL. D.Philippians 4:7
The Peace of ElevationH. W. BeecherPhilippians 4:7
The Peace of GodC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:7
The Peace of GodBp. W. Boyd Carpenter.Philippians 4:7
The Peace of GodT. Binney, LL. D.Philippians 4:7
The Peace of God a ProtectionDean Vaughan.Philippians 4:7
The Peace of God Keeping the HeartC. Bradley, M. A.Philippians 4:7
The Peace Passing All UnderstandingJ. B. Mozley, D. D.Philippians 4:7
The Peace that is Better than Intellectual SatisfactionW.F. Adeney Philippians 4:7
The Secret of PeaceC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:7
The Warrior PeaceAlexander MaclarenPhilippians 4:7
True and False PeaceDean Vaughan.Philippians 4:7
Various ExhortationsR. Finlayson Philippians 4:1-7
The Life of Joy and PeaceR.M. Edgar Philippians 4:1-9
Afraid of JoyH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:4-8
Amusements in the Light of the GospelDr. Colborne.Philippians 4:4-8
Christian CheerfulnessJ. F. B. Tinling, B. A.Philippians 4:4-8
Christian JoyS. Martin.Philippians 4:4-8
Christian RejoicingC. Girdlestone, M. A.Philippians 4:4-8
Christian RejoicingDean Vaughan.Philippians 4:4-8
Christians Joyful in the LordCanon Chamneys.Philippians 4:4-8
Christ's NearnessMarcus Rainsford.Philippians 4:4-8
Constant Joy in God the Duty of ChristiansN. Emmons, D. D.Philippians 4:4-8
JoyWeekly PulpitPhilippians 4:4-8
Joy a DutyPhilippians 4:4-8
Means of Christian JoyH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:4-8
No Joy in HeathenismH. J. W. Buxton, M. A.Philippians 4:4-8
No Joy in Infidelity or WorldlinessS. Martin.Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoicing in ChristR. J. McGhee, A. M.Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoicing in GodW. Nevins, D. D.Philippians 4:4-8
Spiritual MindednessC. J. Deems, D. D.Philippians 4:4-8
Sunshine: a Talk for Happy TimesMark Guy Pearse.Philippians 4:4-8
The Christian's JoyCanon Liddon.Philippians 4:4-8
The Duty of RejoicingH. Melvill, B. D.Philippians 4:4-8
The Happiness of ReligionPhilippians 4:4-8
The Motive for RejoicingJ. Hutchison, D. D.Philippians 4:4-8
The Oil of JoyT. L. Nye.Philippians 4:4-8
The Sphere of Christian JoyCanon Liddon.Philippians 4:4-8
Three Elements of Christian CharacterJ. J. Goadby.Philippians 4:4-8
Uninterrupted Christian JoyH. Melvill, B. D., C. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:4-8
Why Christians are not JoyfulH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:4-8
A Cure for CareT. Croskery Philippians 4:6, 7
A Short Line BestH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:6-7
AnxietyDean Vaughan.Philippians 4:6-7
Be Careful for NothingThomas Spurgeon.Philippians 4:6-7
Be Careful for NothingHarry Jones, M. A.Philippians 4:6-7
CareW. M. Punshon, LL. D.Philippians 4:6-7
CarefulnessCanon Miller.Philippians 4:6-7
Casting Care on GodJ. L. Nye.Philippians 4:6-7
Day of ThanksgivingJ. L. Nye.Philippians 4:6-7
God's PeaceV. Hutton Philippians 4:6, 7
Peace by Tower and Power by PrayerJ. P. Barnett.Philippians 4:6-7
Pray About Little ThingsPhilippians 4:6-7
Prayer Perfumed with PraiseC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer with ThanksgivingW. Arnot, D. D.Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer with ThanksgivingW. Arnot, D. D.Philippians 4:6-7
Preaching and PracticePhilippians 4:6-7
Prevalence of ThanksgivingC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:6-7
Submission Involved in Prayer and ThanksgivingC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:6-7
Thanksgiving the Ornament of PrayerC. H. Spurgeon.Philippians 4:6-7
The Cares of Life not to be Unduly AnticipatedH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:6-7
The Ideal ManhoodH. W. Beecher.Philippians 4:6-7
The Prayer of FaithJ. Baldwin Brown, B. A.Philippians 4:6-7
Trust in God the Secret of HappinessPhilippians 4:6-7
Trusting God in Little ThingsW. Arnot, D. D.Philippians 4:6-7
Universal PrayerHarry Jones, M. A.Philippians 4:6-7
We May Pray AlwaysPhilippians 4:6-7
Divine PeaceD. Thomas Philippians 4:7, 8
People
Clement, Epaphroditus, Euodias, Paul, Philippians, Syntyche
Places
Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica
Topics
Christ, Comprehension, Deeper, Garrison, Guard, Hearts, Minds, Passes, Passeth, Peace, Powers, Surpasses, Surpassing, Thoughts, Transcends, Understanding, Union
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Philippians 4:7

     1330   God, the provider
     5017   heart, renewal
     5038   mind, the human
     5330   guard
     5480   protection
     5490   refuge
     5566   suffering, encouragements in
     7438   sanctuary
     8117   discipleship, benefits
     8322   perfection, human

Philippians 4:4-7

     5805   comfort
     8435   giving, of oneself

Philippians 4:4-9

     5467   promises, divine

Philippians 4:6-7

     5057   rest, physical
     5831   depression
     8486   spiritual warfare, armour
     8849   worry

Philippians 4:6-8

     5334   health

Philippians 4:6-9

     6705   peace, experience

Library
November 24. "I Can do all Things through Christ" (Phil. Iv. 13).
"I can do all things through Christ" (Phil. iv. 13). A dear sister said one day: "I have so much work to do that I have not time to get strength to do it by waiting on the Lord." Surely that was making bricks without straw, and even if it was the name of the Lord and the church, it was the devil's bondage. God sends not His servants on their own charges; but "He is able to make all grace abound towards us, that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound unto every good work." The
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 24. "And Again I Say, Rejoice" (Phil. Iv. 4).
"And again I say, rejoice" (Phil. iv. 4). It is a good thing to rejoice in the Lord. Perhaps you found the first dose ineffectual. Keep on with your medicine, and when you cannot feel any joy, when there is no spring, and no seeming comfort and encouragement, still rejoice, and count it all joy. Even when you fall into divers temptations, reckon it joy, and delight, and God will make your reckoning good. Do you suppose your Father will let you carry the banner of His victory and His gladness on to
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

August 24. "Let Your Moderation be Known unto all Men" (Phil. Iv. 5).
"Let your moderation be known unto all men" (Phil. iv. 5). The very test of consecration is our willingness not only to surrender the things that are wrong, but to surrender our rights, to be willing to be subject. When God begins to subdue a soul, He often requires us to yield the things that are of little importance in themselves, and thus break our neck and subdue our spirit. No Christian worker can ever be used of God until the proud self-will is broken, and the heart is ready to yield to God's
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 26. "Be Careful for Nothing; but in Everything by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving Let Your Requests be Made Known unto God" (Phil. Iv. 6).
"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. iv. 6). Commit means to hand over, to trust wholly to another. So, if we give our trials to Him, He will carry them. If we walk in righteousness He will carry us through. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time." There are two hands there--God's hand pressing us down, humbling us, and then God's hand lifting
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

December 17. "Be Careful for Nothing" (Phil. Iv. 6).
"Be careful for nothing" (Phil. iv. 6). What is the way to lay your burden down? "Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." That is the way to take His burden up. You will find that His burden is always light. Yours is a very heavy one. Happy day if you have exchanged burdens and laid down your loads at His blessed feet to take up His own instead. God wants to rest His workers,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

March 10. "The Peace of God which Passeth all Understanding Shall Keep Your Hearts and Minds" (Phil. Iv. 7).
"The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds" (Phil. iv. 7). It is not peace with God, but the peace of God. "The peace that passes all understanding" is the very breath of God in the soul. He alone is able to keep it, and He can so keep it that "nothing shall offend us." Beloved, are you there? God's rest did not come till after His work was over, and ours will not. We begin our Christian life by working, trying and struggling in the energy of the flesh to save
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

A Tender Exhortation
'Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.'--PHIL. iv. 1. The words I have chosen set forth very simply and beautifully the bond which knit Paul and these Philippian Christians together, and the chief desire which his Apostolic love had for them. I venture to apply them to ourselves, and I speak now especially to the members of my own church and congregation. I. Let us note, then, first, the personal bond which gives force
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Names in the Book of Life
'Other my fellow-labourers whose names are in the book of life.'--PHIL. iv. 3. Paul was as gentle as he was strong. Winsome courtesy and delicate considerateness lay in his character, in beautiful union with fiery impetuosity and undaunted tenacity of conviction. We have here a remarkable instance of his quick apprehension of the possible effects of his words, and of his nervous anxiety not to wound even unreasonable susceptibilities. He had had occasion to mention three of his fellow-workers, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rejoice Evermore
'Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, rejoice!'--PHIL. iv. 4. It has been well said that this whole epistle may be summed up in two short sentences: 'I rejoice'; 'Rejoice ye!' The word and the thing crop up in every chapter, like some hidden brook, ever and anon sparkling out into the sunshine from beneath the shadows. This continual refrain of gladness is all the more remarkable if we remember the Apostle's circumstances. The letter shows him to us as a prisoner, dependent on Christian charity
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Warrior Peace
'The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.'--PHIL. iv. 7. The great Mosque of Constantinople was once a Christian church, dedicated to the Holy Wisdom. Over its western portal may still be read, graven on a brazen plate, the words, 'Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' For four hundred years noisy crowds have fought, and sorrowed, and fretted, beneath the dim inscription in an unknown tongue;
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Think on These Things
' . . . Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.'--PHIL. iv. 8. I am half afraid that some of you may think, as I have at times thought, that I am too old to preach to the young. You would probably listen with more attention to one less remote from you in years, and may be disposed to
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How to Obey an Impossible Injunction
'Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.'--PHIL. iv. 6. It is easy for prosperous people, who have nothing to trouble them, to give good advices to suffering hearts; and these are generally as futile as they are easy. But who was he who here said to the Church at Philippi, 'Be careful for nothing?' A prisoner in a Roman prison; and when Rome fixed its claws it did not usually let go without drawing blood.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Farewell Words
'Now unto our God and Father be the glory for ever and ever, Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me salute you. All the saints salute you, especially they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.'--PHIL. iv. 20-23 (R.V.). These closing words fall into three unconnected parts, a doxology, greetings, and a benediction. As in all his letters, the Apostle follows the natural instinct of making his last words loving words.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

How to Say 'thank You'
'But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length ye have revived your thought for me; wherein ye did indeed take thought, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in Him that strengtheneth me. Howbeit
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Gifts Given, Seed Sown
'And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving, but ye only; for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Prayer Perfumed with Praise
The point to which I would draw your attention is this: that whether it be the general prayer or the specific supplication we are to offer either or both "with thanksgiving." We are to pray about everything, and with every prayer we must blend our thanksgivings. Hence it follows that we ought always to be in a thankful condition of heart: since we are to pray without ceasing, and are not to pray without thanksgiving, it is clear that we ought to be always ready to give thanks unto the Lord. We must
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879

How to Keep the Heart
This evening we shall use another figure, distinct from the one used in the morning, of the reservoir. We shall use the figure of a fortress, which is to be kept. And the promise saith that it shall be kept--kept by "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, through Christ Jesus." Inasmuch as the heart is the most important part of man--for out of it are the issues of life--it would be natural to expect that Satan, when he intended to do mischief to manhood, would be sure to make his strongest
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

Contentment
We, my brethren, might well be willing to endure Paul's infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him, if we too might by any means attain unto such a degree of contentment. Do not indulge, any of you, the silly notion that you can be contented without learning, or learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. The very words of the next text might suggest this, even if we did not know it from experience. We need not be taught
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 6: 1860

The Bible the Great Civilizer
(Fourth Sunday in Lent.) PHILIPPIANS iv. 8. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. It may not be easy to see what this text has to do with the story of Joseph, which we have just been reading, or with the meaning of the Bible of which I have been speaking to you
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch

Preface. And as to Christ Thy Lord
Preface. and as to Christ thy Lord, most comely "as the lily among thorns," being his "love among the daughters," Cant. ii. 2. so also, thou, in a special way, art the dearly beloved and longed for, the joy and crown, of every sincere servant of Christ in the gospel, Phil. iv. 1. Thou art, if not the only, yet the chief object of their labours, their work being either to confirm and strengthen thee in thy way, that thou mayest so stand fast in the Lord, or remove impediments, make crooked things
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Christmas Peace
(Sunday before Christmas.) Phil. iv. 4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. This is a glorious text, and one fit to be the key-note of Christmas-day. If we will take it to heart, it will tell us how to keep Christmas-day. St. Paul has been speaking of two good women, who seem to have had some difference; and he beseeches them to make up their difference, and be of the same mind in the Lord. And then he goes on to tell them, and all Christian people, why they should make up their
Charles Kingsley—Town and Country Sermons

Table of Contents
Chapter 1 The Fellowship of Prayer (Philippians 4:6.) Chapter 2 Our Requests Made Known unto God (Philippians 4:6.) Chapter 3 God's Peace Obtained in Answer to Prayer (Philippians 4:6, 7.) Chapter 4 The Praying that Glorifies God (John 14:13.) Chapter 5 Praying without Doubting (Mark 11:23.) Chapter 6 Praying with Desire (Mark 11:24.) Chapter 7 A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer (Acts 4:31.) Chapter 8 The Intercessory Prayers of Christians (Luke 11:5, 6.) Chapter 9 The Three Essentials of
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Worry Versus Peace
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' (Philippians iv. 6, 7.) Before the full bearing and value of these verses can be realized, I think they require to be read several times over. Even if the sentences are read through slowly, just as they stand, a deep sense of blessing and rest steals into
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

Jehovah
"That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most High over all the earth." Among all the names of God perhaps the most comprehensive is the name Jehovah. Cruden describes this name as the incommunicable name of God. The word Jehovah means the self-existing One, the "I am"; and it is generally used as a direct revelation of what God is. In several places an explanatory word is added, revealing some one of His special characteristics; and it is to these that I want particularly
Hannah Whitall Smith—The God of All Comfort

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