# Reading the Bible in context: a lesson from Philippians 4

> Philippians 4:6–7 is a letter, not a slogan. Paul wrote it to a church he loved while he was himself in custody, so its call to bring every worry to God in prayer comes from someone who was not living an easy life.

> Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
> — Philippians 4:6 (King James Version)

> And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
> — Philippians 4:7 (King James Version)

## Start with the whole letter

Philippians is a letter from the apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a city in Macedonia. It is short enough to read in one sitting. Before you dwell on a single verse, read the four chapters once, the way the first listeners would have heard them: from beginning to end.

## Notice where the writer is

Early in the letter Paul mentions his chains (Philippians 1:12–14). He is writing while held in custody. That detail matters. The invitation in chapter 4 not to be anxious, but to bring every request to God with thanksgiving, is not written from a comfortable distance. It comes from someone whose own future was uncertain.

## Read the verses around it

Chapter 4 also speaks of rejoicing, gentleness and the nearness of the Lord, and it goes on to describe the kind of things worth thinking about. Read verses 4 to 9 together. The promise of peace that guards the heart and mind sits inside a larger picture of a community learning to pray, to think and to live together.

## Carry one question into your day

Context does not make a verse less personal; it makes it more honest. After reading, ask yourself one question: what would it look like to bring today's concern to God in prayer, with thanks, the way Paul describes? Write it down and return to it tonight.

## Keep reading

You can read [more passages on peace](/en/topics/peace) in the reading room, or open [Psalm 23](/en/read/psalm-23) for another text many people pray when they are worried.

## Sources

- [Philippians 4 (King James Version)](https://api.getbible.net/v2/kjv/50/4.json)
- [Philippians 1:12–14 (King James Version)](https://api.getbible.net/v2/kjv/50/1.json)