What does Philippians 4:20 mean?

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Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:20

Explanation

Philippians 4:20 is a doxology, a short expression of praise to God, found in the concluding section of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The verse states, “Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” This verse serves as a declaration of praise, recognizing God as the Father and source of all things worthy of glory, not just in the present, but for eternity. It encapsulates the theme of joy and thanksgiving that pervades the letter and directs the recipients’ attention to the ultimate focus of Christian worship and gratitude—God Himself.

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Historical Context

The Epistle to the Philippians, one of Paul’s prison epistles, was written while he was incarcerated, possibly in Rome, around AD 62. The Philippian church had its origins during Paul’s second missionary journey, and it had a special place in his heart due to its faithfulness and support. The letter addresses various issues within the church and encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord, to live humbly, and to remain steadfast in the face of persecution. This doxology is part of Paul’s final greetings and blessings, a common practice in ancient letters serving to reinforce the message and encourage the recipients.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Philippians 4:20 affirms several important doctrines:

The sovereignty of God: “God and our Father” acknowledges God’s authority over all creation.
The eternity of God: The phrase “for ever and ever” speaks to the eternal nature of God.
The glory of God: The concept of giving glory refers to acknowledging and reverencing God’s majesty and holiness. Doxologies like this one are found throughout the New Testament and form a part of the Christian liturgical tradition. They serve to remind believers of the truth of God’s eternal glory and sovereignty, encouraging them to maintain an eternal perspective in their worship and daily lives.

Practical Applications

In terms of practical application, this verse reminds believers today to:

Maintain a posture of praise and thanksgiving to God in all circumstances.
Recognize that all glory belongs to God and orient their lives around His will.
Live with an eternal perspective, understanding that the circumstances of this world are temporary compared to the everlasting nature of God. By repeating such doxologies in personal and corporate worship, individuals and congregations can cultivate a spirit of humility and awe towards God.

Cross-References

Romans 11:36: “For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3:21: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”
1 Timothy 1:17: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:11: “That God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 1:6: “And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for “God” is Θεῷ (Theō), referring to the deity, while “Father” is πατρὶ (patri), a term of relationship denoting God’s paternal nature towards believers. The term for “glory” is δόξα (doxa), which conveys the idea of praise, honor, and divine brightness. The phrase “for ever and ever” is εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας τῶν αἰώνων (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn), a Hebrew-influenced Greek expression denoting “into the ages of the ages,” signifying the concept of eternity.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, including Greek and Roman society, doxologies were also used, often in the context of praising gods or the emperor. In the Jewish tradition, Psalms and other Old Testament texts include numerous doxologies, demonstrating a continuous thread of worshiping the one true God across both testaments. The Philippians would have understood this verse in the context of a contrast between the worship of the emperor as a divine figure and the worship of the one true God.

Scientific Perspectives

While Philippians 4:20 does not directly address scientific subjects, the reference to God’s eternal nature invites reflection on the concept of time from a scientific perspective. Notions of eternity can be contemplated alongside theories of time in physics, such as relativity, the arrow of time, and the potential of a multiverse. These concepts challenge human perception of time and can deepen the appreciation for the biblical assertion of God’s existence beyond the confines of time.

Commentaries

Commentators on this verse typically emphasize its liturgical and devotional aspects. Matthew Henry addresses the eternal nature of God and the importance of acknowledging God’s providential care in all things. John Calvin focuses on the unsearchable depths of God’s glory and encourages believers to strive for a life that glorifies God. Contemporary commentators note the verse’s role in summarizing the central themes of Philippians: joy, peace, and contentment in the Lord, despite circumstances, as well as the call to remember the worshipping community’s ultimate purpose is to glorify God.