Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to Philippians · About this commentary
Be Anxious for Nothing
Philippians 4:6-7
6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. · WEB
The alternative to worry is not calm but a transaction — and what is promised back is a garrison.
In nothing be anxious. The scope is absolute, and the command would be unbearable if it stopped there. It does not.
But in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The two absolutes answer each other: nothing to be anxious about, everything to be prayed about, and the same territory is covered both times.
Three words describe the praying. Prayer is the general approach; petition is the specific asking, which permits detail; and thanksgiving is the one that changes the character of the exercise. Gratitude is included in the instruction rather than expected afterward, which means the request is made by someone already acknowledging what has been given.
Verse 7 gives the result, and it is not what was asked for. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
The answer promised is not the granting of the request but a peace, and the verb is military — to garrison, to post a sentry. In a town full of veterans the image would land exactly: something stationed around the heart and the mind, holding a position the anxiety would otherwise take.
settled What this mark means