In our day to day we use certain biblical verses incorrectly, since we take them in isolation, without reading the entire chapter, thus forgetting its context. This is the first article in a series where we will be talking about Bible verses that are often taken out of context.
Of the verses most taken out of context, Philippians 4:13 tops the list. Next we will analyze the context of the verse, thus discovering what the Apostle was referring to when he said “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
So what was the Apostle referring to when he used that expression? When you read Philippians 4 beginning in verse 10, you realize that’s not what he meant. What he is referring to is that he knew how to live both in scarcity and in abundance:
10 I greatly rejoiced in the Lord that at last you have revived your care for me; of which you were also solicitous, but you lacked the opportunity.
eleven I do not say it because I have a shortage, because I have learned to be content, whatever my situation.
12 I know how to live humbly, and I know how to have abundance; in everything and for everything I am taught, as well to be satisfied as to be hungry, as well as to have abundance as to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 However, you did well to participate with me in my tribulation.
fifteen And you also know, O Philippians, that at the beginning of the preaching of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in giving and receiving, except you alone;
16 for even to Thessalonica you sent me again and again for my needs.
17 It’s not that I’m looking for gifts, but I’m looking for fruit that abounds in your account.
18 But I have received everything, and I have abundance; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent; fragrant smell, acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
19 My God, therefore, will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
twenty To God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen
As you have just read, the Apostle was going through great need and was thanking the Philippians for their help, making it clear that he knew how to be content, both in abundance and in scarcity. He was taught in everything and everything, he was trained both to be full and to hunger, both to have abundance and to have need, and those are all the things that he could in Christ who strengthened him.
So, the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 is that whatever situation you are going through, Christ gives you the strength to overcome. If you are in trials, Christ strengthens you to overcome. If you are blessed, Christ continues to give you the strength to be happy in Him.
Next article in the series: Where there are two or three gathered in his name, is he there?
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