Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Explanation and Commentary of Philippians 4:7
Jesus died on the cross to make peace between us and God. He promised his disciples that he gives his peace—not the peace that the world gives, but peace from his Holy Spirit (Jn 14:27). Here, Paul encourages the Philippians to receive that peace through prayer.
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Prayer focuses our minds back on the one who controls the universe. Whenever we are anxious we are out of our new natural state. Our old state before being reborn was anxiety and fear. As new creations, no longer slaves to sin or anxiety, we can walk by the Holy Spirit in perfect peace.
If we will pray in every situation with thanksgiving, the peace of God is our promise and it will be a guard for our hearts and our minds.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 4:7
#1 “And…”
The conjunction refers to the preceding command. If you are anxious, then you should pray about everything, in every situation. Prayer gives God a chance to answer and be glorified (Ps 50:15). Prayer gives your mind a chance to be steadfastly on God (Phil 4:8). And prayer gives your mind a chance to give over your burdens to the only one who controls the universe.
#2 “…the peace of God,”
God’s peace is not like the peace of the world. The world’s peace is based on the world’s thinking, which is the thinking of satan. The world’s peace is circumstantial and depends on comparisons. The world’s peace is fleeting. Here one moment, gone the next. One of satan’s tricks towards man is to whisper foreboding forecasts and to lie about the meaning of the present situation in order to get you to forget the truth that you know and believe. God’s peace, when it comes, overshadows and drives away the anxiety of the world.
#3 “which transcends all understanding,”
Sometimes God will reveal why you should have peace in your situation, but he loves it when we don’t need to know. He loves it when we trust in him and our hearts are settled on his grace, goodness, willingness, and ability to save us and help us. Like a child with his good father, we need only to be with him to be secure. This peace may look ludicrous to the watching world because it “transcends understanding.”
#4 “will guard your hearts and your minds…”
A heart or mind that is unguarded will wallow in fear and anxiety, having attempted to carry the burden of the Lord. Theologians and philosophers struggle to know where the mind ends and the heart begins, but they will both be at peace when one trusts in God and casts his or her cares on him.
#5 “…in Christ Jesus.”
Being in Christ in practice for the believer is to have a mind that is set on Christ. It is to be present with God in the moment, not busy doubting and fearing, but praying and obeying.
Bible Study on Philippians 4:7
Expert Overview of Philippians
Biblical Translations of Philippians 4:7
NIV
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NLT
Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
ESV
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
KJV
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
NKJV
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.