Philippians 4:7 (NKJV)

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Bible Commentary

Philippians 4:7 is a popular Bible verse, which promises the unexplainable healing peace of God.

Earlier in this passage, Paul is imploring certain members of the church to “be of the same mind in the Lord” (Philippians 4:2). In other words, to agree with one another.

Sometimes words or actions can cause irreparable harm to a relationship. A dividing line so fierce is formed that no person can penetrate it. But note Paul said “be of the same mind in the Lord.”

Philippians 4:7 talks about the peace of God being past our human understanding. Let’s see why that is.

Ephesians 2:14-16 says,

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, ¹⁶ and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross…”

Jesus Christ is our peace. In other words, peace isn’t just a spiritual gift. It is Jesus Himself. So we see from the passage above, that’s how we can be of the same mind in the Lord.

Unlocking the Truth – No More Punishment

Breaking down that middle wall of separation, His first mission was to restore the church back to Father God, and the second mission was to bridge the gap between us–one another. Where there is no way, Jesus is the Way. He made the way by sacrificing Himself. His body was the middle wall of separation. It was nailed to the cross in humble adoration for humanity.

When we have been wronged by someone, our natural inclination is to seek revenge upon that person, or at least vindication. But don’t be fooled. The devil is our real enemy!

Because of Christ’s great love for us, He became the revenge and vindication we seek. But sadly, we don’t recognize the gift available to us in Christ, and so we harbor resentment and bitterness until we see vengeance upon our enemies.

Let Christ’s sacrifice satisfy your need for vindication or revenge. Take heed that whatever punishment you desire for someone else, the same will be measured back to you. Remember, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Guards at the Gates

The last part of Philippians 4:7 says the peace of God “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The Greek meanings of “guard” are: be a watcher in advance, mount guard (post spies at gates); hem in, protect, keep.

Interesting. This definition makes me think about guardian angels. Our bodies act as vessels for God (1 Thessalonians 4:4), and God talks about us being like a clay pot that He, the Potter, formed (Romans 9:21).

Our hearts (thoughts and feelings) and minds (perception, purpose and intellect) are subject to the chaos of the world and the enemy’s fiery darts, until we learn the art of hearing God and understanding His leading in our lives by seeking Him and His Word.

This is what Philippians 4:7 alludes to. Jesus Christ, our peace, positions guards at the gates to protect us from the chaotic winds on earth, which damage and lead astray our hearts (thoughts and feelings) and minds (perception, purpose and intellect).

But we, my friends, are in control of the gates. We choose what to allow in (truth) and what to reject (lies). The longer we follow Christ, seeking His Word, the more we begin to be like Him—taking on more of His thoughts and feelings; His perception, purpose and intellect).

Then it becomes easier to slam the gate shut from the noise and chaos of the world and the enemy. Our peace grows as He grows in us. Remember, Jesus Christ IS our peace.

Study the Bible verse of Philippians 4:7, and discover the joy of the healing peace of Jesus Christ in your heart and mind.