God's intent for us, according to Paul, is that our leaders should rule well and "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity" (1 Tim. 2:2). Contentment with what one currently has in the active presence of God becomes a major emphasis in the New Testament writings. Paul's astonishing statements in Philippians 4—especially given the harsh conditions in which he found himself at the time of writing, which continued for most of his ministry—expresses the understanding of and attitude about "flourishing" that was part of the disciples' way of living in the earliest phase of the Christian movement and continued through most of the following century. Paul said: I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (4:11–13)
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