I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:13)
Paul is not claiming omnipotence, the ability to do all things without exception. Any use of this verse to support a claim or goal of a triumphant, victorious Christian life without weaknesses or limitations conflicts with the immediate context and the wider teaching of Paul. The contextual meaning of all refers to the previous claim to be content whatever the circumstances (4:11). In all the situations of his life—in poverty and in prosperity, when well fed and when hungry, Paul can be content. He has the power to endure all these extreme situations, all these ups and downs, without anxiety, with the peace of God guarding his heart and mind in Christ Jesus (4:6-7). Paul claims no power in himself. All his strength is “in the one who empowers” him. Although the preposition “in” can express agency (through), Paul’s frequent use of the in Christ phrase to express union of the relationship of incorporative union: in living union with the one who gives me strength. To be found in Christ (3:9) is worth far more to Paul than anything else. All his activities, all his emotions, and all his thoughts are within the sphere of Christ’s presence: For to me, to live is Christ (1:21); I am confident in the Lord (2;24); I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings (3:10); I rejoiced greatly in the Lord (4:10). This intimate communion with Christ is the source of Paul’s strength. (G. Walter Hansen, The Letters to the Philippians [The Pillar New Testament Commentary; Nottingham: Apollos, 2009], 314-15)
