Philippians

The ecclesia had frequently assisted Paul financially (1:5; 4:10,14,16) and he writes in appreciation of its help. While being a thank-you letter, it is more than that as it contains some words of admonition (1:27; 2:2-4,14; 3:2; 4:2). The warnings are gentle, however, and frequent occurrences of “joy” and “rejoice” give the letter a happy mood suggesting there were few serious problems at Philippi. A good summary phrase is “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (4:4).

Philippi a Roman colony

Philippi was a prosperous city of Macedonia (northern Greece) located on the Egnatian way, a military road that led to Rome. In 42 BC, it became a Roman colony and its inhabitants gained the rights and privileges of Roman citizenship (Acts 16:21). Few Jews lived in Philippi (there was no synagogue) and many of its citizens were retired Roman soldiers who had been given land for their service to Rome. If Paul had not seen a vision urging him to come to Macedonia (Acts 16:9), it is unlikely he would have selected this place to preach.

In response to the vision, Paul traveled to Philippi and sought out a place by the river where God-fearing people gathered for prayer. Here he spoke to Lydia “whose heart the Lord opened.” Lydia and her household were baptized after attending “unto the things which were spoken of Paul.” Later, a second household, that of the Philippian jailer, added to their numbers. All told, Paul’s visit to this city resulted in the birth of an ecclesia, the first in Europe.

A loving relationship

The love and affection Paul had for these brethren is evident throughout the epistle. Every time he thought of them, he was filled with joy and longed after them. They were constantly in his heart and in his prayers so that he thanked God for their “fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (1:5). One wonders how the apostle would feel about our own ecclesia.

Of all the ecclesias, the Philippians were the most generous in their support of Paul. When he was imprisoned, they showed their generosity by sending a gift to him by Epaphroditus, one of their members (2:25). In serving Paul, they were serving the Lord (4:9,17). Today, many of us have a similar opportunity to share what God has provided with less fortunate brothers and sisters. This is an important aspect of our service and we should not neglect it (cf. Matt. 25:34-40).

Paul’s impact on others

Although this letter was written from prison (1:13), Paul rejoices in his circumstance for “the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel.” While lesser disciples might have been discouraged and given up, Paul took a broader view of his imprisonment and used the opportunity to preach the gospel (1:12).

Evidently some accepted the gospel (4:22), but Paul’s boldness had a further benefit. His attitude infected others and resulted in many brethren speaking the word without fear. It is encouraging to think that our right actions can similarly have a positive influence on others.

Putting others first

Paul’s unselfishness toward the Philippians was also outstanding. He was willing to continue living a stressful life because he felt it was more needful for them (1:24). Although he had “a desire to depart” and be free of the struggles he was enduring, he chose rather a life of service for the benefit of others. No wonder he could say, “Brethren, be followers together of me…” (3:17). It was not altogether his example he was recommending, however, for elsewhere he says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (I Cor. 11:1)

We are exhorted to be “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (2:2). That “one mind” was in Jesus Christ as he was prepared to humble himself, even to the cross, that others might benefit (2:5-9). We see this same mind in Timothy and Ephroditus who were living examples of service to others (2:20,25).

Paul warns us that unity cannot be acquired through the process of strife. It will result when each esteems others better than himself and puts the needs of others ahead of his own.

Anticipating that being “like-minded” would be difficult for some, Paul says: “Do all things without murmurings and disputing’s” (2:14) so you may “shine as lights in the world.” While Euodias and Syntyche, two women in the ecclesia, had not yet acquired this virtue, Paul does not give up on them but asks others to help. The point is evident that we are not to be solely concerned with our own spiritual development but are also to help others grow in grace.

Beware of legalists

The brethren are warned to “beware of the concision.” That is, those who felt keeping the Law of Moses was necessary for salvation. To emphasize his teaching, Paul recounts his qualifications to speak on this issue. He was very well qualified in Jewish circles but says, “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (3:8).

In his new situation as a servant of Christ, Paul now seeks to “attain unto the resurrection of the dead” (3:11); he wants his vile body changed unto his [Christ’s] glorious body” (3:21). Like Paul, we should also “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (3:14). In comparison to this prize, all others are dung.

The point was brought home to the Philippians in a particularly useful allusion. Many of them were once proud to be citizens of Rome but Paul reminds them that now “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). If we keep this in mind, we will avoid many worldly and useless pursuits. Our aim must be to picture our brothers and sisters and ourselves in the kingdom although we are still living in this present age.

Think on these things

In closing his epistle, Paul reminds us of what should fill our thoughts. While the natural mind is filled with the “cares of this world,” the spiritual mind is to think upon that which is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy (4:8).

The new person in Christ goes beyond just thinking, however, he acts upon them: “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do…” (4:9). While such conduct is impossible with man, it is possible with Christ for: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (4:13). Surely, then, we can be confident “that he which hath begun a new work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6). In that day, if we now exert ourselves toward the high calling in Christ, we will rejoice with Paul and the faithful in Philippi.