Week 50b--Philippians

Paul writes another very quotable letter, this one to the church in Philippi. I think I have memorized about half of this book at one time or another. There is a wealth of wisdom to be found in these four short chapters.

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, who are again described as slaves of Christ Jesus. Paul is again in jail, whether or not he was out of prison when he wrote the letter to Philemon. Paul give thanks always, with much joy! for their partnership in the spreading of the gospel. They have been partners in his imprisonment, and Paul prays their love will continue.

He says his continuing imprisonment has advanced the gospel, because he has shared with all the guards in the court. He just wants Christ glorified, whether through his life or in his death. Living is Christ, dying is gain (1:21). He prefers life, of course, because that will help the Philippians. But death will bring him to heaven, with Christ.

Paul speaks of joy--they “make my joy complete” (2:2). He wants them to look out for each other as well. Then Paul gives a famous description of Jesus’ redemptive work. Jesus “did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself...humbled Himself...to death on a cross.” But “God exalted Him, and...at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (2:6-11).

Paul plans to send Timothy to Philippi so that he can help them grow--and Paul is stuck in jail. Epaphroditus is also coming to Philippi; he had been gravely ill and the Philippians have been worried about him (perhaps it is thanks to Luke, the doctor, that he recovered).

He tells them over and over again to rejoice. In fact, he uses the word “rejoice” 8 times, and the word “joy” 7 times in four short chapters.

Paul again lists all the things he could brag about, but then says he counts all these things as lost compared to knowing Christ. He finally says one of the most quotable verses in the book: “Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

Paul also tells them that “the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (4:7).

He thanks the Philippians for their support of him, but reminds them that God supplies all their needs (4:13). Once again, the letter ends with a blessing of grace and peace.