Philippians

[Rob Morgan]

Philippians:

Philippians is the epistle of joy and encouragement in the midst of adverse circumstances. Paul freely expresses his fond affection for the Philippians, appreciates their consistent testimony and support, and lovingly urges them to center their actions and thoughts on the pursuit of the person and power of Christ. Paul also seeks to correct the problems of disunity and rivalry (2:2-4) and to prevent the problems of legalism and antinomianism (3: l -.I9). Philippians focuses on: Paul’s account of his present circumstances (1); Paul’s appeal to have the mind of Christ (2); Paul’s appeal to have the knowledge of Christ (3); and Paul’s appeal to have the peace of Christ (4).

Paul’s Account of His Present Circumstances (J): Paul’s usual salutation (1:1-2) is followed by his thanksgiving, worm regard, and prayer on behalf of the Philippians (l: 3-1 1). For years, they hove participated in the apostle’s ministry, and he prays for their continued growth in the real knowledge of Christ. Paul shores the circumstances of his imprisonment and rejoices in the spread of the gospel in spite of and because of his situation (l: 12-26). As he considers the outcome of his approaching trial, he expresses his willingness to “depart and be with Christ" (1:23) or to continue in ministry. Paul encourages the Philippians to remain steadfast in the face of opposition and coming persecution (1:27 - 30)

Paul’s Appeal to Have the Mind of Christ (2): Paul exhorts the Philippians to have o spirit of unity and mutual concern by embracing the attitude of humility (2:1-4), the greatest example of which is the incarnation and crucifixion of Christ (2:5-11). The kenosis, or "emptying" of Christ, does not mean that He divested Himself of His deity, but that He withheld His preincarnate glory and voluntarily restricted His use of certain attributes (e.g., omnipresence and omniscience). Paul asks the Philippians to apply this attribute to their lives (2:12-18), and he gives two more examples of sacrifice, the ministries Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:1 9-30).

Paul’s Appeal to Have the Knowledge of Christ (3): lt appears that Paul is about to close his letter ("Finally, my brethren,” 3:1) when he launches into a warning about the continuing problem of legalism (3: l -9). Paul refutes this teaching with revealing autobiographical details about his previous attainments in Judaism. Compared to the goal of knowing Christ, those pursuits are as nothing. True righteousness is received through faith, not by mechanical obedience to any low. Paul scornfully refers to the Judaizers as "dogs" (their term for Gentiles) and "evil workers” (that is, the attempt to achieve salvation by works). Paul could be refuting the opposite extreme of antinomianism (3:17-21). Some, however, believe this may still refer to the legalists. Paul yearns for the promised attainment of the resurrected body.

Paul’s Appeals to Have the Peace of Christ (4): in o series of exhortations, Paul urges the Philippians to have peace with the brethren by living o lifestyle of unity, prayerful dependence, and holiness (:13). In chapter 4, verses 4-9, Paul describes the secrets of having the peace of God as well as peace with God. He then rejoices over their gift, but explains that the power of Christ enables him to live above his circumstances (4:10-20). This joyous letter from prison closes with greetings and a benediction (4:2.l -23).