Philippians

By Mary Jane Chaignot

The city of Philippi was named after Philip II, king of Macedonia, who founded the city in 356BCE. It was strategically located along the Egnatian Way, the road connecting Europe with Asia. Within a short time it was a Roman colony, which meant that its citizens enjoyed all the rights and privileges of those born and living in Rome. It was the custom of Rome to give retired army veterans land in tactical centers (generally along their extensive road system). There, they would establish Roman customs, speak the language, dress accordingly, and follow all the traditional Roman ceremonies. Fewer places would be more nationalistic than these established "colonies."

Paul visited Philippi during his second missionary journey. He had planned to go to Bithynia, which would have been due north into the area of Galatia, but the Spirit of Jesus had prevented him from doing so. Instead he was told to go into Macedonia – the gateway to Europe; the date would have been approximately 50-52CE. Luke tells the story in Acts 16. Paul's experiences in Philippi revolved around encounters with three different people: Paul's random meeting with Lydia, a seller of purple goods; the demented slave girl that Paul healed (with disastrous consequences for him and Silas); and the Philippi jailor. After converting Lydia and baptizing her entire household, Paul exorcised a demon from the young slave girl. As a result of that event, Paul and Silas were dragged before the magistrates on charges of being "anti-Roman." For this they were flogged and imprisoned. There was an earthquake during the night, but instead of fleeing, Paul and Silas sang hymns and converted their jailor and his entire family. Not only were they officially released the following morning, but they also received an apology from the Romans because of Paul's Roman citizenship. They were told to leave town, but first they "went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them."

These are the people to whom Paul will write his letter to the Philippians. It is not known how much time had passed since this visit, because scholars do not agree when or from where this letter was written. They don't even agree as to the unity of the letter. Some think it is a compilation of two or three combined fragments. That, of course, determines everything else. For the sake of simplicity, we will not get into all the details of these arguments. What seems obvious is that Paul claims to be writing while "in bonds" or "in chains," which means he's in prison. Scholars think he was imprisoned in Ephesus during his second or third missionary journey (mid-fifties), or he could be writing from Rome in the early 60's. He was also imprisoned in Caesarea from 57-59, but scholars do not think he wrote the letter from there. Most opt for the later date in Rome. Ultimately, however, this is speculation and no one knows with certainty.

What we do know is that the letter is authentically Pauline. He begins by giving thanks for them. They had been concerned about him and had sent him gifts, for which he was extremely grateful. He acknowledged receiving support from them even while he was in Thessalonica, which was quite unlike him. Usually he supported himself through tentmaking. So he clearly had a special relationship with these people. And they had a special relationship with him because they were one of the few churches from which he accepted gifts. Furthermore, it wasn't because they were wealthy and could afford it; they gave out of their gratitude. He mentions several people (believers) by name. One was Epaphroditus, who had brought the gift and was supposed to stay to care for Paul while he was in prison. Epaphroditus had then fallen ill. But he had since recovered and would be rejoining the Philippians soon. This was actually the occasion for the letter. Paul's primary concern in writing was to express his gratitude and to encourage this church to not turn away from the faith, but to continue in the way that they'd been going. He tells them their greatest challenges were still ahead. He obviously knew there would be some fallout from the fact that he was imprisoned, but he used his situation as a teaching tool for them. They, too, would bear hardships, and they, too, would prevail. And the Gospel would continue to spread.

By this time, there were forces at work within the church in considerable opposition to Paul's work and he urged them not to fall for it, not to follow those errant teachers with their errant teachings. The key to the right direction could be found in the example of Christ, as well as in his and Timothy's experiences, and in their own leaders. Apparently the issue here is that the other teachers were elevating the importance of personal achievement and status over against the humility of Christ. Paul cautions that he has more reason to boast than any of them, but he counts "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." All he wants is to know Christ and the power of the resurrection. He acknowledges that he has not yet arrived at that point, but that he "presses toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The goal is not to stress personal achievement and self-glorification, but to live according to the pattern he had given them, the cross of Christ. He ends the letter with an appeal to two members who were quarreling – Euodia and Syntyche, imploring them to be of one mind. Then he broadens his appeal to all, addressing them as "brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (4:8-9)

All in all, Philippians is a warm letter, filled with thanksgiving for dangers passed, and harmony achieved. It is one of his most personal letters. There are no sharp rebukes against the church, no major problems threatening its existence. The warnings are general and expected for one who is concerned about the future of the church. He writes nothing to spoil their joyful spirit. [Those who believe there are fragments think 3:2-4:9 was written at an earlier time, given its more polemic character.] Scholars do not agree whether he ever visited Philippi again. They think his first visit to Philippi lasted about two months.

There are four obvious divisions in the letter to the Philippians: 1:1-3:1 – The Letter of Thanks; 3:2-4:9 – Fragment of a Polemical Letter; 4:10-20 – Letter of Thanks to Philippians for Their Gift; 4:21-23 -- Conclusion

I – 1:1-3:1 – The Letter of Thanks

1:11
- Introduction
  - 1:1-2
    - Greetings from Paul and Timothy
    - The tone of the letter is from one friend to another
    - It is addressed to all the saints at Philippi, including "overseers and deacons"
    - This is an indication that the church was already somewhat organized and established (evidence for having been written from Rome)
  - 1:3-8
    - Thanksgiving and joy
    - Paul thanks God for his readers
    - He has warm relations, happy memories of Philippians
    - They share a common faith and participate in God's grace
    - They were also partners in his imprisonment and his sufferings
    - They had come to his aid despite danger to themselves
  - 1:9-11
  - Paul's prayer for Philippians
  - He prays for continuation of their spiritual progress
  - Also that their love may abound even more
  - They will be able to discern what is best and will be known by their fruits
1:12-26
- Paul's situation
  - 1:12-18
    - Paul's imprisonment
    - Paul's imprisonment had not impeded the gospel, but advanced it
    - He was in chains "for Christ"
    - All those around him knew that; Paul used opportunity to preach Christ
    - Basically, he's been preaching to the Roman guards
    - Motives for preaching are important, but most important is that Christ is preached
    - That has been happening more and more because of his imprisonment
  - 1:19-26
    - Paul's imprisonment will turn out for his salvation
    - (Does "salvation" refer to present deliverance or future spiritual salvation? [Scholars argue both options])
    - He thanks them for all their prayers for him
    - Regardless of what happens to him, spiritual victory awaits
    - He prays that he will not be ashamed to speak
    - Instead Christ will be glorified through him, through his life or death
    - He is caught between two desires
    - First choice is to leave this life and to be with Christ
    - Second choice is to remain to be of help to Philippians
    - Either choice is in the hand of the Lord, but he anticipates the latter
    - His joy is to enhance theirs
1:27-2:18
- The first series of exhortations
  - 1:27-30
  - He encourages them to "be firm in one Spirit"
  - Regardless of what happens to him, they should stand firm
  - They are responsible for their own faith, conduct of their own lives
  - They should be worthy of the gospel of Christ
  - They need not be frightened by those who wish to intimidate them
  - Their noble resistance will indicate opponent's ultimate failure
  - Ultimately, attacks against the church will be futile
  - Church will prevail
  - Their sufferings are similar to what Paul has endured for the gospel
- 2:1-5
  - He encourages them to unity of mind and mutual consideration
  - Unity is possible from their being united with Christ
  - They are bound together in a fellowship of love
  - If he hears that they are like-minded, his joy will be complete
  - They are to humbly consider others better than themselves
  - Let them rejoice in the honor paid to others, consider the interests of others
  - Their attitude should be that of Jesus
- 2:6-11
  - A hymn in honor of Christ
  - Recital of the saving work of God in Christ
  - Christ humbled himself then was exalted by God
  - His name is above every other name
  - Every knee will bow to him; every tongue will confess him as Lord
- 2:12-18
  - He encourages them to work out their own salvation
  - Gospel brought message of salvation but it needs to be worked out in their lives
  - Through the Spirit God works within them to will and to act according to his good purpose
  - That desire and power becomes theirs by virtue of his gift
  - This is best done by maintaining harmony and love within the community – no arguing, complaining
  - (Act in contrast to wilderness generation)
  - They will be "blameless and pure" – examples of light in evil world
  - Their neighbors will see them holding out the word of life
  - Word of life proclaims true life found in God
  - Then Paul's labors will all have been worth it
  - Their lives will be viewed as an offering to God
  - Paul is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice
  - He still hopes to be released, but asks for their support regardless
2:19-30
- Two faithful workers
  - 2:19-24
    - Timothy's upcoming visit
    - Since Paul cannot come to them, he plans to send Timothy
    - Timothy will bring news of them back to Paul
    - Timothy had been with Paul during his first visit
    - He had proved himself over and over
    - Paul repeats that he hopes to see them as soon as his trial is over
  - 2:25-30
    - The sending of and commendation of Epaphroditus
    - Epaphroditus had come from Philippi with the gift for Paul
    - He was to remain to give Paul whatever help he needed
    - But Epaphroditus had become seriously ill
    - He had recovered and Paul wanted to send him home
    - He commended him highly; wanted to relieve their concerns re: him
    - Paul asked them to welcome him because he almost died for the work
    - Epaphroditus (as well as Paul and Timothy) are examples of those who give their lives for the work of Christ
3:1
- First Conclusion
- Final word of greeting
- They are to rejoice in the Lord, maintain their joyful spirit
- Paul is happy to repeat things for them – will safeguard them
- Perhaps a warning against opponents

II -- 3:2-4:9 – Fragment of a Polemical Letter

3:2-14
- Warning against Judaizers
  - 3:2-3
    - The circumcisers
    - Paul labeled opponents as "dogs…. men who do evil"
    - He called them mutilators of the flesh
    - Yet, he is the circumcision
    - True circumcision is a matter of inward consecration, purity
    - True circumcision is of the heart
  - 3:4-6
    - Paul's credentials exceed most
    - Paul lists seven criterion that made up his Jewish heritage
    - Circumcised on 8th day, born of Israelite stock, a Pharisee, etc
    - No one was more zealous for the law than he
  - 3:7-11
    - A new code of achievements
    - Whatever was for his profit, he now declares lost for the sake of Christ
    - Christ, alone, is the source of Paul's confidence
    - To gain Christ is to be found in him
    - Legal righteousness could not save him
    - True righteousness is that which God gives through faith in Jesus Christ
    - He strives to know Christ, to share in his sufferings and resurrection
  - 3:12-14
    - Paul uses metaphor of footrace to explain goals
    - Paul has yet to attain his final goals
    - Spiritual progress must be continuous
    - All must press onward toward winning the prize
3:15-17
- A mature outlook
- Paul knows he will never "achieve" his goals during his mortal life
- He has committed the matter to God; God will guide them
- They should as well
- He asks that they follow his example
- He should be imitated only as far as he imitates Christ
3:18-21
- Warning against the enemies of the Cross
- Their example is not helpful; it is morally harmful
- Their god is their "stomach"; their glory is their shame
- They focus on earthly things, have no concept of Christly behavior
- They have not been touched by the grace of God
- In contrast, believers' citizenship is in heaven
- Their lives should be consistent with that citizenship
- When Christ returns, he will transform our bodies to be like his
- God gives Christ the power to bring all things under his control
- Timing of these events is not important; believing in them is important
4:1-10
- Second series of exhortations
  - 4:1-3
    - Paul encourages them to stand firm, pleads for unity
    - Paul expresses his pride and joy in them
    - He begs two members (Euodia and Syntyche) to be of one mind
    - Their disagreement threatened the unity of the church
    - Paul invites a "yokefellow" to assist them
    - Paul commends their contribution – they worked at his side
    - Paul also mentions Clement, and "others" whose names will be written in the "book of life" – an OT expression for those having eternal life
  - 4:4-9
    - Paul encourages them to maintain various virtues
    - He repeats his joy – rejoice in the Lord!
    - He invites them to let their "gentleness" be evident to all
    - Gentleness is to be gracious, to not insist on one's own rights
    - Gentleness is an attribute of God; they should show the same to others
    - Paul tells them that "the Lord is near" (as in close, present)
    - Therefore, they need not worry about anything
    - Any prayers or petitions can be taken to God
    - They will feel peace
    - God's peace will guard their hearts and minds
    - Paul invites them to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable
    - True – reality as opposed to mere appearance
    - Noble – opposite of vulgarity Right – righteousness
    - Pure – sense of innocence
    - Lovely – intrinsic attractiveness
    - Admirable – having a good reputation
    - These things are "excellent and praiseworthy"
    - To the extent these are pondered, the results will be beneficial
    - Paul has tried to put these qualities into action; they should be like him
    - God will give them peace; he is the God of peace

III -- 4:10-20 – Letter of Thanks to Philippians for Their Gift

4:10-14
- Acknowledgement for their recent gift
- Paul continues to rejoice over their concern for him
- He is grateful that they've had this opportunity to show it
- Their gift has met his need
- Nonetheless, he would have been content with whatever he had
- The secret of being content was to do everything through Christ
- His strength comes from Christ
- Still, he was truly grateful for their gift
4:15-17
- Gratitude for previous gifts
- This gift followed upon previous gifts
- (Previously, Paul had refused money from the churches for his expenses. He felt this might create a hardship upon those of meager means. Yet, he did proceed with the collection for the poor in Jerusalem.)
- Despite his concerns, the church at Philippi did financially help him on at least two previous occasions
- Paul's gratitude is expressed in knowing it was a measure of their growth in grace
4:18-20
- Gratitude for their present gift
- Paul is filled to overflowing – I have received full payment
- Because Paul is working for God, their gift is welcome to God as well
- Their reward will come from God
- Because they helped him, God will supply their needs
- Expression of thanks concludes with a doxology

VI -- 4:21-23 -- Conclusion

4:21-23
- Paul sends greetings to "all the saints" from "all the brothers" who are with him
- Among the saints with him, Paul mentions those of Caesar's household
- Benediction is the same as several other letters
- "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit"

On this note, he ended his correspondence to the Philippians. It is a warm letter from beginning to end, filled with rejoicing for their concern for him. They had come to his assistance on more than one occasion, meeting his needs at the time. For this he was very grateful, yet he was determined to turn their thoughts Godward. This never was about Paul's personal needs; their concerns were a manifestation of God's grace and care and their full reward would come from God. Even though they had sent Paul many things, he had only one thing to send them in return and that was a blessing. He does this joyfully and with great gratitude. Next month we will continue our exploration of letters attributed to Paul with a look at Colossians.

Bibliography

Barclay, William. "The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians." The Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Press. 1975.

Bruce, F.F. "Philippians." New International Biblical Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson. 1989.

Gaebelein, Frank. "Philippians." Expositor's Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing. 1985.

Krentz, Edgar. "Philippians." Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House. 1985.

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