July 16, 2014 Philppians Chapter 1

Philippians Chapter 1

Originally posted Friday August 29, 2008 

 

Philippians Chapter 1:1-11 Salutation and Prayer

 

Paul's evangelistic mission to Philippi in Macedonia occurred near 50 CE (Acts 16:11-40). If it can be said that Paul had a favorite church it would be this one. As we read in the letter they were very supportive of Paul in his missionary work in Macedonia and during one of his several imprisonments. It is a generally encouraging letter with only brief mention of opposition. We will read several passages that have that soaring psalm-like quality that can lift us beyond ourselves just long enough to vicariously participate in inspiration.

 

In the opening verse Paul does not assume the title of apostle for himself. He refers to Timothy and himself as "slaves of Christ" Jesus. The Greek is usually translated as "servants" but this minimizes Paul's understanding of the relationship. A servant can be understood as a paid attendant or household employee who is free to leave one employer for another. A slave is one who is totally dependent upon the mercy of the master to whom the slave must give absolute obedience. A slave can be bought and sold as property and must rely on the owner's "grace" for the necessities of life. Paul's dependence on and obedience to Christ for all things is an imperative for him; it is the divine "must" that guides his life, for as he says elsewhere he has been "bought with a price," that price being the cross. His use of this term helps us to interpret the driven nature of his missionary work. He cannot do otherwise. It is also in keeping with his repeated admonishment that Christians should not think too highly of themselves for that leads to disunity in the community and class differences. The impartiality of God makes everyone equal.

 

Also in vs. 1 is a reference to specific officials, Bishops (= Overseers) and Deacons (= Ministers). The existence of these positions indicates a higher degree of organization than noted in other letters. The overseers' role would be somewhat equivalent to that of a pastor looking after the spiritual life of the congregation. As such there would be several pastors depending on the number of members. The deacon is very much the same in use as it is in many modern churches. It is someone involved in a specific ministry and not necessarily the leader of that ministry. We recall Phoebe in Rom. 16:1, who was a deaconess in Cenchreae noted for her service.

 

Paul's prayer is one of hope he has for the Philippian saints. They have "been partners" in the Gospel, consistently providing material support for Paul from the beginning of his evangelistic work in Macedonia and beyond. They have also been partners through there own local sharing of the Gospel within Philippi and perhaps the surrounding towns. As a result Paul can have confidence that the work that God had begun among them will be finished by the "Day of Jesus Christ," a reference to the time of his return. Paul is justified in his confidence because of their generous sharing with him -holding him in their hearts. This is not only their support during his imprisonment but also in their willingness and courage in defending the Gospel and letting that Gospel be seen in their own lives. Paul hopes that their love of God - and for him, will lead to more knowledge of God and what God has done for them in Christ. With love comes a deeper insight into what is right and good so that when the Day of the Lord comes they will be pure and blameless in their righteousness.

 

Philippians Chapter 1:12-30 Paul's Present Circumstances

 

Paul is true to his belief that God works for good in all things. His current imprisonment has provided a new opportunity to share the Gospel with those who have become aware that he is there because of Christ. Even the "whole Praetorian Guard" knows of his circumstances. His confinement in Christ has led other believers to become more confident in their own proclamation of Christ "with greater boldness and without fear." It might seem to be counterintuitive to us that his confinement would lead others to be more willing to do the very thing for which Paul is imprisoned. Yet we need only think of other social movements such as those of Gandhi and Martin Luther King to understand the inner capacity of followers to undergo suffering for the sake of a noble cause. Their suffering will also be a sign of their sharing in Christ's suffering on their behalf, one of Paul's expectations for himself as a means of testing and refining his faith.

 

Of those who have been so emboldened, Paul recognizes a variety of motives, both true and false. Some proclaim as Paul's rivals and others as his spiritual children. There is no indication that those whose motives were less than stellar were preaching a "different Gospel" as noted in Galatians. They were not people from James pushing the need for circumcision among the Gentiles. Envy and rivalry might arise from jealousy of Paul's great success among the Philippians and the Philippians' great love and respect for Paul. Perhaps it was a case of "Schadenfreude," taking pleasure in the suffering of a successful person. We can only speculate and Paul spends no time analyzing the reason. Whether out of envy or out of goodness, the Gospel is being preached and that is enough reason to rejoice.

 

Paul recognizes his dangerous situation as a prisoner of the Romans for the sake of the Gospel. He believes the prayers being offered to God on his behalf and the Spirit of Christ will work together for his deliverance, that he will not be shamed by those who wish him ill. Yet there is always the possibility that he will not be vindicated by Roman justice, that his life may be taken. Whatever his fate he can be satisfied that his boldness has led to the exaltation of Christ. He seems conflicted in his preferences, be it life and more fruitful work for Christ, or death and being with Christ. On the one hand death will lead to being with Christ now. On the other hand continued life is more important for the needed work in Philippi and greater Macedonia. He shares his inner dialog and comes to the conclusion that he will "remain and continue" among them for their "progress and joy in faith."

 

In the meantime and until he can visit with them again, he exhorts them to live a life worthy of the Gospel. His hope is that he will always see in or hear of them that they are laboring in the unity of the Spirit, unfazed by their opponents and accepting their struggles as a privilege in imitation of the sufferings of Christ.