Philippians

 

Philippians

(“NKJV” translation used)

 

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter. He was not sure of the result of his trial. It is likely that he was imprisoned in Rome. He probably wrote this letter at the end of the two years that we read about in Acts 28:30.

Philippi was a Roman colony (Acts 16:12). As a Roman colony, its citizens possessed the same rights and laws as those who lived in Italy. Paul and Silas, with Timothy and Luke, established the church there after they crossed from Asia into Europe (Acts 16:12-40). Paul visited Philippi again on his third journey (Acts 20:1-6).

In Philippi was a group of Christians of whom Paul was very fond. He called its members his ‘joy and crown’ (Philippians 4:1). The Christians in Philippi were not rich, but they supported Paul with money more than once. They also gave money for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

One of the hallmarks of Paul’s letters is insisting on Holiness. Paul is simply repeating what Jesus and others insisted on. (Lev. 11:44-45; Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14) Christianity and holiness are, in a very true sense, synonymous, they are inseparable. Paul emphasizes living holy lives centered in Christ, to the Philippians.

As we read this letter, and all the letters in the Apostolic Scriptures, we need to read them as being written to us and the assemblies of which we are a part. These are personal letters for our growth and encouragement.

Greeting

Philippians 1

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: ²Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

{The word for ‘servant’ really means ‘slave’. James, in his letter, also uses the word “slave” to describe himself. (James 1:1) Being a slave, servant or bondservant of Christ means a complete and utter devotion to Christ (Messiah Y’shua), His word, and His will. It is disregarding your own desires and will in all things to lay your life at the Cross and follow Christ. It is not being perfect from a human perspective, it is a dedication to following God in all things. James in his letter calls himself a slave of Christ.

Paul includes the Bishops and Deacons in his greeting. This is something unusual for Paul. Bishops and Deacons were overseers of the congregations. In the early church, these are two offices of ministry (not laity) that are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the believers.

Paul uses his normal greeting of grace and peace to the letter recipients, not from him, but from God and Messiah Y’shua. True grace and true peace only come from Y__H and Messiah Y’shua. Paul does not include his usual emphasis on his apostleship. This letter is much friendlier in tone than many of Paul’s letters.}

³I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; ⁷just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

{Almost all the Epistles open with thanksgiving. How glorious and wonderful a faith that which always led Paul, even in the darkest hour, to see the hand of God present and to have joy in that. Paul kept the various congregations of Christians daily in his heart, thoughts and prayers. In the case of the Philippians he remembers them with joy for their sharing in the work of the Gospel (Good News) with him. Their support was with prayer and finances. Their financial help extended beyond Paul to other congregations in need.

Paul makes the point that Christ who started the good work in them will continue it until His return. This may be understood as His return either for the individuals at their death or His return to the World. Both would be valid. The believers are not [perfect but they are being perfected through the Holy Spirit.

There are important actions mentioned in this verse: prayer, requests for others, fellowship, completion, day of Jesus Christ, partakers in grace. Paul’s confidence that Christ will be with them, and him, until Christ returns.}

⁸ For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. ⁹And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, ¹¹being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

{Notice Paul pairs Love with knowledge and discernment. Without the love that comes through Christ and the Holy Spirit we cannot have true knowledge and discernment. The more we love and follow Jesus, the more sensitive we will be to His will and His desires. The more we love Him; the more we will spiritually instinctively shrink from what is evil and desire what is right.

The Christian is to live a life such that the glory and the praise are given to God. Christian goodness is not meant to win credit for an individual; it is meant to win praise for God. The Christian knows, and witnesses, that s/he is what s/he is, not by their own unaided efforts, but only by the grace of God. In Galatians Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit and he is referring to the same fruit here.}

¹²But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, ¹³so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; ¹⁴and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

{Paul provides an important lesson here. Circumstances should make no difference to the faith of the believer. Whatever the external circumstances we can use them to praise the Lord and introduce people to Christ. Paul recognized that one person accepting Christ as Savior and escaping eternal damnation if much more important than any suffering he might go through to bring the Good News to them.

Paul now provides a real-world example for us. Although Paul was imprisoned and in chains, he saw his circumstances providing the opportunity to witness about Christ to people he probably would not otherwise have contacted. Paul being in chains led to many hearing about Christ and having the opportunity to accept Christ. It also helped other Christians to become even more bold in their witnessing of Christ. They, and we, see that even imprisonment cannot stop the Gospel being spread.}

¹⁵Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: ¹⁶The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; ¹⁷but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ¹⁸ What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

{Paul emphasizes a very important fact here, what is important is that Christ is preached. Paul’s complete focus was on Christ and his only purpose was to imitate Christ and preach Christ.  Paul did not care that there were some preaching Christ because they wanted to be better known or better thought of than him. His pride, position, reputation did not matter. What did and does matter is that people hear about Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. Which is more important, that one person accepts Christ and escapes Hell or that our pride and reputation are saved? For Paul, Christ and people accepting Christ are more important than anything else.}

¹⁹For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.²⁴Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. ²⁵And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, ²⁶that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

{Paul understands the importance of the believers praying for him. He also knows their prayers and living for and in Christ will preclude any chance of his being ashamed in anything. Paul makes sure to give total credit to Christ for everything. He knows that whatever his circumstance, or end, Christ will be magnified and honored. Christ is first in everything. This thinking and attitude lead into his next comments.

Paul’s statement can, with a very shallow reading, sound a bit arrogant. For him to live is Christ and for him to die is gain? Before his conversion Paul lived a life of privilege and favor. His family came from a large important city, they were wealthy, he had gone to the best schools and was rising fast in the Jewish hierarchy. Paul counted all that as nothing when compared to his work in Christ. Paul knew and understood his work for and place in Christ. While he was alive Paul was to act like Christ and be an example of Christ to everyone. His wants, needs, actions and purpose for existence were all totally subservient to Christ and were to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Paul thinks about which he would choose, to be physically alive to be a witness of Christ or to die and be with Christ. Paul realizes it is better for his work to remain alive to be a witness of Christ and teacher to Christ’s followers and others. His thoughts are for Christ and the followers of Christ who are concerned and praying for him.}

²⁷Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. ²⁹For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, ³⁰having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

{Paul encourages the believers and reminds that they must live Christ like lives. Paul’s presence or absence should make no difference to how they live and act. Their salvation and basis for life is in Christ, not Paul. Paul tells them that hearing of their remaining in Christ will greatly encourage him. Suffering for Christ is a privilege. This echoes James’ comment in James 1:2 “²Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” The trials that may happen to them have happened to them, are happening to them and will happen to others, including Paul.

The Philippians are also encouraged to not allow anything to divide them in their fellowship and walk in Christ. We see this same thinking in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; James 5:9 and Hebrews 12:14-16. The believers are not to be fearful of anything Satan may do attempt to do. In 1 John 4:18 John tells us “perfect love casts out fear.” Paul is saying the same thing. When we do not fear Satan or his minions we make clear their destruction and the love of Christ for us. Our confidence and future are in Christ, not what Satan may do or try to do.}

 

Philippians

Chapter 2

Therefore, if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, ²fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. ⁴Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Paul continues his thoughts re. not allowing members of the body of Christ to be divided. The basis of his thinking is LOVE, the same as the Apostles John, James as well as other early Christians. Paul urges the Philippians to make his joy complete by living in unity in Christ. The views Paul wants the Philippians to cherish are love in Christ, unity in thinking in love, lack of conceit, true humility, putting others first, in short living a Christ like life.

Paul's plea for like-mindedness is based upon having conduct worthy of the gospel and striving together for the faith (Phil. 1:27). Christians cannot be unified without their conduct being worthy of the gospel of Christ. We cannot have a conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ without being unified. The dis-unity we now see among Christs lies in our failure to put Christ first but instead put our ideas and pride first.

“Since unity is based upon faith of the gospel (Phil. 1:27), doctrine can never be compromised. Unity resulting from compromised doctrine is secular unity and forbidden by God (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:1-4; 11:17-19; Col. 2:18-23).” Philippians, Nine Lessons From God's Word, Rejoice in the Lord Always!, By:  Allan McNabb allan@biblestudyguide.org}

⁵Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. ⁹Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, ¹¹and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Isa. 45: 23)

{Paul now shows Christ had two natures at the same time in the same person: He was one with God and one with man. Messiah Yeshua from the beginning with God and has always been one with God. He created the world and all things and is the sustainer of same. (John 1:1)

The pagan religions tried to put forth counterfeit beliefs of people being descended from gods, but their gods and offspring were very human in actions and lives. They were arrogant, capricious, self-centered and did not care about people. In short, they were just like their father, Satan. Christ was totally different, He came as a servant to save His creation, people. He was humble and loving. In short, He was like His Father, Y__H. Many people hearing about Christ would be familiar with the idea of a son/daughter of a god. The idea that the true Son of the true God, Y__H, was loving and came to save them was a very foreign concept to what they had been taught.

Messiah Yeshua was/is/will be willing, for the sake of His creation, to humble Himself to become a real man that we might be saved. This reality was also foreign to the pagans and actually seemed ludicrous. Jesus was like men in every way except that, by choice, he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). He became hungry (Mark 11:12), thirsty (John 4:7) and tired (Luke 8:23). He was very happy (John 15:11), but he could weep (John 11:35). Christ showed true humility Luke 22:27; John 13:5). We must do the same and can only do so through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Because Christ was willing, in humble obedience, to put Himself second to make a way of salvation for us, God the father raised Him above all others. Everyone, every person regardless of station or belief will recognize and bow down to Christ as Lord.}

¹²Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; ¹³for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. ¹⁴Do all things without complaining and disputing, ¹⁵that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, ¹⁶holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. ¹⁷Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. ¹⁸ For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

{God works in us (Phil. 2:13) but we must take personal responsibility for our salvation (Acts 17:11-12) and work through our life to obey God. Salvation is through grace and faith but, as James states, if we truly have faith our lives and works will evidence that faith. (James 1:22-24; 2:14-26) Paul makes the same point here. We are to live lives worthy of Christ so others can see our lives and glorify God. (Matthew 5:16; Luke 11:33; John 8:12; 12:46)

God gives us the energy and ability to obey Him. Therefore, we have the ability through Y’shua Messiah to work out our own salvation (Phil. 2:12). The gospel is God's power unto salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Th.2:13). If we do not obey God, it is not because we do not have the ability but because we are not exercising faith working through love (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6; Galatians. 5:6, 16-26; James. 2:19-26).}

¹⁹But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.²⁰For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. ²¹ For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. ²²But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.²³Therefore I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how it goes with me. ²⁴But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

²⁵Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; ²⁶since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. ²⁷For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. ²⁹Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; ³⁰because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

{Timothy was a protege’ of Paul and was considered an effective worker for the Lord by Paul. Timothy accompanied Paul on his second and third missionary journeys. Paul shows his confidence in the Philippians by expecting a good report about them from Timothy. (As a side note it is thought that Timothy and his wife were killed when the Romans used them as target by their archers.) It is interesting to note that Timothy and his father both served with Paul when Timothy was a child.

Epaphroditus placed greater value in doing the work of Christ than he placed on his own mortal life. All Christians should have the same dedication (Matt. 16:24-26; Lk.14:26-27, 33) and should be held in high regard. Epaphroditus worked to supply what was lacking in the Philippians' service to Paul. Money alone cannot do the work of Christ.}

Philippians

Chapter 3

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. ²Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! ³For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, ⁴though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: ⁵circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; ⁶concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

{Paul reminds us we must have an attitude and practice of rejoicing in the Lord regardless of external circumstances. Paul and James echo each other. The message from them is the same and echoes Christ. (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23; James 1:2-6)

Paul now addresses the danger of the Judaizers that were trying to sway the Philippian Christians follow the law instead of Christ. I must be clear that we are talking about the law and traditions of man and not God’s law. Paul recognizes he is repeating himself many times but assures the Philippians it is not a burden for him to do so and reminding them of the danger keeps them vigilant. (Repetition is a tool used by teachers to help students remember what they are taught.)

Paul makes the point very forcefully that, as a highly educated Pharisee, he was much more steeped in the law than the Judaizers trying to sway the Philippians. His pedigree comes from his birth as a Hebrew from the tribe of Benjamin, his circumcision at 8 days old, his being a Pharisee and his persecuting Christians before he was saved. There were no demands of the Law of Moses that Paul had failed to obey.}

⁷But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

¹²Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

{Paul was rising quickly in the Jewish faith. As a student of Gamaliel and an ardent adherent to the Law of Moses, Paul was on the fast track to power, respect and control. He considered all this as nothing compared to the blessing of living for Christ. Paul understood that to know Christ was far more valuable than anything in this life.

Paul makes clear that his, and our, righteousness comes from faith in Christ as the Messiah. Righteousness is imputed to us through Christ, not because of any works we can possibly do. Paul makes clear he is not perfected but is pursuing perfection with all that is in him so he will be resurrected to spend eternity with Christ. A bit of explanation is in order here. There are many places in the Scriptures where we are told to be perfect or to be holy. (Lev. 19:2; Psalm 86:2; Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:40; John 17:23) Paul was not disagreeing with the Scriptures. To understand his thinking, we need to emphasize verse 9, “not having my righteousness from legalism, but through faith in Messiah, the righteousness of God based on faith,”. Paul knows he is not perfected through following the Law of Moses, or anything he can do, but only through faith in Christ can he, or anyone, be perfect or perfected. (Genesis 17:1; 1 Kings 8:61, 11:4; Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:40; John 17:23)

He does not want the Christians at Philippi to believe false doctrine. Some of the Christians in Philippi said that they were already perfect. They denied that people need discipline in the Christian life. But Paul himself had not completely succeeded in the work that Christ had given him to do or living a perfect life in Christ, and he knew that.

Paul does not allow what he was and what he did in the past to stop him from his work in for Christ. We also cannot allow what we were or what we did in the past to stop us from working for Christ. We cannot allow Satan to use guilt for past actions to keep us from doing the work Messiah Y’shua calls us to do.

A runner who reached the line at the end of the race receives a reward from the judge. Paul’s prize when he has finished his race of faith will be eternity with Christ. God will call him to enjoy the glory of heaven for ever.}

¹⁵Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. ¹⁶Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. ¹⁷Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. ¹⁸ For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:¹⁹whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. ²⁰For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,²¹ who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

{Understand what? Understand that everything we are and have that has any value, we are and have in Christ, not this temporal world. If we do not understand this and think what we value is in the things of this earth, God will reveal it to us so we might live truly by His Word.

Paul now instructs the believer to imitate him, his priorities and his actions. At first reading, this might appear a bit arrogant but when we put it in context Paul is clear that he and those with him are totally dedicated to living like and follow Christ. The Philippians, and we, are to do the same. We are to follow the example of Paul as he follows the example of Christ.

Paul warns that there are many people who are the enemies of the cross. They are those who deny Jesus was crucified and resurrected or denigrate His salvation. Paul is grief stricken for these people knowing they are headed for everlasting destruction, Hell. Their world and life is wrapped up in themselves and how they can satisfy their cravings. Believers in Lord Y’shua Messiah walk a different path. Believers realize and understand their true citizenship is in Heaven. We are like travelers in a foreign land and culture waiting to go home with our Lord. Our bodies will be transformed to like His.}

Philippians

Chapter 4

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. ²I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. ⁴Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

{Paul again lets the Philippians know how much he loves and misses them. He also urges them to stand firm in Y’shua Messiah. Paul now addresses a problem, quarrel, two of the leading women in the congregation were having. We are not given any hint what was the problem but, consistent with what Paul previously said in the letter, he urges the women to agree in the Lord. Paul stresses that believers must work together, as yoked oxen work together, as a team for the work of the Lord. It was a serious matter, as it would make the witness of the Christians there weak. No disagreement between believers should interfere with their work for Y’shua Messiah.

Paul now again echoes James when he says to rejoice in the Lord always. Whatever their circumstances, believers can have joy, because the Lord Jesus is always near them. That Paul, soon to be tried for his life, should not only rejoice but bid others to rejoice, shows the power of the gospel to comfort one who has made Christ their everything.

Because Christ is our everything, our comfort and our joy we will evidence love and gentleness in our lives and dealings with others. The “Lord is near” was a kind of watchword for the early church that the Lord is always near. There is some thought that the early church expected Christ to return in their lifetime. This may or may not be the case but they did know Christ was always with them regardless of circumstances.

Finally, Paul repeats himself that we must not be anxious (worried, concerned) about anything but are to take everything to the Father in prayer. God will give us peace concerning our concerns and will help us through everything. (Luke 12:22 - 34) Whatever their circumstances, we can have joy, because the *Lord Jesus is always near us.

⁸Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

{The Greek word for true can mean genuine, or free from error. This means we are to guard against and not take part in or spread false doctrine. It also means we are not to spread untruths about others. This goes along with things that are honorable. Anything that is not honorable, even if culturally considered honorable, cannot be acted on or spread by a believer in Christ.

 

Some things seem attractive, but they are of little value. They are not worth thinking about. And they are not worth spending time on. Christians must do what God wants. Pure’. a Christian’s thoughts and actions should be so clean that they are suitable for God to know about and take part in. These is pleasing to God.

Again, Paul uses himself as an example for others to follow. He was totally dedicated to serving the Lord and his life proved it. His priority and total focus was Christ.}

¹⁰But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹²I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ¹⁴Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

{Because of the proof of affection furnished in the relief they sent to him by the hands of Epaphroditus. The Philippians had before been careful to supply his needs. (Philippians 4:16; Philippians 4:2; 2 Cor. 11:9.) They had always been ready to care for him, but lacked the means of communicating with him. Communications were difficult and slow and money/gifts had to be sent by messenger.

Paul makes clear he was not in great need at that time and even if he had been, he had learned to be content with what he had. Paul knew that true contentment is a gift from God. Christ gives us the strength to accept all circumstances, pleasant or difficult.}

¹⁵Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. ¹⁶For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. ¹⁷Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

{Paul thanks the Philippians for supplying his needs in his evangelistic travels. He makes clear he is not looking for a gift. It is the people he wants, not their money or other gifts. (2 Corinthians 12:14) Paul had received more than enough for himself, now that Epaphroditus had brought their gifts. Their Christian service to Paul was an act of worship that pleased God. (Matthew 10:40; Luke 10:16; John 5:38; Romans 10:15)

²¹ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. ²²All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. ²³The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

{Paul ends the letter with his usual greetings from the believers with him. In this ending, he includes those that are in Caesar’s household. These could be members of the family, servants, administration, soldiers and others. It is important to note that while Paul might have been a prisoner of the government he was free in Christ and used his circumstances to bring the Good News to those would not have heard it otherwise.

REFERENCES:

http://thebondservant.org/?page_id=68

Barclay Commentary

https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide_Phl/Phl_1.cfm

https://www.easyenglish.bible/bible-commentary/philippians-lbw.htm

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/peoples-new-testament/philippians

The Pulpit Commentary

Expositor’s Bible

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getBookSections&cid=8

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/Phil

http://www.ccel.org/contrib/exec_outlines/phil/phil_00.htm

One New Man Bible True Potential, Inc. Kindle Edition

Philippians, Nine Lessons From God's Word, Rejoice in the Lord Always!, By:  Allan McNabb allan@biblestudyguide.org

Bible Holiness, E.P. Ellyson, Beacon Hill Press, Kansas City, Missouri, 1938