This month we are going to study the book of Philippians. I love it!! I have a Women's Study Bible and I would like to share what it says about the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians:
"The apostle Paul, in a night vision a decade before the writing of this letter, received a call to preach in the region of Macedonia (Phil. 1:1; see Acts 16:6-10). Paul had never before been to Europe, but, obedient to the vision, he sailed to Macedonia's coastal port Neapolis, then walked nine miles inland to Philippi, the area's foremost city (Acts 16:12). Timothy, his young disciple and traveling companion on that trip, may have served as an amanuensis or secretary for this letter (Phil. 1:1; Acts 16:1-5; 1 Tim. 1:1, 2; 2 Tim. 1:1,2). Philippians is categorized as one of Paul's four prison epistles."
The time this letter was written is said to be around A.D. 60-63. "Philippi's river bank was mentioned as a gathering place for prayer for Lydia and other women (Acts 16:13). Caesar Augustus designated Philippi a Roman colony (Acts 16:12). For the Philippians, this designation made a tremendous social and psychological difference: The surrounding province of Macedonia, physically lower in elevation, now had no authority over them. And like all other Roman citizens, they were exempt from taxes, could buy and sell as they pleased, could file legal suits, and could assume privileges appropriate to being part of empirical Rome (Acts 16:20, 21, 37-39). This situation might explain their tendency to arrogance and the need for Paul to stress humility in his letter to them."
The women in that area were very independent. "They gathered for meetings (Acts 16:13); they ran their own businesses (Acts 16:14); and they even feuded in the church (Phil. 4:2,3)." In this book more than any other, women played a prominent part. "The Philippian story began with women meeting "by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made" (Acts 16:13). Since Philippi became the first European city in which Paul preached, his first European convert may have been a woman, Lydia of Philippi and her household (Acts 16:14); later came a Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:27-34). Paul's persecution began over his compassion for a young woman -- a Philippian girl abused by the occult (Acts 16:16-19). And a decade later, trouble within the church focused on two feuding women, Euodia and Syntyche (Phil. 4:2, 3)."
"The primary emphasis of joy (an idea occurring more than fifteen times) with resultant unity and humility as secondary emphases. The book from beginning to end lends itself to a rich study of these wonderful themes." Joy is my word for this year and I am excited to spend this month studying these four chapters.
As with any of my Bible studies, I ask that you would take some time to pray and ask Holy Spirit to lead you through this study. Read through chapter one. There are thirty verses to read but it goes quickly. Have your Bible open as you read this blog post. Take notes if you want in the margins of your Bible, in a notebook, or something that you will refer back to. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and insight in the comments section below. It is so enjoyable to read what you all are thinking and sharing and experiencing. Let's begin.
Greetings Verses 1-11
Paul begins the letter with giving Timothy and himself the title of servants. Then he addresses those at Philippi as saints. He writes as a friend and in humility. The church is blended so Paul combines two languages and cultures when he says Grace and Peace. Lydia, a Gentile, joined other Jewish women in prayer. The jailer and his family were Gentiles. My study Bible says this: "But beyond the simple greeting, Paul is linking two important Christian concepts, God's gifts to His children of "grace" or unmerited favor and "peace." Ultimately, there can be no peace without first receiving His grace." I love that! He tells them that he is always thinking about them and praying for them, requesting things they need from God with joy! It gives him great pleasure to pray for these friends of his. When Paul says "Your fellowship in the gospel" it is acknowledgment of their financial support of his ministry. Verse six he is giving them confidence that even though God is still working on their hearts and in their lives to transform them into the image of Christ, they had sure salvation. It is the security of knowing that they were saved and safe! You can feel the love and compassion he has for these people as he talks about having them in his heart. He finishes up this portion of the letter with what his prayer is for them. He wants them to grow in love, knowledge, and right judgement; to approve excellent things; to be sincere and without offence until Jesus comes back; and lastly to be filled with fruits of righteousness by Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. He wants them to have the evidence of righteous living the way Jesus did to bring God the honor that is due Him.
Paul's Bonds In Christ Verses 12-19
Paul wants them to know upfront that the circumstances he finds himself in is serving to further the Gospel message. He says that the bonds in Christ are made known in the palace and all other places. It is no secret he was arrested and waiting trial. He goes on to say that many brothers in Christ have taken notice of what Paul is going through for the cause of Christ and it has empowered them to speak boldly about Jesus in their circles without fearing the repercussions. As is the case in our culture today, Paul says some preach to cause division and arguments, but others are sharing the Truth of God's Word so that it can help others turn from sin to salvation. He says whether they are preaching for their own recognition or they are preaching about Jesus in sincerity, Paul will rejoice. He has decided that at least the message is being preached and he will rejoice about that, regardless of their motives. He says he knows it will turn to his getting out of prison through their prayers and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Doesn't that always get us through personal prisons?
Christ Is Magnified Through Paul Verses 20-30
I love that Paul says that according to his earnest expectation and his hope he will with all boldness, not be ashamed, but will magnify Jesus in his body whether he dies or he lives. He says if he lives then he can continue to share the saving message of the cross of Christ. If he dies then he gains eternity with his Savior. He says he is caught between two feelings. On the one hand he wants to go Home to be with Jesus and experience everything he has been living for since encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. But he realizes it is so important to keep working in his ministry to encourage others and help those who are lost. He says that he has confidence that he will stay and help them go further in their faith with joy. He understands that they will rejoice in Jesus even more when Paul is able to come visit and fellowship with them again. He then gives them some instruction. He wants them to speak to one another in a way that honors God. Whether Paul is able to come again or not, he wants them to conduct themselves in a way that would glorify God. Paul says he wants to hear good reports about how they are unified and working together for the cause of Christ. He encourages them to not be afraid of their enemies. To their enemies it is sinful but to them it is evidence that God is still with them. Paul reminds them they have been given the opportunity to not only believe in Jesus but to also suffer for His sake, much like Paul is doing. Paul is leading by example here. He said you have the same conflict that you heard I had and do have as I am facing trial.
I hope you have been able to take a closer look at Paul's letter with a different perspective. It is so good to dig a little deeper into the scriptures and get to know our brothers and sisters in Philippi better. If we see things they are going through we can understand why Paul wrote the letter the way he did. We can even find similarities so we can be strengthened with these letters, too.
I have enjoyed breaking the bread with you today. I hope something I have shared in this blog post has given you strength for your journey and light for your way. God bless you!
~Bridgett Owens
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