Philippians 1
In 42 B.C. The battle of Philippi, took place in which the forces of Antony and Octavian (“Caesar Augustus”; Luke 2:1) defeated the republican forces of Brutus and Cassius. The battle marked the end of the Roman republic and the beginning of the empire.
The church in Philippi was founded by Paul some eleven years before this letter, on his second missionary journey, and was the first church founded in Europe (Cf. Acts 16:11-40).
Theme = Joy
Purpose:
- To thank them for their generous gift (4:10–19),
- Explain why he was sending Epaphroditus back to them (2:25–30),
- Inform them of his circumstances (1:12–26), and
- Warn them about the danger of false teachers (3:2, 18–19).
Key verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4 NIV).
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Chapter 1
1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: – When Paul wrote this letter, Timothy was with him in Rome. Luke was also with Paul in Rome fro a time (2 Timothy 4:11) as well as Mark (Colossians 4:10). servants of Christ Jesus = duoloi = bond servants. Saints is hagioi, meaning “those set apart.” “Overseer” episkopos is another term for elder, which is the most common New Testament name for the office (cf. Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 4, 6, 23; James 5:14). Elders are also referred to as pastors (or shepherds; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1–2), pastor-teachers (Eph. 4:11), and bishops (cf. Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:2). The qualifications and duties of the overseers are explained in detail in 1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. “Deacon” is diakonos was used of waiters on tables (practical servers).
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now – “Partnership” – or koinōnia “fellowshipped.” The Philippians were extremely giving towards Paul, both when he was with them (Acts 16:15, 16:32-34) and when he was apart from them (2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:1-4, and 11:9).
6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus – “Being confident” peithō could be translated, “Since I am confident of this very thing”. The “day of Christ Jesus” occurs only six times in the New Testament; three of those times are in Philippians (see 1 Corinthians 1:8; 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10; 2:16).
7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you – The Greek word translated to feel (phronein) is used by Paul twenty-three times in this letter; a deep special concern.
8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus – “affection” is literally “inward parts” or “viscera,” such as the inward parts of an animal sacrifice (heart, liver, kidneys).
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight – Love – agape. Depth of insight aisthēsis (aesthetic)means discernment. Cf. 1Cor 8:1-2.
13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ – This is the Praetorian guard – elite troops housed in the emperor’s palace.
18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. – Paul is not saying that it is okay if a false or different gospel is preached as was the case at Galatia which Paul confronted but if the true gospel is preached even with wrong motives he could rejoice.
“That which does not teach Christ is not apostolic, even if Peter or Paul taught it. Again, that which does preach Christ is apostolic, even if Judas, Annas, Pilate or Herod did it.” (Martin Luther in his German New Testament of 1522 preface to the letter to James).
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain – Lit. “For to me to live Christ, to die gain”
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. – “conduct” politeuomai – live as a citizen. Cf. Phil 3:20.
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him – “Has been granted” is from charizō, which is from the same root as the noun charis (grace) and literally means “to give, render, or grant graciously.”
Acts 5:41“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. NIV
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