An Exposition: Epistle to the Philippians
God’s Word comes to us from various writers but is authored by the God himself as He inspired men to write. This exposition by Saturday’s Notes is an effort to examine the wealth of Good News that is included in Paul’s epistle to the church at Philippi including the value of the city and its importance to the region and the Christian churches in Paul’s day.
The Book of Joy is the title ascribed to St. Paul’s Letter to the church at Philippi. It is hard to imagine that such a title is applied to a letter that was written during Paul’s imprisonment. But we will examine how this great epistle got its name.
Let us begin by examining where Philippi fit into the world in New Testament (“N.T.”) times. Philippi is a city in Macedonia approximately ten miles inward from Neapolis on the Aegean Sea. The settlement originated circa 350 B. C. and eventually named for Philip, the king of Macedonia and the father of Alexander the Great.
The Roman emperor Augustus made Philippi a Roman colony which gave it advantages over most other cities of its time. Philippi enjoyed prominence in part due to its place on Via Egnatia (Egnatian Trail). The Egnatian Trail began in modern day Turkey (Istanbul) which was then Byzantium or later Constantinople. The Via Egnatia traveled 1,120 kilometers which allowed travelers and commerce to connect to Rome. The Via Egnatia crossed north of the Aegean Sea to the seaport of Neapolis and then through Philippi to Thessalonica.
The road was constructed by the Romans in 2nd century BC, and little did the world know that it would also allow the propagation of the Gospel as people like St. Paul no doubt used this very road on his various missionary journeys.
Philippi was inland from Neapolis, the seaport on the Aegean Sea. The Aegean Sea was important for commerce in part due to its shellfish that supplied purple dyestuff. Purple dye was as valuable as gold!! Here’s one summation of its value. 10,000 shellfish provide one gram of dyestuff. In Diocletian’s time, one pound of dyestuff was equal to three pounds of gold. And one pound of purple dyed wool equaled one pound of gold.
We’ll examine this purple dyestuff importance to Paul and the founding of the church at Philippi later. In Acts 16, Paul receives a vision to go from Asia Minor to Europe. Let’s re-visit Luke’s comments. “During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Luke then tells us that, “At once, Paul got ready to leave for Macedonia.”
Who was the “man of Macedonia” who called Paul to travel to Europe? Halley’s Bible Handbook concludes it was God himself who steered Paul away from Ephesus and Bithynia to Philippi. Paul heard another voice from heaven in Acts 9 when God (I AM) called him to be an Apostle.
Let’s review what we know thus far. First, Philippi was an important city as it was strategically located on the road to Rome. Second, it was the major city adjacent to the seaport of Neapolis that provided the purple dyestuff from shellfish in the Aegean Sea. And finally, as you will see it was the first church on the continent of Europe.
What was church like in Paul’s day? Well, it was not the elaborate temple or synagogue of the Jews nor was it the cathedral of today’s time. The churches were meeting places in people’s homes. After all, a church is NOT a building rather it is people who have been called by the Holy Spirit to be re-united with the heavenly Father through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, their Lord, and Savior.
The church movement really started in Acts 2 in Jerusalem on Pentecost. People from all over the world were there to celebrate the festival of Pentecost. Then, they fanned out to their respective cities and towns having heard the Good News from Peter’s sermon. But . . . most were of the Jewish faith. What about the Gentiles? God’s plan was not yet revealed as He called this very special man that no one in his right mind would have expected. Paul’s (a/k/a Saul) C. V. (curriculum vitae) was impressive. Go to Philippians 3:4ff and let us see. First, he was a circumcised Jew. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and described as a Hebrew of Hebrews with regard to the Law. Next, he was a Pharisee indicating he was a learned man, a student of Gamaliel, a leading theologian of his day. While not listed, he is also a Roman citizen which opened doors that would have otherwise been closed!
So, we have an educated theologian of his day, a legalistic type as a Pharisee, likely spoke multiple languages, and was a Roman citizen that gave him special privileges in Roman world. Let’s take a moment to examine Saul’s theological training. Gamaliel was a very interesting man. His name means reward of God. Today, we would call Gamaliel a “doctor of Jewish law.” He succeeded Shammai as president of the Sanhedrin, who was also known as “Simeon of Hillel.” He was the grandson of Hillel the Elder. Interestingly, the word hillel means praise in Hebrew. In Luke’s Book of The Acts, he writes in chapter 5:38ff that Gamaliel addressed the Sanhedrin and warned them not to act too swiftly because, “. . .If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men . . .” His function as a theologian provided his students with broader thinking, as it is reported he required his students to study Greek poets. If you examine Paul’s stay in Athens (Acts 17) you’ll find that he quotes a Greek poet, Aratus of Soli when he used this phrase and applied to Jesus: “For in him we live and move and have our being.” Now isn’t that interesting! God indeed used Paul’s Jewish training, now a missionary, for the Gospel using his knowledge of Greek literature, and opened doors with the learned men in the meeting of the Aeropagus.
A short side note from an article from Dr. Nelson Price who during a trip to Israel, visited Beit (house) Gamaliel which is a religious mashav. (cooperative settlement of small separate farms). During Dr. Price’s visit there, he saw that both Stephen and Nicodemus were buried there. According to Dr. Price, it begs the question, “Was Gamaliel converted?”
Before we begin with the epistle, we need to go back and read the short stay at Philippi in Acts 16. The short verses here are packed with action of the Holy Spirit and then the terrible events that lead to Paul and Silas’ flogging and jailing. We find that this church to be formed consisted of two very different households. First, we meet Lydia from Thyatira and then we meet the jailer who was about to commit suicide because he thought his prison charges had escaped. Lydia from Thyatira is now in Philippi. Why? Thyatira is in Asia Minor and is one of the seven churches mentioned in The Revelation of St. John. Earlier, I mentioned the purple dyestuff and its prominence in the Aegean. Thyatira was a city of commerce and was well known for its purple dyestuff called Turkey red. Maybe this successful businesswoman needed to be closer to the dyestuff available from the Aegean? We will never know!
Before Paul and his companions left Philippi, he baptized the new heirs of salvation that formed a new church. We are going to see just how important this church was to Paul later in his career. Listen to Paul’s departing words, “After Paul and Silas came out of prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them.” Notice the words in italics. Luke calls everyone in the house brothers, as members of the family of God. And he encourages them to remain steadfast to the Gospel that they heard and accepted from Paul during his short stay.
The whole beginning of their European journey has begun. Yes, in God’s way, the first European church is born using a wealthy woman and a jail keeper and his family as the basis of a new church. Remember the prophet Isaiah when he said, “My Word will not return unto me void, but will accomplish that which I please and in the manner in which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
Philippi:
The city of Philippi is no longer in existence, that is the ancient city. The modern city is called Filippoi. Archeological digs have been done with multiple structural findings. The city is in the Edonis region of eastern Macedonia. Its original name was Crenides (meaning fountains). The modern city is located near the ruins of the ancient city and is part of the region of East Macedonia & Thrace in Kavalla, Greece. The ancient city was first inhabited by Thasian colonists. Thasos is a Greek island in the north Aegean Sea. These colonists were likely leaving their island home due to loss of control. In 405 B. C., Lysander took control and in a short period of time Philippi was founded.
Philippi was a strategic city in that it was located near gold mines. Philip conquered the city for just that reason and established a garrison. New gold mines were discovered and the 2,000+ population became wealthy. Later, under Roman rule, it was reorganized as a colony and “centuriated” (divided into squares of land) and distributed to the colonists. It was called, “miniature Rome.” Around 51 A. D., the church at Philippi was founded on Paul’s Second Missionary Journey.
Greetings:
Where else would you begin but to greet your readers. Paul’s letter is addressed to their Christian title – saints. As members of the household of faith, they are sainted by the gospel of Jesus Christ and heirs of salvation. In addition to the saint title, Paul specifically addresses the overseers (bishops) and deacons. Bishops (episkopos) and deacons (diakonos) are set apart because they are God’s special servants who are leaders of the church. St. Paul in his first letter to Timothy gives a detailed job description for each of the two categories. His two-word greeting says it all – grace and peace. What else is there? Grace is God’s righteousness at Christ’s expense! And peace is the result of being made right with God. Peace is that eternal consequence that surpasses all understanding by the world. Not happiness as the world understands which is transitory, but peace that is enduring even in life’s hardships. Paul will begin his letter with words of encouragement that are needed to endure.
In the beginning:
Paul reminds his church that God began a good work in them when they came to faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Good works is not a dirty word related to salvation. Certainly, works don’t save but indeed they are “fruits” of our faith. Even though he is miles away and in prison, the missionary has not forgotten his church. And what does the missionary do? He offers a prayer for his church. His petition is five-fold: 1) that love may abound; 2) increase in knowledge; 3) depth of insight; 4) discernment; and 5) purity/blameless.
Some have said that lists in the Bible always list the most important first. I think it may be true in this case and the word “abundance” is key here. Not only do we have this amazing agape love of our Lord for His church, but as Christians we are to grow in love for each other and for the furthering of the gospel. Remember the word love is the key word summing up the two tables of the Law. And love itself is the fulfillment! In Paul’s day, the New Testament church did not have Scripture other than the Old Testament(“O. T.”).
Their knowledge of our Lord had to come from the teachings of the apostles and leaders (overseers and deacons) in the church. Paul’s letters of course were inspired by the Holy Spirit and so his letter to them was key to their growth in knowledge. Insight! What is it? Meanings can vary according to the dictionary ranging from understanding, intuitiveness, and even a synonym for discernment. I am unsure of the Greek here but would suspect that Paul’s use would relate to understanding. Remember Solomon’s proverb, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of him is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) So, Paul’s list of second and third items above really tie together if we define it in terms of the proverb. In other words, knowledge yields insight. Discernment is a perception of the difference between good and evil. Is the source of what someone is telling me from God or from the world? Is that what God really had in mind for me or is it the Evil One attempting to pull me away for God’s will or in opposition to the gospel? Finally, Paul asks our Lord to protect them for purity in life and blameless before the throne of grace. Paul not only asks for this now but until the Day of the Lord. The result is fruit – the good type – of righteousness (rightness). Righteousness is a term that is mentioned in the N. T. over 200 times. Our rightness with our God is by being justified by faith. Justified means “just if I.” Yes, we are made right with God by the suffering and death of our Lord for me (and you) – just if I had been able to be made right on my own. Paul uses the word “filled” with the phrase “fruit of righteousness.” If you are filled, then there’s no other room for the world to crowd out the five-fold prayer request. But wait!! There’s more. Paul concludes his request to the “glory and praise of God.” His prayer was all spiritual not asking for things of this world rather the things that are everlasting. To God be the glory! Amen and Amen.
Dialogue:
Think about the relationship of a pastor to his people. Remember a pastor is an under shepherd of The Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He represents Almighty God to his people. St. Paul was a short-term pastor there and then left, leaving Luke (as postulated) to continue to minister to the congregation. In modern times, we see the use of the word of “circuit riders” who are ordained pastors serving multiple small mission starts. And even if a pastor moves to another area, does he forget his previous assignment? No! His letter to his parish is one of longing to see them again but recognizes that he may not see them again. “Whether I come to see you or only hear about you in my absence.” And his continued response: “I will KNOW that you will stand firm in one spirit…for the faith of the gospel.” (emphasis added) Stand firm – as you may be going through the same struggles as I. Yes struggles! You and I continue to experience life’s little interludes that interject into what may be a once stable environment.
Chapter 2: Humility:
Humility is not a very well understood term in human terms. Why? Because our own inner conscious would tell us that “we” are the best and cannot be denigrated to a lower state. St. Paul uses some interesting language here in verse five, “Your attitude.” The word attitude is really related to your mind’s eye! Your mind should perceive the same attitude as that of our LORD. Paul goes on to say he has a “genuine” interest in their welfare. We are introduced to the person of Epaphroditus. This man was sent from Philippi to Rome to deliver a gift to their founder. How do we send messages today? I am reminded of my early childhood days when my Uncle Bob and Aunt Anita were missionaries in India. In 1949 and following, our messages were sent via “Air Mail” on thin-skinned paper that took weeks to be delivered. When we sent Christmas gifts, we mailed them in September.
Paul reminds his readers that our Lord was God himself but “humbled” himself to become the very nature of a servant. What a humbling thought! Dialogue in the next few verses (5-11), summarizes the gospel “from servant to glory.” Yes, he was humbled to become human (our sinful existence), the very nature of a servant and became obedient to death . . . and then exalted to the highest place. Paul’s language (v10-11) has survived for millennia and read over and over . . . but never too many times. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father!” There is nothing in creation that does not recognize God for who He is or what He has done for us. Yes, it surpasses all human understanding.
Why would Paul have to summarize God’s plan in Jesus at this time? It’s a reminder to all of us that God in his perfect condition does not want us outside the sphere of grace! Paul realized that the human condition would pull like a magnet and attempt to separate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.
His instruction is clear: “Do everything without complaining.” (2;14) Remember his prayer in chapter one? Purity and blameless! Yes, if you remain without complaining or arguing we can remain blameless and “pure.”
Paul’s theological training is made crystal clear in Chapter two, especially when he uses the phrase, “Shine like stars.” I believe St. Paul remembered the prophet Daniel 12:3, “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” Stardom is not a human term, rather it is the light of Christ that makes the stars shine into eternity. So, Paul uses this picture language to remind his church at Philippi that they too must shine like stars in the universe as they let their light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matt 5:16).
Paul refers to his life being poured out as a sacrifice for the gospel. The drink offering is very scriptural but also likely used in the pagan world pouring out a wine offering to pagan deities. The drink offering was first used in Genesis 35:14 where Jacob (Israel) poured out an offering on the altar at Bethel. Drink offerings were poured out onto the altar for each animal sacrifice. A “hin” is a liquid measure of about one gallon (4L). One-quarter hin (1L) was offered for each lamb; one-third hin for each ram and one-half hin for each bull. Jesus was the ultimate drink offering as his blood was poured out on Calvary’s cross for you and me. On Maundy Thursday, our Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper and said, “. . . This cup is poured out . . . as the new covenant . . .” As we partake of His body and blood, we can be reminded that our Lord made the ultimate sacrifice and poured out His life for use to make us right with the Heavenly Father.
Paul reminds his readers that he is rejoicing about their service in faith and encourages them to be glad and rejoice not for their personal gain but for that of the gospel. Paul is indeed thankful of their gift and sharing Epaphroditus. While he became ill near to death, he is now well again and ready to return with Paul’s letter of joy and thanksgiving. Timothy too may follow as soon as the apparent verdict of Paul’s charges is made known.
Chapter 3: Press on!
The opening section here reminds you and me that there are still those who rely on legalistic observances like Judaizers who continue to preach the righteousness of the Law including circumcision. Paul says, “Forget it!” You are the true circumcised, that is, your heart has been made right in faith in a spiritual circumcision. Yes, Paul was a former believer in the righteousness of the Law but now considers it rubbish considering the greatness of knowing Christ as Lord. So “Press on,” he says. Paul uses the analogy of a runner in a race who never looks back but keeps his focus on the finish line and the prize that awaits him there. Years later, the author to the Hebrews uses similar language (Heb 12). “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” The word fix does not mean repair rather a position of being unmoved.
How can we apply Paul’s admonition to us today? Our flesh is torn constantly. Time is ever short and the demand on our time is excessive creating anxiety and stress in “What to do?” Do I give into the flesh and ignore what God wants? Or do I press on toward the prize and reach the finish line? Christianity is also impacted by societal pressures to reform and adapt which may water down our objectives of letting our light shine to those in darkness. If the church is confused and continues to wax and wane, then the world might fail to see our firm stand on the premise (promises) of God’s message. Our pressing on today continues to be a daily fight with the Evil One to make sure we are protected by the full armor of God that empowers us to shine in the darkened world. Paul reminded his church at Ephesus about the armor of God that makes us strong via His mighty power. The belt of truth; the breastplate of righteousness; the shoes of the gospel of peace; the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation; and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God – the only offensive weapon in this total armor description.
The final verses in this section should be pressed into your memory bank. Why? Because it’s the greatest promise in the Bible. These are not my words but those of my mentor, The Reverend W. E. Lauterbach. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (3:20-21) Yes, our passport to heaven is issued by the Holy Spirit in faith and guaranteed by the blood of the Lamb on Calvary. The people of Philippi understood this citizenship language as their city was a Roman colony. As such, they had rights and privileges just the same as those in Rome. Likewise, we have privileges that will be redeemed in heaven as we will be transformed from this sinful world to be perfect!
Chapter 4: Stand Firm! . . . And be Joyful!
In 2002, I listened to a sermon preached by a Pastor Stanley who used key words in chapter 4 in his message. His five key points were: 1) rejoice; 2) gentleness; 3) don’t be anxious; 4) prayer and 5) peace – the direct result of numbers one through four! And peace guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Rejoicing is numero uno to Paul and even adds the word “always.” Yes, there are times when rejoicing is not humanly understood. But even when the world deals a blow, our faith remains firmly rooted in the Good News of Christ and Him crucified. Our gentleness should be evident to all. For in so doing, we let the world see Jesus in us and thus our Father is glorified. Anxiety is well known today and treated with medications, therapy, and counseling. Paul says, “Don’t be anxious about anything.” Anxiety steals our focus and shifts our mind’s eye toward the anxious state and leaves us unable to refocus. And finally, we are to be in prayer about everything making known to our God who listens and answers our every need. The pastor concluded his message that the first four points would yield that peace that surpasses all understanding. And that heavenly peace will be a sentry guarding our hearts and minds keeping them in Christ.
Paul offers his personal undying gratitude for their generous gift delivered by Epaphroditus. Paul has experienced times of want and times of plenty but has been content in either circumstance. Remember, Paul is in prison. He gives God all glory reminding the Philippians that they can do everything through God who gives them the strength. Yes, their offering was like that of Abel when he offered the first fruits and was pleasing to God. Because of their generosity, Paul reminds them that God will provide their needs because of their stewardship.
Sometimes churches today get so wrapped up in their own internal needs that they lose focus on the needs of others whether in the community or in the world. How charitable are we? And how many people are in need to be reached by the gospel? Numerous examples are available that reflect that American’s generosity is declining. Yes, that’s total charitable giving and those directed to religious organizations. Even then, it is nebulous how much is used locally versus that directed to the extension of God’s kingdom around the world. And what about the Word of God in a particular language? Over 68% of the world’s people groups are unreached. Yes, that’s 5,892 people groups totaling 3.05 billion people. These data were supplied by Joshuaproject.net. The other part of the issue is getting the Good News of Jesus in a printed word that can be read in the language of their heart. Bible translators are working tirelessly to enter virgin areas and begin language development with the eventual goal of the printed Word which can take decades. The world has approximately 7,100 languages of which 50% have NO Scripture!!
God truly worked through his servant Paul. He took a persecutor of the church and made him an enabler. Paul’s stewardship is perhaps unmatched as he used every human asset for the good of the gospel. His theological training, his citizenship, and standing; his language skills, his tradesman as a tent maker and yes, his life knowing full well his citizenship was in Heaven.
This endeavor has been rewarding to me and pray that you too may find Paul’s Book of Joy enlightening in your walk with Jesus. In closing, pray with me as we recite the closing doxology in Hebrews: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
March 2018
Updated May 2022
