Understanding Philippians

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ,

The theme of Paul’s Epistle (letter) to the first church founded in Europe is to portray Jesus Christ as our joy.

Paul was called there by a vision and the cry:

“Come over into Macedonia, and help us” (Acts 16:9).

Paul advises the Church to develop Christian unity and joy. This Epistle (letter) describes how unity among Christians can be broken. Christ is the secret of joy.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1).

Paul pauses. He attempts to find the some better last words to speak, but cannot seem to find any. Presently he cried out,

“And again I say-well-just rejoice, that is enough” (Philippians 4:4).

This is the true joy in the midst of trouble and problems.

Paul and Silas, you remember, sang in the jail there at Philippi at midnight when their backs were bleeding, and sorely in pain. Paul is rejoicing as he writes this Epistle (letter), chained to a Roman soldier, for he knows that his very chains are helping him to spread the gospel. He could reach some in Caesar’s household that he never otherwise could have brought to the Jesus. He urged his Philippian converts to rejoice because they were allowed to suffer for Jesus.

“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have” (Philippians 1:29).

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

The word “joy,” or “rejoice,” occurs in this Epistle (letter) 16 times. Paul appears to be laughing out loud in sheer joy in the letter. Paul is the rejoicing apostle. “Joy and rejoice” and “all” are the words to underline. “Be glad” is Paul’s exhortation. We are commended to rejoice. We break a commandment if we rejoice not, for joy drives out discord. It helps in the midst of trials. “Joy is a bird; let it fly in the open heavens, and let its music be heard by all men.” Sinners, like Augustine (Saint Augustine of Canterbury, d. 604 or 605, missionary sent to England by Pope Gregory the Great and the first Archbishop of Canterbury) are attached to Jesus by the joy of Christians.

It truly seems unbelievable that Paul is writing from within prison, held by chains. His words seem to be written from a light heart. It is clear evidence that the soul of this great and anointed apostle is free! There is an atmosphere of joy even as he is chained and imprisoned.

In actuality, the Epistle (letter) has no precise plan, but is considered to be the sweetest of all Paul’s Epistles (letters). In this Epistle (letter), Paul does not scold, he sends this Epistle as more of a love letter.

In his short Epistle (letter) to Philippi, Paul mentions our Savior’s name 40 times. Some of the most wonderful things concerning Jesus and the Christian life are here. So that your life may be purified, dangers avoided, and progress made, Jesus Christ must be your joy, your trust, and your direct aim in life. Paul tells us of his joyful triumph over trying circumstances because of his trust in our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus.

For additional biblical teaching on Philippians, I invite you to listen to “Your Daily Word.” Click here to listen now.

Abundant blessings, joy, and peace in Christ Jesus,

Tony

Tony Marino
Founder, Executive Publisher
Christian Times Online
http://www.ChristianTimesOnline.com