Paul passed through Philippi on both his second and third missionary journeys. His epistle to them was written at a later date from prison in Rome. Previous epistles of Paul Romans, Corinthians, Galatians and Ephesians take up doctrinal or moral issues. Here, the subject matter is very different, for it considers the Christian experience. It reminds us of Joseph’s exhortation to his brethren: “So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way” (Gen. 45:2424So he sent his brethren away, and they departed: and he said unto them, See that ye fall not out by the way. (Genesis 45:24)).
The word “sin” never appears. Salvation, when mentioned, is not the salvation of the soul; rather, it is deliverance from circumstances. (See, for example, Philippians 1:1919For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (Philippians 1:19).) We are seen journeying through the wilderness, through a world unchanged, but we are changed. We have no home here, for we are pressing toward the mark “for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ Jesus” (ch. 3:14 JND). Consistent with this, the name of Jesus is peculiarly associated with this epistle. He is our example.
Christ Our Life—Chapter 1
Paul addresses them as bondmen of Jesus Christ. The Philippian saints were dear to him. They were partakers in the gospel “from the first day unto now” (ch. 1:5). At times we know that this fellowship had taken the form of practical gifts. Though they had lacked opportunity, they once again flourished in their care for him and had sent a gift by the hand of Epaphroditus (ch. 2:25; 4:10).
Through their prayer and the abundant supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, this would be to his salvation. As to what form his release from bonds would take, either life or death, it didn’t matter. “Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (ch. 1:20-21).
He desired that their walk would be found worthy of the gospel of Christ, not terrified by their adversaries, for it is given to us to suffer for Christ (vss. 27-30).
Christ Our Pattern—Chapter 2
To complete his joy, Paul exhorts them to be “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (ch. 2:2,5). He was the perfect Servant and our perfect pattern.
Paul could no longer be with them; they were on their own, and they were going to have to work out their own salvation now with fear and trembling (vs. 12), remembering, of course, that it was God who worked in them “both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (vs. 13). In the first chapter, Paul was ready to live to serve them in the Lord (ch. 1:24-25); in the second, he is ready to be poured out as the oblation on the sacrifice and service of their faith (ch. 2:17). They were to walk such that Paul could rejoice in the day of Christ (vs. 16).
Christ Our Object—Chapter 3
“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (ch. 3:1). Circumstances may get us down, but if our eye is on the Lord, we still can rejoice. Paul had every cause to be discouraged, yet joy and rejoicing are ever-present themes throughout this epistle.
There is nothing in this scene for us. Though Paul could have boasted of his earthly credentials, he counted them as nothing (vs. 8). To reach Christ in glory was the goal before him. Paul had not attained, neither was he perfected (vs. 12). Here he anticipates that day when his vile body would be fashioned like unto His glorious body (vs. 21). Paul was in this race that he might apprehend, seeing that he had been taken possession of by Christ Jesus (vs. 12).
Christ Our Strength—Chapter 4
Here we have the practical admonition, “Therefore... stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” (ch. 4:1). Are we a help or a hindrance (vss. 23)? Are we careful and troubled about many things (vs. 6)? On what are we meditating (vs. 8)? What are we doing—in whose footsteps are we following (vs. 9)?
Paul had learned to be content no matter what the circumstances were: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (vs. 13). Paul the prisoner had learned something of the riches of the One he served: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (vs. 19).
N. Simon