Another of the Prison Epistles, this letter to the church at Philippi was also written from Rome. The church had sent a messenger, Epaphroditus, with an offering and a letter inquiring of Paul's condition and prospects. After a bit, the man becomes sick and the church hears about it, sending yet another inquiry. Paul responds by sending the now recovered Epaphroditus back with an entirely personal note responding to their questions by describing his state of mind. Thus, he models for them the proper Christian response to life and death on this plane of existence. He then goes on to mention they had bigger problems than his possible death.
We note Philippi was his first Macedonian mission. It also began with a stay in jail, and he writes to them again from Roman custody. It seems Paul is near the end of his trial, because he writes as one who expects to hear soon of Caesar's judgment, perhaps during the winter of 62-63 AD. There is no heavy theology here, only a look inside Paul's heart.
Chapter 1 -- Paul gushes with praise for them and encourages them to embrace persecution as God's glory in them.
Chapter 2 -- We learn how sacrifice is the business of the Kingdom.
Chapter 3 -- Paul says he never tires of comparing the glories of His Savior with the pitiful, petty nastiness of the Judaizers.
Chapter 4 -- Wrapping things up, Paul calls them once more to consider what really matters in this world, then ends his letter with personal greetings.
By Ed Hurst
14 December 2010
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