In A.D. 50, during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40), Paul and his companions had started churches in the Roman cities of Philippi and Thessalonica. Both cities were located in the province of Macedonia. Paul was a prisoner when he wrote his letter to the Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 1:13, 1:16). It was approximately AD 60–62, during Paul’s first Roman imprisonment. The Philippian church had sent Paul a gift through one of their members by the name of Epaphroditus (Phil. 4:18). He wrote to express his love for the Philippians and to thank them for their gift (Phil. 4:10-14) and to let them know that his arrest and incarceration had not kept the Gospel from being proclaimed (Phil. 1:12). Paul’s letter emphasizes the reality of the joy found in serving Christ without reservation. The concept of “rejoicing” or “joy” appears sixteen times in four chapters. The letter is filled with the message joy. Paul expresses his joy for the Philippian’s devotion to him and the Gospel. He is confident that God will continue to work in them to grow them in Christ. Paul’s love for the Philippians runs deep. He prays from them asking God to give them an abundance of love so that they might be free from all impurity and blame on the day when we all “stand before God to give an account of the stewardship of our lives at the judgment seat of Christ (Phil. 1:10; IICor. 5:10).”
Paul begins Philippians much as he does his other letters: a quick salutation, an expression of thankfulness, and a prayer. The opening sentence sets the tone of the whole letter. It is characteristically a letter from a friend to his friends.1Barclay’s Daily Study Bible. Philippians 1. A FRIEND TO HIS FRIENDS (Phil. 1:1-2). https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/philippians-1.html
The absence of any reference to Paul’s apostleship in any of his inspired writings to the Macedonian churches, namely, those in Thessalonica and Philippi, is noteworthy. He mentioned his apostleship in all his other epistles and sometimes had to defend it vigorously (e.g., in 2 Corinthians). Evidently the Macedonian churches never questioned Paul’s apostleship as did the churches elsewhere (e.g., in Galatia and Corinth). Paul’s letter to the Philippian saints contains no reprimands.2Margaret Mowczko Paul’s Thanks – Philippians 1:3-6 https://margmowczko.com/philippians-13-6/
Paul is a man of great prayer. It is interesting to note that in these verses Paul never prays for healing or restoration of health of any member of the church. This is true for all of his prayers. Rather, he prays for spiritual growth. He deeply loves the Philippians and wants God’s best for them. And for Paul, that is only found in a close relationship with God and in serving Him with an unrestrained and undivided heart. Dr. Thomas Constable says that Philpians1:3-6 summarize the entire epistle.3Dr. Thomas L. Constable in Notes on Philippians 2022 Edition. https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/philippians/philippians.htm These verse introduce the main theme. Dr. Constable points out that the main theme in Philippians’ is partnership in the Gospel.4Constable Philippians 1:4 is the first of many times Paul uses some form of the word joy in this letter. The Philippians were remembered with joy and thanksgiving whenever Paul prayed.
Paul is thankful for their fellowship5The Greek noun koinōnia,-“close association involving mutual interests and sharing…” Dr. Ralph F. Wilson. http://www.jesuswalk.com/philippians/1_excellence.htmwith him in the Gospel from the very first day. For many Christians today “fellowship” means getting together for food. So “partnership” is a better word here. Remember, the Philippians prayerfully and financially supported Paul’s missionary work. They shared the gospel and shared in gospel work. Remarkably, they even indirectly shared both in Paul’s “bonds and…defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil. 1:7).6https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/knowing-bible-philippians/#week-2-thankfulness-and-prayer-for-the-philippians-phil-11-11 And because of that participation, they also would share in the eternal reward of that ministry. They partnered with Paul by giving money,7See 4:15-16. “…we can see that Paul regards financial support as real participation and partnership in the Gospel.” Margaret Mowczko.. https://margmowczko.com/philippians-13-6/ love, and personnel (Epaphroditus).8http://www.jesuswalk.com/philippians/1_excellence.htm When others think about you, what comes to their minds? Are you remembered with joy by them? Does your pastor remember you with joy because of your partnership in his ministry?
What do “knowledge” and “judgment” have to do with abounding love (Phil. 1:9)? What part do they play in accomplishing the goals of the rest of Paul’s prayer as expressed in Phil. 1:10-11? Commentator W.E. Vine says, that the word knowledge “lays stress on participation in the truth.”[1] Judgment is “moral insight.”[2] God wants us to discern what is ethically, morally and spiritually best, and to focus on these things (Phil. 4:8).[3] By participating in the truth and applying moral insight we are able to differentiate “good” from “best.” As a result, we will be sincere [without mixed motives] and blameless on the Day of Christ (Phil. 1:10). The good is the enemy of the best. We can be so preoccupied with good things, that we don’t have time for the best; most important; most significant things. We can live years of our lives pursuing things that are transitory and ultimately of little worth.[4] Good, maybe, but not of ultimate importance.[5]
[1] Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words. Know, Known, Knowledge, Unknown. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ved/k/know-known-knowledge-unknown.html
[2] https://margmowczko.com/philippians-1_7-11/
[3] ibid
[4] Paul calls this “wood, hay, stubble” (1 Cor. 3:11-15).
[5] Entire thought is from http://www.jesuswalk.com/philippians/1_excellence.htm
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