To Live is Christ
introduction and thanksgiving (1-11)
Paul address this letter to the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi from himself and Timothy with him. Both Timothy and Luke were present with Paul when the church in Philippi was founded (Acts 16:11) and may have been present with Paul when this letter was written to them (Col. 4:14). He makes specific reference to the elders and deacons, but only secondarily. No other letter in the New Testament mentions these roles in a letter's address. They consider themselves "bondservants" of Christ Jesus. Paul thanks God for them because of their participation in the gospel from the "first day" and their continued faithfulness. It is also interesting to notice that Paul makes no effort to prove his apostolic authority as he does in other letters, and thus we may assume that his authority had not been questioned there.
He expresses his heart for them in the third person as the one who began a good work in them (6). The Philippians are partakers of grace with Paul. It may seem difficult to consider it "grace" to be in prison, but this is his state. Paul prays that their love would abound (9) in order to prove those things that are excellent (10). We, as Christians, are to be sincere and blameless before man and God. Our sincerity and blameless behavior is a direct result of having been filled with the fruit of righteousness. Our behavior is ulitmately to give glory to the Father.
the Gospel is preached (12-20)
Paul assures them that his imprisonment is not a detriment to the gospel of Christ. Rather, it had made even greater progress for the gospel. It was well-known by many that he was imprisoned and, most imporntantly, it was for the sake of the gospel. Many brethren were strengthened with courage to speak even more boldly concerning the gospel (14).
Paul acknowledges that there are still some who are trying to worsen the situation for Christians by preaching the Word of God out of strife (particularly for Paul (17)). So what's the result of his circumstance? What effect does it have on his behavior? Either way, the Word of Christ is being proclaimed (18) and thus he will rejoice; even in imprisonment, even in affliction. Paul knows that he will be delivered (19) through prayer and through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His body will exalt Christ (20) whether it be through life or death.
to live is Christ (21-26)
Paul would have been greatly pleased if his fight on this earth would've been over. Death was not a fear, rather a freedom (21). However, to remain on the earth and preach the gospel would further the cause of Christ and of the gospel. He is hard-pressed in his desire to depart in death vs. live on to continue to encourage souls for Christ (23).
In the end, he knows that he would be a greater benefit to the Kingdom to encourage the saints and promote them in their faith. He had such confidence in his deliverance as to infer that he was coming to them again.
Paul address this letter to the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi from himself and Timothy with him. Both Timothy and Luke were present with Paul when the church in Philippi was founded (Acts 16:11) and may have been present with Paul when this letter was written to them (Col. 4:14). He makes specific reference to the elders and deacons, but only secondarily. No other letter in the New Testament mentions these roles in a letter's address. They consider themselves "bondservants" of Christ Jesus. Paul thanks God for them because of their participation in the gospel from the "first day" and their continued faithfulness. It is also interesting to notice that Paul makes no effort to prove his apostolic authority as he does in other letters, and thus we may assume that his authority had not been questioned there.
He expresses his heart for them in the third person as the one who began a good work in them (6). The Philippians are partakers of grace with Paul. It may seem difficult to consider it "grace" to be in prison, but this is his state. Paul prays that their love would abound (9) in order to prove those things that are excellent (10). We, as Christians, are to be sincere and blameless before man and God. Our sincerity and blameless behavior is a direct result of having been filled with the fruit of righteousness. Our behavior is ulitmately to give glory to the Father.
the Gospel is preached (12-20)
Paul assures them that his imprisonment is not a detriment to the gospel of Christ. Rather, it had made even greater progress for the gospel. It was well-known by many that he was imprisoned and, most imporntantly, it was for the sake of the gospel. Many brethren were strengthened with courage to speak even more boldly concerning the gospel (14).
Paul acknowledges that there are still some who are trying to worsen the situation for Christians by preaching the Word of God out of strife (particularly for Paul (17)). So what's the result of his circumstance? What effect does it have on his behavior? Either way, the Word of Christ is being proclaimed (18) and thus he will rejoice; even in imprisonment, even in affliction. Paul knows that he will be delivered (19) through prayer and through the Spirit of Jesus Christ. His body will exalt Christ (20) whether it be through life or death.
to live is Christ (21-26)
Paul would have been greatly pleased if his fight on this earth would've been over. Death was not a fear, rather a freedom (21). However, to remain on the earth and preach the gospel would further the cause of Christ and of the gospel. He is hard-pressed in his desire to depart in death vs. live on to continue to encourage souls for Christ (23).
In the end, he knows that he would be a greater benefit to the Kingdom to encourage the saints and promote them in their faith. He had such confidence in his deliverance as to infer that he was coming to them again.
posted by Xopey at
7:14 PM
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