Adult Sunday School Class, October 11, 2020

Good morning, Sunday School class, and welcome. We are meeting in the church sanctuary this morning, as an experiment to see how it goes. The light is good, and we're using the church's new video system to stream online, and I have my microphone, so the sound should be better than it was last week in Battin Hall.


Mostly I’m open to interruption for questions and discussion any time. But this morning I have an introduction to get us started: so if you will allow me, please just listen for a few minutes, and make a note of anything you want to ask and talk about. 


Your handout, which substitutes for a Bible today, has part of Luke’s book Acts of the Apostles, three colored maps, and Paul’s letter to the Philippians (with footnotes) marked up in three colors of print.


This morning’s NT reading finishes up four Sundays of reading from Philippians, one of Paul’s seven “certain” letters, and I want to spend this time on the Philippians letter. The maps in your handout are to help you visualize where all this happened.


Luke in Acts 16 reports on Paul’s visit there, on his Second Missionary Journey. Luke does not give dates, but it may have been the early 50s AD, ten years or so before Paul’s letter, which may date to the early 60s AD, when Paul was in prison in Rome. 


Luke reports that Paul had other travel plans for that journey, but one night Paul had a dream in which a man begged him to come to Macedonia. Paul regarded that as a divine summons, and went across from Asia Minor into Europe, Roman controlled Macedonia, to Philippi, which was the main city in the area, a Roman colony where Roman military retired with their families. Latin was the official language, but apparently Greek was what people mostly spoke. Philippi’s known history dates to about 400 BC when king Philip, father of Alexander the Great, took over the area and named the settlement for himself. Before Philippi it was called Crenides, which apparently means “Springs”. Alexander fortified it because it was a place where gold was mined and was sifted from the river.


If Paul arrived in Philippi about 53 or 54 AD, we are not sure how long Paul was there. At Acts 16:12 Luke says “we were there hemeras tinas”, which is indefinite, literally “some days”, but seems to mean “we were there quite a while. Obviously, long enough to preach and teach and establish a church. It would have been a “house church”, in the home of Lydia (whom you will remember as a wealthy widow who dealt in purple cloth, whom Paul converted to Christ, and Lydia invited Paul to stay at her house). Your handout prints the part of Acts where Luke talks about Paul’s stay in Philippi - - as I say, on Paul’s second missionary journey. It’s indefinite, but at Acts 20, Paul seems to have been to Philippi again, very briefly, just passing through, on his Third Missionary Journey some years later.


So this brings us to Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, which is printed in your handout. Paul says he’s writing from prison (seems to be more house arrest than prison, because he evidently has a lot of freedom while awaiting trial). 


We are not sure where that imprisonment was, because Paul does not say. Speculation is on Caesarea, Ephesus, and Rome, with Rome being the most popular (even though there are practical problems about Distance and Time if it was Rome - - but all three places pose problems). Anyway, Rome is the “tradition”. 


The letter shows several specific purposes:  


One is to thank Paul’s friends at Philippi for money they have sent him, by Epaphroditus their messenger. Why would they send money? Maybe because they’ve heard that he’s in prison, where the requirement in that day and time was that you paid your own way, paid rent, and bought your own food and other needs. In all his travels, apparently only his friends at Philippi send money to help Paul.


Another reason for the letter (since Epaphroditus is heading home, and after having been deathly ill), is to bring the Philippians up to date on what’s been going on with Paul since they saw him last, and to commend to them Paul’s JOY in the Lord Jesus: JOY, that Paul expresses many times in the letter, so many times that it’s a THEME of the entire letter, Joy in the Lord.


Another purpose of the letter is to chide a couple of women (Syntyche and Euodia) whom Paul obviously knows in Philippi, who apparently are arguing, fighting. How does Paul know about that? Probably when Epaphrodite arrived, Paul asked what all was going on back in Philippi, and along with all the good news, Ephphrodite said these two women were fighting all the time.


The other purpose, and it appears in the letter as quite a startling interruption and jolt, is to warn the Philippians about people Paul calls “dogs”, evil workers who are going around teaching that in order to come to Christ, you have to first become a full fledged Jew, the men be circumcised (Paul says “mutilate the flesh”), and live by the Law of Moses. That was anathema to Paul, whose mission was to the Gentiles, and Paul taught that not only Jews, but EVERYONE could come to Christ (come to the faith of Jesus, which was faith in the God of Israel).


Bible scholars disagree about whether our canonical Epistle to the Philippians was originally one letter, or likely three letters that an editor later combined into one document from Paul to the Philippians. So, in order that you can see (and decide for yourself), I’ve coded the Philippians letter in your handout as the three letters:


Letter One, at page 8, and coded in Bold Print Blue Ink, is Philippians 4:10 through 4:20, Paul’s letter thanking the Philippians for their gift of money.


Letter Two, beginning at page 1, coded in regular print black ink, skipping at a couple of places for Letter One and Letter Three, is most of the letter, warm, friendly, loving.


Letter Three, beginning at page 6, interrupting chapter 3 and going over into chapter 4, coded in Red Ink, is the startling interruption warning the Philippians to beware of the “dogs” and telling them not to be led astray by the “dogs” erroneous teaching.


Finally, our Second Reading in today’s lectionary, is Philippians chapter 4, verses 4 through 10. Paul’s conclusion of the main letter: I want to do three things with you:  


I want to read straight through the supposed Main letter (regular print, black ink) so you can get a sense of Paul’s joy in the Lord and a sense of Paul’s love for his friends in Philippi.


I want to show you that the two supposed OTHER letters (Letter 1 in Blue Bold and Letter 3 in Red) can in fact stand on their own.


At Philippians 2:5-11 is the so-called Christ Hymn that many scholars say Paul did not himself write, but copy-and-pasted from a then-existing hymn or creed to use as an example of Christ’s humility that people should emulate. And that shows (even proves?) NOT Paul-the-monotheist-Jew’s long-supposed “Low Christology” of Jesus the man exalted to be with God at his resurrection, but shows a “High Christology” of Christ originally divine, Incarnate as Jesus the man to carry God’s message to earth, then at his resurrection Exalted by God to even higher divine status than he had originally; and that Paul would not have used this “creed” if he himself did not agree with it. 



     Acts 16:6-40 Paul’s Call to Macedonia and Visit to Philippi


Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia

6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; 8 so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

The Conversion of Lydia

11 We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. 13 On the sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. 14 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. 15 When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.


Paul and Silas in Prison

16 One day, as we were going to the place of prayer, we met a slave-girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners a great deal of money by fortune-telling. 17 While she followed Paul and us, she would cry out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you a way of salvation.” 18 She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

19 But when her owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the authorities. 20 When they had brought them before the magistrates, they said, “These men are disturbing our city; they are Jews 21 and are advocating customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to adopt or observe.” 22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods. 23 After they had given them a severe flogging, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Following these instructions, he put them in the innermost cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Earthquake

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was an earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted in a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay. 34 He brought them up into the house and set food before them; and he and his entire household rejoiced that he had become a believer in God.

35 When morning came, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the jailer reported the message to Paul, saying, “The magistrates sent word to let you go; therefore come out now and go in peace.” 37 But Paul replied, “They have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and take us out themselves.” 38 The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens; 39 so they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. 40 After leaving the prison they went to Lydia’s home; and when they had seen and encouraged the brothers and sisters there, they departed.



Philippians 1

LETTER 2: A LETTER FROM PRISON (1:1-3:1a, 4:4-9, 21-23)

Salutation

1 Paul and Timothy, servants[a] of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops[b] and deacons:[c]

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians

3 I thank my God every time I remember you, 4 constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, 5 because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart,[d] for all of you share in God’s grace[e] with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer, that yoπur love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight 10 to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, 11 having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s Present Circumstances

12 I want you to know, beloved,[f] that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard[g] and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; 14 and most of the brothers and sisters,[h] having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word[i] with greater boldness and without fear.

15 Some proclaim Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from goodwill. 16 These proclaim Christ out of love, knowing that I have been put here for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but intending to increase my suffering in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Just this, that Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. 20 It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that by my speaking with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. 23 I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. 25 Since I am convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26 so that I may share abundantly in your boasting in Christ Jesus when I come to you again.

27 Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that, whether I come and see you or am absent and hear about you, I will know that you are standing firm in one spirit, striving side by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel, 28 and are in no way intimidated by your opponents. For them this is evidence of their destruction, but of your salvation. And this is God’s doing. 29 For he has graciously granted you the privilege not only of believing in Christ, but of suffering for him as well— 30 since you are having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.


Footnotes

  • a. Philippians 1:1 Gk δοῦλοι slaves
  • b. Philippians 1:1 Gk ἐπισκόποις episcopois bishops or overseers
  • c. Philippians 1:1 Gk διακόνοις diakonois deacons or helpers
  • d. Philippians 1:7 Or because I hold you in my heart
  • e. Philippians 1:7 Gk in grace
  • f.  Philippians 1:12 Gk ἀδελφοί brothers
  • g. Philippians 1:13 Gk whole praetorium
  • h. Philippians 1:14 Gk ἀδελφοί brothers
  • i.  Philippians 1:14 Other ancient authorities read word of God


Philippians 2

Imitating Christ’s Humility

1 If the there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. [5-11 The Christ Hymn]


5 τοῦτο φρονεῖτε ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, 6 ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ, 7 ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος· καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος 8 ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτὸν γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ· 9 διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν, καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, 10 ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων, 11 καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσηται ὅτι κύριος Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ πατρός.


Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, 

   though he was in the form of God,

   did not regard equality with God

      as something to be exploited,

but emptied himself,

   taking the form of a slave,

   being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

   he humbled himself

   and became obedient to the point

      of death

   even death on a cross.


Shining as Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmuring and arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. 16 It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— 18 and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. 20 I have no one like him who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 21 All of them are seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But Timothy’s[b] worth you know, how like a son with a father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope therefore to send him as soon as I see how things go with me; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I will also come soon.

25 Still, I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus—my brother and co-worker and fellow soldier, your messenger[c] and minister to my need; 26 for he has been longing for[d] all of you, and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 He was indeed so ill that he nearly died. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, so that I would not have one sorrow after another. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, in order that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 Welcome him then in the Lord with all joy, and honor such people, 30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ,[e] risking his life to make up for those services that you could not give me.



Footnotes

  • a. Philippians 2:5 Or that you have
  • b. Philippians 2:22 Gk his
  • c. Philippians 2:25 Gk apostle
  • d. Philippians 2:26 Other ancient authorities read longing to see
  • e. Philippians 2:30 Other ancient authorities read of the Lord


Philippians 3

1 Finally, my brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice[b] in the Lord. 

[skip to 4:4, p.8 —>]


LETTER 3: A HARSH WARNING 93;1b-4:3)

To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh![c] 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God[d] and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh— 4 even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh.

If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

7 Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as [σκύβαλα dung] rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ,[e] the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ[f] and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Pressing toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal;[g] but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Beloved,[h] I do not consider that I have made it my own;[i] but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly[j] call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

17 Brothers and sisters,[k] join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19 Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship[l] is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21 He will transform the body of our humiliation[m] that it may be conformed to the body of his glory,[n] by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.


Footnotes

  • a. Philippians 3:1 Gk ἀδελφοί μου my brothers
  • b. Philippians 3:1 Or farewell
  • c. Philippians 3:2 Gk the mutilation
  • d. Philippians 3:3 Other ancient authorities read worship God in spirit
  • e. Philippians 3:9 Or through the faith of Christ
  • f.  Philippians 3:10 Gk him
  • g. Philippians 3:12 Or have already been made perfect
  • h. Philippians 3:13 Gk ἀδελφοί Brothers
  • i.  Philippians 3:13 Other ancient authorities read my own yet
  • j.  Philippians 3:14 Gk upward
  • k. Philippians 3:17 Gk ἀδελφοί Brothers
  • l.  Philippians 3:20 Or commonwealth
  • m. Philippians 3:21 Or our humble bodies
  • n. Philippians 3:21 Or his glorious body


Philippians 4 

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] whom I love and long for, my [χαρὰ καὶ στέφανός] joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

Exhortations

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion,[b] help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.


—> 4 Rejoice[c] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[d] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, beloved,[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[f] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. [skip to 4:21 —>


LETTER 1: Acknowledgment of the Philippians’ Gift (4:10-20)


10 I rejoice[g] in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.[h] 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.

15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.


Final Greetings and Benediction

—> 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The friends[i] who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[j]


Footnotes

  • a. Philippians 4:1 Gk ἀδελφοί μου my brothers
  • b. Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus
  • c. Philippians 4:4 Or Farewell
  • d. Philippians 4:4 Or Farewell
  • e. Philippians 4:8 Gk ἀδελφοί brothers
  • f.  Philippians 4:8 Gk take account of
  • g. Philippians 4:10 Gk I rejoiced
  • h. Philippians 4:10 Gk lacks to show it
  • i.  Philippians 4:21 Gk ἀδελφοί brothers
  • j.  Philippians 4:23 Other ancient authorities add Amen



FOUR MENTIONS OF PHILIPPI IN THE BIBLE (NT, KJV)


•
  • Acts 16:12 KJV
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/acts/16-12.html
    12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 
  • Interlinear •
  • Acts 20:6 KJV
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/acts/20-6.html
    6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 
  • Interlinear •
  • Philippians 1:1 KJV
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/philippians/1-1.html
    1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 
  • Interlinear •
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:2 KJV
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/1-thessalonians/2-2.html
    2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.


There is no need to assume up front that there must have been only one purpose in the writing of Philippians. In fact, as we read the letter, several objectives seem to be in the mind of the apostle.

First, it is clear that Paul wanted the church to know how things were going for him in his imprisonment (1:12-26) and what his plans were should he be released (Phil 2:23-24). 

Second, there appears to have been some discord and division in the church and so the apostle writes to encourage humility with a view toward unity (2:1-18; 4:2-3). 

Third, Paul, the pastoral theologian, writes to head off the negative teaching and consequences of certain false teachers (3:2-3ff.). 

Fourth, Paul wrote to commend Timothy to the church as well as to give the church a report about the health and plans of Epaphroditus (2:19-30). 

Fifth, Paul also wrote to thank the church for their concern for him and the gifts they had given (4:10-20). 


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