Philippians— Joy in Christ
03.22.23
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21)
Though Paul was in prison under the iron hand of Nero when he wrote this letter, he was full of joy and victory. He had been in prison in Philippi and was in prison now in Rome, but this did not diminish his joy in the Lord. This is a spiritual love letter to a church, written ten years after he had been there. It contains outbursts of affection and gratitude. As someone wrote: “Satan might keep a man like Paul from travel, but he could not keep him from triumph.”
The city of Philippi was founded by King Philip of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great. It was a Roman colony and a military outpost. Located inland from the sea, it was a kind of tollgate on the famous Egnatian Way, one of the main trade routes between Asia and Europe. This small city was therefore visited by many travelers.
The church in Philippi was founded by Paul on his second missionary journey [Acts 16]. Luke gave us three snapshots of the gospel message reaching people there. There was Lydia, the seller of purple cloth, the demon-possessed slave girl, and the jailor.
The church was made up mostly of Gentiles. There were few Jews in the city, which is why Paul could not find a synagogue when he first went there, services being by a river.
It was a very appreciative and benevolent church. On at least two previous occasions, it had sent financial gifts to Paul. This letter was in response their third gift. It had been delivered by Epaphroditus, who had become deathly ill while with Paul. Upon his recovery, Paul sent this letter back with him. Except for one rebuke (4:2), Paul has only good things to say to the Philippians. He refers to them as ‘beloved,’ ‘dearly beloved,’ and ‘his joy and crown.’
As noted, the theme is ‘Rejoice in the Lord.’ Rejoicing is a matter of the heart, in spite of the circumstances that swirl about us. It can be a constant in the life of the believer, a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Joy is different from happiness, which is an emotion that is impacted by that which ‘happens.’
Paul had several obvious purposes in writing this letter He wished to express his love and gratitude for their gift. He gave a report of his own circumstances in prison. He urged the Philippians to stand firm in the face of persecution. He exhorted them to live in humility and unity. He offered commendation to his friends and fellow-workers Timothy and Epaphroditus. He also warned them against the extremes of the legalists and the libertines.
Two verses form the core of the book. He made a request: “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice.” (4:4) This request is based on Christ. “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (1:21) There was always the possibility that Paul would be killed for his faith. While he longed to go to heaven and be with Christ, remaining on this earth as a servant of the Lord Jesus was a great blessing.
Christ is central to each chapter of the Book. 1—the preaching of Christ: He is our life. 2—the humility of Christ: He is our mind. 3—the knowledge of Christ: He is our goal. 4—the presence of Christ: He is our joy.
Christ’s incarnation is clearly and powerfully explained in Philippians 2:5-11. He is the One who will transform the body of the believer into His likeness (3:21). He is able to help the believer in all of the circumstances of life (4:12) If you come to Him in repentance and faith, He will do for you all that He has promised.