Paul proclaimed the Gospel in Philippi on his second missionary journey (see Acts 16). He and Silas were imprisoned there after he exorcised a demon from a slave girl who made money for her owners through fortune telling. It was here that, after being beaten and jailed without a trial, that Paul revealed that he was a Roman citizen, and that the city officials of Philippi had acted unlawfully. The impact of that revelation on the magistrates was remarkable. They knew that if Paul, as a naturally born citizen, had filed a complaint they could be put to death.
Citizenship meant a lot to a Philippian. Many of the citizens of this colony had been soldiers in the Roman army and had earned citizenship, but this kind of citizenship was inferior to born citizenship. The recipients of this letter would have understood very well Paul’s situation as a prisoner for the Gospel. They could envision his chains. They likely would have been awed that Paul’s situation and his message were known among the whole imperial guard.
Paul begins with a prayer, thanking God for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel. This prayer also anticipates all the major themes of the rest of the book: living in true faith, increasing in love, watching out for false teachers and warning against depending on human righteousness.
One of the famous passages in chapter 1 is found in verses 21-24 where we learn that to live is Christ, but to die is gain. Paul lived in a tension that we can all appreciate; he loved life, serving God and God’s people, but he also looked forward to the day when he would be able to be with Jesus, his savior and the source of his hope and joy. It is very important that we keep the balance that Paul describes here in our own hearts and minds. Often we look to the end and think of this life as a vale of tears which we must endure until we come to our wonderful home in heaven. There is truth in that sentiment. However, Paul is quick to point out that, “to live is Christ.” As we live our lives the amazing work of Jesus’s salvation is at work in us and through us. This is a good thing . . . no, it’s a magnificent thing. We have become bearers of salvation and living examples of the power of God’s grace at work in our lives. Both this life and the next are precious gifts from God in order that we might serve our Lord Jesus in the power of the Spirit.
In verse 27, Paul tells us, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The word we properly translate, “conduct yourselves,” is related to the word polites (where we get our word, “politics”) – which means, “citizen.” The way we conduct ourselves has everything to do with our citizenship. Roman citizens feared nothing because they were untouchable; severe punishment awaited anyone who harmed a Roman. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we too can have all confidence and conduct ourselves in a way that is fearless for we know that God is with us. (And if God is with us, who can stand against us?) Not only that, but he calls us stand united in one spirit and to strive with one mind (NIV, “as one man”) for the faith of the gospel. The gospel is the message of our salvation, and united in it and its proclamation we can be bold to take on the work Jesus has given us – to share the salvation He won through His death and resurrection.
Lord Jesus, unite all your people in the salvation You won for us. Help congregations to be united in their hope and mission so all Christians may work “as one man” to share our citizenship in heaven with others. Amen.
Citizenship meant a lot to a Philippian. Many of the citizens of this colony had been soldiers in the Roman army and had earned citizenship, but this kind of citizenship was inferior to born citizenship. The recipients of this letter would have understood very well Paul’s situation as a prisoner for the Gospel. They could envision his chains. They likely would have been awed that Paul’s situation and his message were known among the whole imperial guard.
Paul begins with a prayer, thanking God for the Philippians’ partnership in the Gospel. This prayer also anticipates all the major themes of the rest of the book: living in true faith, increasing in love, watching out for false teachers and warning against depending on human righteousness.
One of the famous passages in chapter 1 is found in verses 21-24 where we learn that to live is Christ, but to die is gain. Paul lived in a tension that we can all appreciate; he loved life, serving God and God’s people, but he also looked forward to the day when he would be able to be with Jesus, his savior and the source of his hope and joy. It is very important that we keep the balance that Paul describes here in our own hearts and minds. Often we look to the end and think of this life as a vale of tears which we must endure until we come to our wonderful home in heaven. There is truth in that sentiment. However, Paul is quick to point out that, “to live is Christ.” As we live our lives the amazing work of Jesus’s salvation is at work in us and through us. This is a good thing . . . no, it’s a magnificent thing. We have become bearers of salvation and living examples of the power of God’s grace at work in our lives. Both this life and the next are precious gifts from God in order that we might serve our Lord Jesus in the power of the Spirit.
In verse 27, Paul tells us, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” The word we properly translate, “conduct yourselves,” is related to the word polites (where we get our word, “politics”) – which means, “citizen.” The way we conduct ourselves has everything to do with our citizenship. Roman citizens feared nothing because they were untouchable; severe punishment awaited anyone who harmed a Roman. As citizens of the kingdom of God, we too can have all confidence and conduct ourselves in a way that is fearless for we know that God is with us. (And if God is with us, who can stand against us?) Not only that, but he calls us stand united in one spirit and to strive with one mind (NIV, “as one man”) for the faith of the gospel. The gospel is the message of our salvation, and united in it and its proclamation we can be bold to take on the work Jesus has given us – to share the salvation He won through His death and resurrection.
Lord Jesus, unite all your people in the salvation You won for us. Help congregations to be united in their hope and mission so all Christians may work “as one man” to share our citizenship in heaven with others. Amen.
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