Introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Church in Philippi
The joy of the Christian living is the dominant theme running through the book of Philippians. The words “joy” and “rejoice” are used 16 times in the epistle. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to express his gratitude and affection for the Philippian church, his strongest supporters in ministry.
Traditionally, scholars agree that Paul drafted the epistle during his two years of house arrest in Rome. He himself had established the church in Philippi approximately 10 years prior, during his second missionary journey recorded in Acts 16. Thus, his tender love for the believers in Philippi is apparent in this most personal of all Paul’s writings.
The church had sent gifts to Paul while he was in chains. The gifts were delivered by Epaphroditus, a leader in the Philippian church who ended up assisting Paul with ministry in Rome. At some point while serving with Paul, Epaphroditus became dangerously sick and nearly died. After his recovery, Paul sent Epaphroditus back to Philippi carrying with him the letter to the Philippian church.
Besides the letters main theme of the joy of knowing Christ, there are two other predominant themes. The first is to warn the church of the dangers of a self-seeking attitude, which in turn leads to pride and its potential to divide the church The final theme is a warning from Paul, in chapter 3 he says “Beware of the dogs” he was referring to the”Judiazers” or Jewish legalists those who were trying to lead the people away from the truth of the Gospel. Paul points out that Satan leads us astray by deceiving us into putting our confidence in what Paul calls the ‘flesh’, in other words putting confidence in human skill, ability, learning or achievement.
In the pages of Philippians, Paul conveys a powerful message about the secret of contentment. Although he had faced severe hardships, poverty, beatings, illness, and even his current imprisonment, in every circumstance Paul had learned to be content. The source of his joyous contentment was rooted in knowing Jesus Christ:
Three things that we can learn from this introduction;
1/ Despite Paul’s personal circumstances he is full of joy.
The paradox of a man rejoicing lies at the root of what this book is all about. Such an attitude demonstrates an unusual view of life. It is a uniquely Christian view of life. It demonstrates the mind of Christ which is key to this epistle.
2/ For us to live life together we have to live with the same attitude as Christ.
The letter tells us of God’s world transforming love, a love that led Christ in the selfless expression of surrendering His sovereignty to become a servant and even die. The prevailing culture of our modern world is profoundly self-seeking. Self is probably the biggest idol of our day. This epistle leads in revealing a different way to live, a way that requires us to take on the same attitude as Christ Himself.
3/ The dangers of being led astray.
Paul is concerned to warn this church of the dangers of being led astray from the place truth of God’s saving grace by putting faith in our own strength, skill and ability. The people who were leading the Philippians to place their faith in their own efforts he calls “dogs”. Beware of the dogs! Don’t get bitten by lies! May we trust Him 100%!
Adrian