Philippians – Part 1

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Introduction

While still imprisoned, Sha’ul also reaches out to the Believers in Philippi, with whom he has maintained close ties since his three visits to their city. They have often contributed to his support. The latest gifts were brought to him in Rome by Epaphroditus, who had become seriously ill after staying to work with Sha’ul. He sent this letter back to Philippi with Epaphroditus. He focuses on a dispute between two women in the congregation, Euodia and Syntyche. Their animosity was causing a split in the congregation. As Believers, they (and us) needed to learn to love each other.

I must confess that Philippians is one of my favorite letters because of its overall uplifting tone.

Salutation

1¹ From: Sha’ul and Timothy, slaves of the Messiah Yeshua

To: All God’s people united with the Messiah Yeshua and living in Philippi, along with the congregation leaders and shammashim: (most English translations use Overseers and Deacons)

² Grace to you and shalom from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Reflections on Imprisonment ~Part 1

Expressions of Love

³ I thank my God every time I think of you. ⁴ Whenever I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy

When a Kehilah embraced the Lord and the Gospel message as enthusiastically as the Philippians did, it was cause for great thanksgiving, even if there was cause for concern over unity.

⁵because you have shared in proclaiming the Good News from the very first day until now. ⁶ And I am sure of this: that the One who began a good work among you will keep it growing until it is completed on the Day of the Messiah Yeshua.

In an age when theology is done with slogans, one of the more positive and modest bumper stickers reads, “Be patient, God isn’t finished with me yet.” After someone has responded to God’s call, God promises to continue making him ever more godly and holy, until the Day of the Messiah Yeshua’s return.

 

⁷ It is right for me to think this way about you all, because I have you on my heart, for whether I am in chains or defending and establishing the Good News, you are all sharing with me in this privileged work. ⁸ God can testify how I long for all of you with the deep affection of the Messiah Yeshua. ⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love may more and more overflow in fullness of knowledge and depth of discernment,¹⁰ so that you will be able to determine what is best and thus be pure and without blame for the Day of the Messiah, ¹¹ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Yeshua the Messiah—to the glory and praise of God. 

Sha’ul prayed two petitions: a growing love (v. 9) and complete character (v. 10). Love (agape) is selfless action for another person. Knowledge and discernment provide the twofold environment that fosters love.

“Knowledge” is both intellectual and experiential. “Discernment,” unique in the Bible, is moral sensitivity.

Love enriched by knowledge and moral discernment leads Believers to experience what really matters.

The word pure emphasizes personal integrity; blameless means a good character that survives all accusations.

Imprisonment A Blessing

¹² Now, brothers, I want you to know that what has happened to me has helped in advancing the Good News. ¹³ It has become clear to the whole palace and to everyone else that it is because of the Messiah that I am in chains. ¹⁴ Also, my being in prison has given most of the brothers in the Lord confidence, so that they have become much more bold in speaking the word of God fearlessly. ^[1]

Trusting in Yeshua the Messiah gives Sha’ul such strength (Colossians 1:26) and comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3ff.) that, far from needing these himself from others, he from his prison cell can strengthen the brothers who are free and comfort those worrying about him with the assurance that the Good News is advancing and that his own state is one of joy (Philippians 1:18b).

Engage actively in your community by exhibiting the same attitude Sha’ul had in Philippians 1:12-14 regarding sharing the Gospel. If you’re facing opposition or ridicule for your faith at work or in public spaces, seek opportunities to have open conversations about your beliefs. Try initiating a discussion about faith and values during break times, inviting others to share their perspectives. This can counter negativity and turn uncomfortable situations into fruitful dialogues.

In our next post, we continue to examine Sha’ul’s Letter to the Philippians.

Click here for the PDF version.

^[1] Philippians 1:1-14