Philippians – Part 7

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Concluding Thoughts

If you often feel overwhelmed by the pressures of work or public responsibilities, Philippians 4:10-23 encourages casting your anxieties on God. This week, set aside 15 minutes each day to pray specifically about the pressures you face. Write each concern down, then leave it with God, asking for His peace to wash over you. By intentionally praying about these issues, you can cultivate a more profound sense of trust and calm amidst chaos.

Sha’ul Content

¹⁰ In union with the Lord, I greatly rejoice that now, after this long time, you have let your concern for me express itself again. Of course, you were concerned for me all along, but you had no opportunity to express it.

Greatly rejoice indicates that some time had elapsed between the Philippian Believers’ previous gifts to Sha’ul (see 2 Corinthians 8) and their sending Epaphroditus to him in Rome (Philippians 2:25–30). Since Sha’ul had no need, they had no opportunity to give.

¹¹ Not that I am saying this to call attention to any need of mine; since, as far as I am concerned, I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough—in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need. ¹³ I can do all things through Him who gives me power.

I know results from evaluating various circumstances. The contrasting graces are a lot … well fed … abundance. Together, these taught Sha’ul how to be content. All things refer to the economic fluctuations of life (v. 12). I know results from evaluating various circumstances. The difficult circumstances are have a little … hungry, and need. The contrasting good are a lot … well fed … abundance. Through Him who gives me power,Yeshua empowers believers to live in God’s will. Paradoxically, Sha’ul was strong when he was weak; independent only when dependent. Such is the life of a Talmid.

Gifts Fruitful to Them

¹⁴ Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my trouble. ¹⁵ And you Philippians yourselves know that in the early days of my work spreading the Good News, when I left Macedonia, not a single congregation shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving—only you.

The early days of my work spreading the Good News refer to Sha’ul’s leaving Philippi to continue witnessing in Europe. Shared is, again, “fellowship” (v. 14; 1:5). Others had a one-way relationship, receiving but not giving. Only you reveal one reason why Sha’ul loved the Philippian Kehilah. They did what others did not.

¹⁶ Indeed, in Thessalonica, when I needed it, you sent me aid twice. ¹⁷ I am not seeking the gift; rather, I am looking for what will increase the credit balance of your account.

By commending the Philippians’ gift, he is not indirectly seeking another. Rather, he is celebrating their generosity as a sign of their growing faith.

¹⁸ I have been more than paid in full: I have been filled, since I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent—they are a fragrant aroma, (Genesis 8:21; Exodus 29:18) an acceptable sacrifice, one that pleases God well.

Epaphroditus’ visit was a tangible expression of the Philippians’ concern for Sha’ul and his needs.

¹⁹ Moreover, my God will fill every need of yours according to his glorious wealth, in union with the Messiah Yeshua. ²⁰ And to God our Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Greetings And Benediction

²¹ Greet each of God’s people in the Messiah Yeshua. The brothers with me send their greetings to you. ²² All God’s people send greetings, but especially those in the Emperor’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit. [1]

Sha’ul ends the letter with closing greetings and a blessing.

Conclusion of the Historical Record of Acts of the Apostles

The historical record of Acts comes to an end with Sha’ul’s two years in Rome. Yet, we still have his three Pastoral Letters to explore (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus). What is known about the time of his and other emissaries must be pieced together from different accounts. However, it appears that he may have been released from house arrest and permitted to be free for some time, perhaps up to two or three years. During this time, Sha’ul evidently travels to Crete, where he leaves Titus, and also again to Ephesus, where he leaves Timothy. Thereafter, Sha’ul apparently goes to Miletus and Troas, and on to the region of Macedonia, perhaps by 63-61 CE. ^[2]

In our next post, we examine Sha’ul’s First Letter to Timothy.

Click here for the PDF version.

 

[1] Philippians 4:10–23.

^[2] The Narrated Bible in Chronological Order by F. LaGard Smith.