Who Is Paul Talking To In Philippians 4
Paul is talking to the first church he established in Macedonia in Philippians. The city of Philippi was the main city in that part of Macedonia .
Two notable people in Philippi were Lydia, a seller of purple , and the Roman jailer , which some believe was the man in Pauls vision in Acts 16:9: And a vision appeared to Paul in the night There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
Set Your Mind On All That Is Good And Pure
Though times were tough and his situation dire, Paul reminded believers to look to the goodness of God for perspective and hope, writing, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
The Structure Of Philippians
Philippians is a great example of biblical letter literary structure. If you follow the suggestions above, you will begin to see distinct sections that are all united by common themes. .
The letter to the Philippians breaks down into the following sections.
Section 1: Opening Prayer 1:1-11
This section begins with a greeting and ends with a prayer that introduces Pauls main themes.
Section 2: Pauls Imprisonment 1:12-26
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What Are The Two Major Themes Of Philippians
Philippians: Major Themes. Joy, the Greek noun chara, the experience of gladness,rejoicing, merriness. like its verb form, chair, rejoice, be merry, is related to the noun charis, grace, favour, originally, that which delights. Sometimes Christians act as if Christianity were a sorrowful religion.
Is Hebrews Written By Paul
Letter to the Hebrews, also called Epistle to the Hebrews, abbreviation Hebrews, anonymous New Testament letter traditionally attributed to St. Paul the Apostle but now widely believed to be the work of another Jewish Christian. The author concludes that Christianity is consequently superior to Judaism.
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Did Paul Write Philippians In Rome
NOTE: This is a condensed excerpt from my forthcoming commentary on Philippians.
While some have suggested that Paul writes to the Philippians from Caesarea or Ephesus, I am persuaded the evidence points to the traditional view of Rome.
First, our earliest textual evidence supports a Roman origin. The second-century Marcionite Prologue reads in part that the apostle praises , writing from Rome in prison through Epaphroditus.1 Other early Christian manuscripts include similar notes as well.2
Second, the description of Pauls circumstances in Philippians fits what we know of his house arrest in Rome. The period of at least two years allows ample time for the various travels mentioned or implied in the letter . Interacting with local Christians , receiving visitors , and coordinating the travel plans of his ministry partners are all consistent with the freedom Paul had while under house arrest.
Granted, such suggestions are necessarily speculative. But given the interconnectedness of the Pauline churches throughout the Mediterranean and the regular communication between these bodies, we must not underestimate how quickly news might travel.7 As such, the distance between Rome and Philippi does not exclude Rome as the place from which Paul writes Philippians.
1. For the Latin text of the Marcionite Prologue, see Daniel J. Theron, Evidence of Tradition , 79-83. The translation here is my own.
How Do We Know Luke Wrote Acts
Though Luke never mentions himself by name, from the very first verse of Acts he makes a very telling remark:
The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach .
You will quickly note two things from this verse. First, Luke makes mention of a former account. Secondly, he speaks of someone named Theophilus . One of the reasons that most theologians agree upon the authorship of Luke is because of his distinct writing style. Once again, this is due to his education. His scholarly approach is readily evident and shines forth magnificently. When reading Acts, you can see the crowds, and hear the clamor. Luke is able to transport you to the prison where Paul and Silas praised their way to deliverance. Only someone under the direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost could write in such a way. Lukes attention to detail is evident as we read a portion of his account of the riot at Ephesus:
And about that time there arose a great commotion about the Way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small profit to the craftsmen .
Men, you know that we have our prosperity by this trade. Moreover you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are not gods which are made with hands .
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Who Wrote Matthew Mark Luke And John
These books are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John because they were traditionally thought to have been written by Matthew, a disciple who was a tax collector John, the Beloved Disciple mentioned in the Fourth Gospel Mark, the secretary of the disciple Peter and Luke, the traveling companion of Paul.
What Does Philippians : 13 Mean
Philippians 4:13 is directly on the heels of Paul talking about contentment in all situations, including times that were not easy. Paul was not condoning the idea of living the Christian walk without discipline and faithfulness to the teachings of Christ, crucifying the flesh or taking up each persons personal cross.
Quite the opposite! Paul expressed knowing how to be content in every living condition he would encounter. He knew how to be content in times of plenty. All things. He knew how to be content in times of need. All things. Paul was able to keep a right attitude because of his relationship with Christ. Through Christ.
Philippians 4:13 says, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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What Does Philippians : 17
In Philippians 4:17-18 Paul assures the Philippians that he isnt seeking after offerings, knowing that regardless of future gifts, God will take care of him. His prayer and desire is that they would receive reward from God for their sacrificial giving.
He wants them to experience the personal, spiritual growth that happens through giving. Faith, gratitude, loyalty, obedience, and compassion are some of the character traits that have opportunity to grow in the giver.
Philippians 4:17-18 says, Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.
Three Helpful Steps For Reading The Epistles
Andy Patton
Pauls letter to the Philippians has some of the greatest hits verses of the New Testament:
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Its easy for readers of Pauls letters to latch on to one powerful verse that inspires them. Certainly his letters are inspirational, but sometimes we can find ourselves neglecting the larger context or, worse, pulling a verse out of context. Every single inspirational verse is part of a greater work of literaturethe entire epistle. The authors of these letters intended to convey rich layers of meaning throughout the whole letter.
Which raises the question: how can the common modern reader discover these deeper layers of meaning?
Here’s the good news: it’s easier than you think. We are going to look at three helpful steps for reading the epistles. This blog is designed as a study, so wed recommend that you have your Bible out and use what you learn here as your guide.
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How Do I Talk With God
Tips
Did Paul Start The Church In Colossae
Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, abbreviation Colossians, twelfth book of the New Testament, addressed to Christians at Colossae, Asia Minor, whose congregation was founded by St. Paul the Apostles colleague Epaphras. Every Christian, according to their state in life, should fulfill their duties.
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What Does Philippians : 11
In Philippians 4:11-12 Paul assures the saints that love and care for him so dearly, that he has everything he needs. The purpose of this letter isnt to solicit an offering. He is content. Contentment is learned, it doesnt come naturally.
Paul went on to talk about contentment during the good times and the bad, the times of plenty and the times of want. He had learned the secret of how to thrive in any circumstance.
Philippians 4:11-12 says, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
What Does Philippians : 14
Philippians 4:14-16 is about Paul who continues to express his appreciation to the Philippians for their help in his times of need. He notes that they were the only ones to give, even though there were other churches along his journey that could have reached out to him with some form of assistance.
This is undoubtably part of the motivation for the deep love and affection that Paul has toward this group of believers.
Philippians 4:14-16 says, Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
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What Is A Chiasm
A chiasm is a common literary device in biblical poetry that uses repetition to highlight the writers main idea, make comparisons, and connect the main idea to other subtopics.
Chiasms have a symmetrical structure that can look like this:
- A
The Purpose Of Philippians
There is no need to assume up front that there must have been only one purpose in the writing of Philippians. In fact, as we read the letter, several objectives seem to be in the mind of the apostle. First, it is clear that Paul wanted the church to know how things were going for him in his imprisonment and what his plans were should he be released . Second, there appears to have been some discord and division in the church and so the apostle writes to encourage humility with a view toward unity . Third, Paul, the pastoral theologian, writes to head off the negative teaching and consequences of certain false teachers . Fourth, Paul wrote to commend Timothy to the church as well as to give the church a report about the health and plans of Epaphroditus . Fifth, Paul also wrote to thank the church for their concern for him and the gifts they had given .
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What Are Some Distinctive Features Of This Book
Philippians is often called a prison Epistle, along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon. Despite being written from prison, Paulâs letter to the Philippians has been described by scholars as the happiest of his writings. Paul expressed gratitude, love, and confidence to Church members described sacrifices he had made to follow Jesus Christ and instructed the Philippian Saints in principles of righteous living. Students may recognize in Philippians 4:8 some of the language used in the thirteenth article of faith, which was penned by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Paul poetically depicted the Saviorâs condescension from premortal divinity to mortal life, where He suffered âdeath of the crossâ . Having fulfilled His divine mission, Jesus Christ now stands exalted, and the day will come when âevery knee should bowâ before Him and âevery tongue ⦠confess that Jesus Christ is Lordâ . Paul revealed that his inner source of confidence and strength came from Jesus Christ .
What Are Some Popular Verses From Philippians
These are some of the popular verses of Philippians. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ This is good news and encouragement. It lets us know that God is not going to give up on us. He will continue to perfect us until we leave this earth or are raptured up.
For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain This verse is so famous that a song was created around it.Daryl Coley is one of the artists who wrote a song regarding this verse.
I have heard this verse in churches a lot, Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus . I suppose they want to make sure that we are striving to have our minds renewed. If we say this verse, we are asking God to give us a mind like Christ. If we have a mind of Christ, we will know how to love our enemies. If we have a mind of Christ, we will desire to live holy. If we have a mind of Christ, we will be charitable. If we have a mind of Christ, we will strive to live a life of purpose.
Further Reading
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The Philippians Heard Epaphroditus Was Very Sick
After bringing Paul the gift from the church, Epaphroditus became very illPaul says he almost died but then he recovered. Somehow, the Philippians heard Epaphroditus was sick , but it sounds like they didnt know he had also recovered. Epaphroditus was anxious to let them know that he was better.
Paul writes the letter to confirm that what the Philippians heard was trueEpaphroditus was sickbut also to assure them that their friend had recovered and would return to them soon.
Epistle To The Philippians
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The Epistle to the Philippians, commonly referred to as Philippians, is a Pauline epistle of the New Testament of the Christian Bible. The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle and Timothy is named with him as co-author or co-sender. The letter is addressed to the Christian church in Philippi.Paul, Timothy, Silas first visited Philippi in Greece ” rel=”nofollow”> Macedonia) during Paul’s second missionary journey from Antioch, which occurred between approximately 49 and 51 AD. In the account of his visit in the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Silas are accused of “disturbing the city”.
There is a general consensus that Philippians consists of authentically Pauline material, and that the epistle is a composite of multiple letter fragments from Paul to the church in Philippi.:17 These letters could have been written from Ephesus in 5255 AD or Caesarea Maritima in 5759, but the most likely city of provenance is Rome, around 62 AD, or about 10 years after Paul’s first visit to Philippi.
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What Does Philippians : 19 Mean
The meaning of Philippians 4:19 is that assurance of spiritual blessings comes with a giving spirit. This should not be confused with the Prosperity Gospel that is being presented in our times, which is false and dangerous teaching. The riches of Jesus Christ reach far beyond money. His supply bank distributes many things that money does not have the ability to buy.
Philippians 4:19 says, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
What Does Philippians : 10 Mean
In Philippians 4:10 Paul knew the church at Philippi cared for him, and they were able to show that care to him once again when they sent Epaphroditus to him in prison , tending to his needs.
Paul went on to talk about contentment during the good times and the bad, the times of plenty and the times of want.
Philippians 4:10 says But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
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The Misuse Of Philippians : 13
Philippians 4:13 tells us we can do all things through Christ. Does this mean we can do as we please and ask Christ to supply the strength ?
No.
Many people have misused Philippians 4:13 and taken it to mean that you can do all the things you desire through Christ.
When you take this verse out of context, you will think it means doing anything you want.
This is not true because God only fulfills the desires in our hearts that align with His Word. You cant pursue ungodly desires and expect God to strengthen you to fulfill them.
We are to live our lives within the context of Gods word. Before you set out to do what you want, and use Philippians 4:13 as the reference, understand what it means.
The adjacent verses will give you the context within which to interpret it.