Philippians

Book Reviews aim to provide succinct, thoughtful summaries of books I have read. Each review contains quotes from the book, thoughts from others, and also some thoughts of my own. Typically they will be structured in the following order: author, introduction, message and purpose, remarkable chapter, and conclusion. This review will cover Philippians, a book written around 62 AD and one that is part of a larger collection of books called The Bible.

Philippians

Author

The apostle Paul

Introduction

Philippians is Paul's most warmly personal letter. After initial difficulties in the city of Philippi, a strong bond developed between Paul and the converts there. Paul wrote to thank the church for a gift it had recently sent him in prison and to inform them of his circumstances.

Message and Purpose

One purpose of this letter was for Paul to explain his situation at Rome (1:12-26). Although he was concerned about the divided Christian community there, his outlook was strengthened by the knowledge that Christ was being magnified. Paul's theology of life formed the basis of his optimism. Whether he lived or died, whether he continued his service to others or went to be in Christ's presence, or whether he was appreciated or not, he wanted Christ to be glorified. Within this explanation are several messages:

Unity. Paul exhorted the church to unity (1:27-2:18). The church at Rome was divided, and he lived with a daily reminder of the effects of disunity. Selfishness lay at the heart of the problems at Rome and Philippi. Paul reminded the believers of the humility of Jesus. If they would allow the outlook of Christ to guide their lives, harmony would be restored. Christian unity results when individuals develop the mind of Christ.

Freedom from legalism. Paul warned the church to be aware of Jewish legalists (3:2-21). Legalistic Jewish teachers threatened to destroy the vitality of the congregation by calling it to a preoccupation with external religious matters. Paul countered the legalists with a forceful teaching about justification by faith. He chose to express his theology through his personal experiences. He had lived their message and found it lacking.

Salvation. Salvation was provided by Christ, who became obedient to death (2:6-8). It was proclaimed by a host of preachers who were anxious to advance the gospel. It was promoted through varying circumstances of life—both good and bad—so that the lives of believers became powerful witnesses. Finally, salvation would transform Christians and churches into models of spiritual life.

Stewardship. Paul thanked the Philippian believers for their financial support. Their generosity encouraged Paul at a time of personal need, and he took the opportunity to express the rewards of giving and to teach Christian living. Paul maintained spiritual equilibrium in the midst of fluctuating financial circumstances. Christ was his life, and Christ's provisions were all he needed. In everything, Paul's joy was that Christ would be glorified in him.

Imitation. The epistle abounds with Christian models for imitation. Most obviously, the church was to imitate Jesus, but other genuine Christians also merited appreciation. Paul, Timothy, and Epaphroditus embodied the selflessness that God desired in His people.

Remarkable Chapter

Philippians is a short book of only four chapters, with the final chapter being perhaps the most well-known. The cornerstone verse of chapter four, which is oftentimes grossly misused out of context, is verse 13:

"I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."

While many grab this verse to say before sporting events, a big test, or another comparable event, Paul—who wrote this while in prison—was explaining that regardless of the circumstance he has everything he needs because of Christ. Look at the verses preceding this famous verse, starting with verse 11:

"I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance of in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."

"All things" refers to the economic fluctuations of life and "...through Him who strengthens me" teaches that Christ empowers believers to live in God's will. Paradoxically, Paul was strong when he was weak; independent only when dependent. Such is the life of a disciple.

Conclusion

Paul's letter to the Philippians teaches us much about genuine Christianity. While most of its themes may be found elsewhere in Scripture, it is within this letter that we can see how those themes and messages impact life. Within the New Testament, Philippians contributes to our understanding of Christian commitment and what it means to be Christlike.