[:en]Although Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison, the dominant theme in this letter is JOY. The secret of his real joy is grounded in his relationship with Christ. Joy is the quiet confident assurance of God’s love while happiness depends on happenings. Christians are to be joyful in all circumstances.
THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (vs. 3-11)
Paul thanked the believers for helping him when he had a need. Despite of his imprisonment and trials, he rememberd the Philippians with joy and thanksgiving whenever he prayed. The Philippians were partners in the Good News because they had valuable contribution in spreading God’s message. They gave help and financial support to Paul while he was in prison. He was confident that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (v. 6). God’s work for us began when Christ died on the cross. His work within us began when we first believed.
This is the prayer of Paul for the Philippian believers:
- They would be united in love
- Their love will result in greater knowledge of Christ
- They may have discernment to differentiate between right and wrong, good and bad, pure and blameless until the day of Christ
- They will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.
PAUL’S CHAINS ADVANCE THE GOSPEL (vs. 12-30)
When Paul was under house arrest, it allowed him some degree of freedom. He could have visitors, and he could continue to preach and write letters. Even the “Palace Guard” were able to hear the gospel. Because of his chains, most of the brothers in the Lord had been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly. (v. 14)
Some people were preaching the gospel out of envy and rivalry while others out of goodwill. The later did so in love. But the former preached Christ out of selfish ambition by taking advantage of Paul’s imprisonment to build their reputation. Regardless of the motives of those preachers, Paul had an amazing selfless attitude. He rejoiced that the Good News was being preached.
Paul prayed for the courage to stand trial and speak without shame or fear. Whether he lived or died, he wanted to exalt Christ. For him, to live is Christ and to die is gain (v. 21). Paul’s purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ. But between living and dying, he confidently said that dying would be better than living because in death, he would be removed from worldly troubles and meet Christ face to face. But he chose to remain so that he could continue with the progress and joy in the faith of the Philippians.
He urged the Philippains to conduct themselves in a name worthy of the gospel of Christ and to stand firm in one Spirit (v. 27). He considered suffering for Christ a privilege because suffering can build character. When we believe in Christ, we also must suffer for him.
Paul longed to see the Philippians because he felt a deep love for them. Whether he was in chain or preaching the gospel, the Philippians shared with him God’s grace with affection.
As Christians, we are part of God’s family. We must share the transforming power of His love with fellow Christians through our actions.[:]