Generous, warm, hospitable. Happy, selfless and overflowing with service. If we would like to embrace these characteristics then Paul’s letter to Philippi has an important message for us. The epistle is written with great passion as Paul poured out his thanks to the ecclesia for a gift they had gi…
Philippians: Background to the Epistle (1) Read More »
Philippians chapter one sees Paul warm to his writing, remembering the ecclesia in Philippi, sharing with them his prayers for their wellbeing and sharing his thoughts about life in Rome. He particularly writes of the Roman ecclesia, his anxieties about his trial and finally a message of encourage…
Chapter One – To Live is Christ (2) Read More »
United through Humility and Service (v1-4)
Having received a generous gift at the hand of the Philippians, Paul knew that the ecclesia was overflowing with a spirit of comfort, love, fellowship and compassion. Yet there was one further characteristic he dearly wanted to see flourishing in the Phili…
Chapter Two – Let This Mind be in You (3) Read More »
One Mind in Christ v1-3
Paul begins chapter four with a rebuke directed at two sisters – Euodias and Syntyche. How carefully and tenderly he frames his words: “my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown1, so stand fast in the Lord2, my dearly beloved”. Paul refers to the Phil…
Chapter Four – “Think on These Things” Read More »
Warning against the Concision (v1-6)
The epistle now shifts focus to warn the ecclesia against the threat of the Circumcision Group. Paul has spoken to them before about this danger but he continues to remind them for their own safety. “Beware, beware, beware” is the warning of Paul.
The cir…
Philippians – Part 4 Read More »
