(Study in Philippians)-Part 1
“Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”-Philippians 1:1-2
Although I believe most people reading this column appreciate the weighty theological contributions that Paul pens for us in the books of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon; I wonder how much time we give to considering the context within which each these books were written. Each of them would have been advantageous to us even if they had been written from an arm charm nestled nicely by a fire within Paul’s comfortable home. However, each of these were written while he was being confined and housed in a Roman prison cell. Penned in less than favorable conditions, Paul adapts to his new surroundings and looks for other avenues to proclaim the truth. This preaches to my heart and mind as much as the words that he recorded for us. His attitude, focus, and purpose were not disrupted by his circumstance or conditions. Some of Paul’s most confining moments, became his most defining moments.
In fact, knowing this causes me to look at my faith from a new perspective. What is on Paul’s heart during this time? It is obvious that he is concerned for the church-Ephesus, Phillipi, and Colosse. He is also concerned for the individual believer as we will see in Philemon. Each book carries within it an underlying theme: Ephesians: Unity, Colossians: Christ’s Divinity, Philippians: Joy/Thanksgiving, Philemon: Forgiveness and Restoration. Would these be the themes running through your mind while kept under lock in key for more than two years.
I wrestled with where to begin this series, but determined after considering the conditions he faced daily, the book that ministered to me most was Philippians. Take a moment to stop and read Philippians 1:3-11. Paul had such great affection for the church. Although Paul was chained and imprisoned, his heart was filled with joy for the work that God was accomplishing among the believers. The church at Philippi was about 10 years old when Paul wrote them this letter. So this wasn’t a fledgling church, it was somewhat established with bishops and deacons.
Paul begins his dialogue with them by covering them with prayer and thanksgiving. He thanks God for their fellowship in the gospel. (From that day until now.) He prays for them with joy!
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 1:6
They were partakers with him in his suffering and in his defense and confirmation of the gospel. It’s significance to remember that this isn’t the first time Paul has been in prison. Yet, restrained once again Paul turns his attention to one thing that cannot be confined. He prayed. He prayed for the church. He understood that a jail cell could not restrain him from advancing the kingdom of God.
Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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