Philippians 01

Paul wrote Philippians from a Roman prison 62-63 A. D. The reason for this date:
a. He had appeared before the tribunal 1:7-12. He was well known to “Caesar’s household” (Soldiers, guards, servants), 1:12,13. He was expecting death or acquittal 1:19,20; 2:17.
b. He had relative freedom to preach as in his first Roman imprisonment, Acts 28:30,31; Phil. 1:12,13.
c. End of his imprisonment 62-63 A. D, and this was the last of his prison epistles.
Paul and Silas founded the church at Philippi on Paul’s second missionary journey, and helpers were Luke and Timothy. There were not enough Jews (10 men) to have a synagogue, so they began the ministry on the river bank where the Jews  gathered to pray. There Lydia was his first convert in Europe. He cast a spirit of divination from a maid, resulting in his imprisonment and salvation of the jailer, Acts 16. The purpose of the letter was to thank them for a gift of support they had given, 4:10,14, but he also addressed some of the problems in the church. (Their first gifts were sent to Thessalonica the three weeks Paul was there.) This letter was carried by Epaphroditus, 2:25, who fell sick after bringing the gift to Paul, 2:27. Philippians were very concerned, so on his recovery, Paul sent him back with this letter, 2:25-30. It is the most personal of all his letters to a church.
v 1. Servant  (slave) of Christ. He addressed saints, bishops and deacons. 
v 2. Grace expresses God’s love to man, and peace the result of that grace.
v 3-5. Remembering them in prayer regularly with joy and thanks, even in prison. (Thanks for everything he remembered about them.)
v 6. Paul was settled in heart and mind that the work God had started would continue till the return of Christ. (Although individual churches may fail.)
v 7. Except for Paul being in prison, they were partners with him in defending and propagating the gospel.
v 8. They could not know, but God knew Paul’s deep affection for them.
v 9,10. He prayed that their love might overflow as an artesian well, producing  greater insight into the highest and best, not stumbling or causing others to stumble.
v 11. If we are clothed with Christ’s righteousness, we will have a righteous stand  before God and our deeds will magnify and bring glory to Him.
v 12-14. Be assured that this imprisonment has actually served to advance the spread of the gospel. It had become generally known among guards and Caesar’s household that it was for the cause of Christ. Paul’s courage inspired other believers to boldly proclaim the gospel in his place.
v 15-18. Some preached Christ out of love and good will in support of Paul’s labors. Others preached with envy, strife and insincerity, seeking to promote their own ambitions while Paul was helpless in jail. They were not legalist Judaizers, because they were preaching the true gospel, just out of wrong motives. Paul did not condemn them but rejoiced, because at least Christ was being preached. (Respect other groups)
v 19. Salvation, or deliverance, probably does not mean from prison, because he goes ahead and talks about the possibility of death. It is the assurance that prayer and the Spirit would lead to his spiritual welfare now or hereafter.
v 20,21. His desire to magnify Christ would be advanced by either release or martyrdom, and he would be better off personally if he did die.
v 22-24. The Lord was giving results for Paul’s efforts, but it would be joy and a relief from his trials if he went to be with the Lord. However, he realized it would be better for their sakes if he lived.
v 25, 26. The knowledge that Paul was needed convinced him more than verse 19 that he would live and be released. In contrast, we would have to say “If it is God’s will”. Compare Dan. 3:17,18 and 2 Kings 8:10, 15. The Philippians would exult in Christ for both Paul’s release and the presence with them of the one who told them about Christ.
v 27. They were to conduct themselves as good citizens, worthy of the gospel of Christ, even in this Roman colony. Either in prison or with them, he would hear of their united stand for the faith.
v 28. They should be courageous in the face of opposition, because such fearlessness would be a sign to adversaries of eventual destruction, but to believers, an assurance of God’s deliverance.
v 29,30. They need not be surprised if they were called to suffer for Christ. As salvation was a grace from God, so was suffering. They shared a similar struggle with Paul, so knowing how he fared, they could be encouraged.

Philippians 02

v 1 “If” is a sure thing, “since”. Therefore refers back to the unity commanded in 1:27. Why unity is possible: (a) Since there is consolation or encouragement of which Christ is the source; (b) Comfort from God’s love; (c) Fellowship with the indwelling Holy Spirit; (d) Since the Holy Spirit also shows tenderness and compassion, (see v 2)
v 2. Paul would have joy seeing them (a) like minded; (b) Having the same love; (c) Of one accord or spirit  (d) Of one mind or purpose.
v 3,4. Further exhortation, they were to not to have selfish ambitions and conceit, but to be humbly concerned about the interests of others.
v 5. Further, they were to have the same humble attitude seen in Christ.
v 6-8. Christ had full deity and all the attributes of the Father, but he yielded His outward display of those so that He could become fully man, obedient to death.
v 9. Christ is glorified or exalted as He prayed, Jn. 17:5, and given a name or position above all others. This includes His resurrection, ascension and glorification at the right hand of God.
v 10. Eventually every being in all three realms, even demons in Hell will willingly bow before Christ or will be compelled to do so.
v 11. He will be acknowledged as God, but it will be too late for salvation of souls.
v 12,13. This has led to a firm exhortation, but it is tempered with love to friends. They are not told to work for their salvation, but to work it out, or practice it, instead of the disunity that existed. They can do this as God works in them, or energizes them. He can make us both willing and desirous of doing His will. We are co-laborers with God.
v 14-16. Avoid the bad attitude of grumbling, arguing as the philosophers did, or perhaps even going to court. Those things were giving them a poor testimony before the perverted world in which they lived, instead of letting their lights shine. Keep living and presenting the word so that Paul or anyone can rejoice at the time of the Rapture.
v 17,18. In view of his possible death as a martyr, Paul considers himself as being poured out as a drink offering in sacrifice to God. We should offer our bodies a living sacrifice unto God, Rom. 12:1, and experience the same joy and rejoicing as Paul.
v 19. Due to his imprisonment, Paul is sending his letter by Epaphroditus,  soon Timothy. It was a sacrifice to do without him, but the letter and Timothy are both a part of follow up work, and Paul hopes to be cheered by the report Timothy brings back.
v 20,21. There was no one else available but Timothy who would show the selflessness Paul had and what he wanted them to have.
v 22. They knew what Paul said about his spiritual son and co-laborer was true.
v 23,24. Paul would send Timothy as soon as he knew the outcome of his legal case. He was apparently released for a time, whether or not he got back to Philipi.
v 25. They  sent Epaphroditus with gifts, 4:18, and to assist Paul, who returns him.
v 26,27. Epaphroditus is anxious to see the people. Paul had not healed him, but the Lord rescued him from dying, which would have added to Paul’s burdens.
v 28-30. Paul hastened to send Epaphroditus so they were not to think he had failed because of his near death experience, but welcome him and rejoice that he had been able to do what they could not.

Philippians 03

v 1. When Paul says “finally”, it is like a preacher putting his watch on the pulpit, it doesn’t mean a thing! Seriously, he is introducing a new subject, dangers from outside  the church, and gladly reviewing what he had told them on previous occasions.
v 2. Jewish unbelievers had become dogs like the Gentile unbelievers and were merely mutilating their flesh rather than having true circumcision of the heart. They were dogs in character, evil workers in conduct, and concision (mutilation) in creed.
v 3. Believers were the true circumcision of the heart and could worship by the Spirit of God with no regard for outward appearance or human accomplishment.
v 4-6. While Paul did not boast in any human worth, he points out seven reasons why he could be superior in comparison to his critics, but which he counted loss for Christ, v 7. The first four are advantages from birth, the last three he chose.
a. Circumcised the eighth day. Not later as a proselyte but as a full blooded Jew. Mentioned first because it was such a big issue with the Judaizers.
b. Stock of Israel. Both parents true Jews tracing back to Abraham.
c. Tribe of Benjamin. The one tribe, besides Judah, that remained loyal to David.
d.Hebrew of Hebrews. Understood and practiced their language and customs.
e. A Pharisee. Strictest sect, adhering to laws of Moses and their added laws.
f. Zeal. No one could match the zeal with which he persecuted the Church.
g. Blameless. Had considered himself perfect in legalistic righteousness.
v 7-9. After Paul’s conversion he considered those advantages and found them totally worthless compared to a personal relationship with Christ. Rather than self righteousness, he now, by the Spirit, was clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
v 10. Instead of the seven advantages, Paul preferred to know by experience a more intimate relationship with Christ; to experience the power the resurrected Christ exerts upon believers. Not sharing Christ’s sufferings on the cross, but the sufferings for the sake of righteousness, so as Christ suffered for sins, Paul died to sin, Col. 3:3.
v 11. Paul looked for the Rapture in his lifetime or resurrection of righteous dead.
v 12-14. Paul had not achieved the goals of verse 10 and had not reached a stage of completeness, but saw the need to continue to grow in the Lord. He would not rest on past achievements or heritage, but athletically speaking, would strive for the prize of glorification and rewards in heaven. It is the rest of the race that counts.
v 15,16. Mature believers should seek for deeper understanding of God, but meanwhile live according to the knowledge they have.
v 17. Follow other believers as they follow the Lord, 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Thess. 1:6. 
v 18,19. Paul had a deep concern that they not follow doomed false teachers who a. were engrossed in physical desire; b. Took pride in what they should be ashamed, c. were obsessed with earthly affairs.
v 20,21. They were Philippian colonists, but citizens of Rome. I was a transient soldier in Japan, but a citizen of the US, no matter how far away it seemed at times. We are pilgrims here, but our citizenship is  in heaven. We look for the Rapture when Christ will return and by His power, change our vile bodies and fashion them like His glorious body. This will prepare us for the glorious presence of God.

Philippians 04

v 1. Since they were looking for the return of Christ, they are to stand firm in the Lord. Paul expresses his great affection for them, twice called dearly beloved: longed for, and who are his joy and crown, compare 1 Thess. 2:19.
v 2. Euodia means “prosperous journey” and Syntyche “pleasant acquaintance”, but they did not live up to their names and were the basis of request for unity, 2:1-4.
v 3. “Yokefellow” may be “Suzugos”, a fitting name a man chose at his baptism, and he is to help reconcile the women. Lydia was the first convert at Philippi when they first gathered at the river, Acts 16:13,14, and these two probably the first hearers who helped other women. They had also labored along with Clement and other workers whose citizenship roll was definitely in heaven. The early church considered Clement to be bishop of the church at Rome following the death of Peter and Paul. Indefinite.
v 4. Paul does not tell them to be “happy”, but to rejoice in the Lord.
v 5. Inner joy is evident in “moderation” or gentleness. The Rapture is coming.
v 6,7. Therefore, have genuine concern, but not worry. Instead approach God in prayer; Supplicate or petition Him for answer to a specific need; Have a thankful attitude of heart in prayer; Requests are for definite, specific things. We have peace with God at salvation, but peace from God is that inner peace from a close walk. This peace is beyond comprehension and guards a believer’s mind and heart.
v 8. Finally, indicates a conclusion to this section. These are six items in a healthy thought life. Replace evil thoughts with these thoughts, and you are worthy of praise.
v 9. We are to do as well as think, and Paul had shown them a good example to follow, 3:17. Ultimately we are not to follow a man but follow the Lord, 1 Thess. 1:6.
v 10-13. The believers of Philippi were concerned but unable to help Paul before they sent Epaphroditus. He isn’t complaining about a prior need, because he had learned to adjust to needs and hunger or plenty. This is not a boast of his own ability, but recognition of the strength Christ provides. We can take confidence in this, v 13.
v 14-16. In this, the most personal of all his epistles, Paul expressed his love for them, and here, his gratefulness. They were the only church to send aid when he went into Macedonia, and on his second journey to Thessalonica, they sent aid twice.
v 17,18. Paul is not hinting they should send more when he desires they gain reward. They had not only supplied his need, but this was a sacrifice pleasing to God.
v 19 God is provider who promises , provides, in plenty. Prerequisite, Matt. 6:33. This verse is frequently quoted to missionaries that their needs be supplied, but it is really a message to people that their needs will be supplied as they aid missionaries.
v 20. A benediction praising God.
v 21,22. Greetings were sent to all the believers at Philippi and greetings were from all the believers at Rome associated with Paul. Those of Caesar’s household had no doubt been led to Christ by their contacts with Paul, such as relatives and soldiers.
v 23. Many times Paul stresses the grace of God and Christ.

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In the early 90's I started studing the bible by taking college courses, because I believe the Lord wanted me to become a pastor in a Nazarne Church. My goal has changed with all my studies. My wife and I have both joined the Catholic Church. I have read and compared numerous translations and commentaries in my many years of studying the bible. Some of these authorities disagree with each other. I come across information on studies and classes that I have taken 15 to 20 years before and I have no documentation of where it came from. Plus I have given away or returned many books for college classes that I have taken. So if I have failed to give someone the credit that is due them I ask for their forgiveness. The following is a list of translations and commentaries that I still have and use.

1. Apocrypha
2. Confessions of St Augustine
3. Divine Comedy of Dante (Henery Carytr)
4. King James Bible
5. LDS (Mormons)
6. Martin Luther
7. St John of the Cross
8. Budhist
9. Christian-King James
10. Hindu
11. Islam
12. Judaism
13. Sikh
14. Tao
15. Zoroastrian

OUR ETERNAL HOME by Richard W. Dehaan,
PROPHECY STUDY BIBLE by Tim Lahaye
READER'S DIGEST JESUS AND HIS TIMES by the Readers Digest Association Inc,
REFLECTING GOD STUDY BIBLE By Zondervan Corporation;
SAINT JOSEPH EDITION OF THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by Catholic Book Publishing Co.
SEVEN KEYS TO FAMILY POWER by Billy Joe Daugherty,
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY by Max Lacado,
THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE by the Zondervan Corporation;
THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD by Jocyce Meyer,
THE BIBLE PROMISE BOOK by Babbour Publishing Inc,
THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER by Charles Mortimer Guilbert
THE BOOK OF HOPE by Tyndale House Publishiers, Inc,
THE BORN AGAIN CATHOLIC by Albert H. Boudreau,
THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel,
THE CATHOLIC ANSWER BOOK by Peter MJ Stravinsiasi
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF BIBLE KNOWLEDGE by Mark D. Taylor;
THE DAY CHRIST DIED by Jim Bishop,
THE GREAT BIBLE QUESTION AND ANWERS BOOK by Playmore Inc
THE HOME BIBLE STUDY COURSE by Dr. Harold L. Wilmington;
THE KING JAMES BIBLE ARCHAIE WORDS DEFIND by David W. Daniel
THE KING JAMES BIBLE COMPANION by David W. Daniels;
THE KING JAMES STUDY BIBLE by Thomas Nelson Publishers,
THE LAYMAN’S BIBLE  DICTIONARY by George W. Knight and Rayburn W. Ray;
THE LAYMAN’S PARALLEL NEW TESTAMENT by Zondervan Bible Publisher
THE LAYMAN'S LIST by Calance Stucup
THE MESSAGE BIBLE by Eugone H. Peterson,
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE by World Catholic Press;
THE NEW AMERICAN BIBLE Saint Joseph Edition;
THE NEW STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE by James Strong LL. D S.T.D.;
THE RISKS AND REWARDS OF INTERRELIGIOUS DIALOGUE by Cardinal Francis Arinze
THE TRINITY by Rose Publish
THE VERY FIRST ESTER by Paul L. Maier,
THE WAY CATHOLIC LIVING BIBLE by Tyndale House Publishers;
UNCHRISTIAN by David Kennan and Gabe Lyon
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S LOVE by Ronald Greib
VINE’S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT WORDS By W. E. Vine;
WHAT’S SO SECRET ABOUT THE RAPTURRE? By Christian Record Services, INC
WHEN GOD WINKS AT YOU by Tomas Nelson
WILLMINGTON’S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE by Dr. H.L. Willmington,
WOMAN OF FAITH STUDY BIBLE by Zschech/Heillsong
YESTERDAY TODAY AND FOREVER by New Leaf Press
YOU WERE BORN FOR THIS by Anthony Wilhen

08/19/2011