A Letter to Friends

A Letter to Friends

In his “sweetheart” epistle to the church at Philippi, Paul writes to sympathetic, noble, loyal friends who have repeatedly demonstrated a concern for his wellbeing. The apostle appreciates their “participation in the gospel from the first day” (1:5) and is thankful for their ongoing support. The Philippians have “always obeyed” Paul, not just when he was present with them, but also in his “absence” (2:12).  God had begun a good work in their lives and Paul is “confident…that (He) will perfect it until the day of Christ” (1:6).  Paul desires to be part of their “progress and joy in the faith” (1:25). Specifically, Paul is thankful for their generous response to his present circumstances.  They have sent Epaphroditus as a “messenger and minister to … (Paul’s) need” (2:25) and as a result, he has “an abundance” and is “amply supplied” (4:18). He describes their gift as “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (4:18).

However, although the Philippians are doing well, “The fire which burned in the apostle never says, ‘It is enough’” (John Wesley). Because he loves them dearly, Paul exhorts them to continue to grow in Christ. They are his “beloved brethren” his “joy” and his “crown” (4:1) and out of affection for them he wants them to “abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment” (1:10).  Unity is a vital theme of the letter, and Paul wants to hear that they are “striving together for the faith of the gospel” (1:27).  They will “make… (Paul’s) joy complete” by being united (“being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose” [2:2]) and selfless (“Do nothing from selfishness or empty deceit…” [2:3]). The Philippians are to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (2:12), to do “all things without grumbling and disputing” (2:14) and to conduct themselves in such a way as to function as “lights” in a world of darkness (4:15).  In that way their spiritual father will “have cause to glory” at Christ’s return (4:16).

Paul reminds his brethren that “God is at work in (them) … both to will and to work for His good pleasure’ (2:13) and he would say the same to Jesus’ faithful followers today. Elsewhere he speaks of “the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thess 2:13). We let God work in us through His word when we love it, when we study it prayerfully and when we live it. David’s words spring to mind: “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psa 139:17)