Philippians
Paul expresses gratitude to the Philippians for their support and partnership in the Gospel, praying for their love to abound with knowledge and understanding. He is confident that God will continue to work in them, and despite his imprisonment, the Gospel has advanced, with many becoming bolder in speaking the Word of God. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and humility among believers, citing Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of humility, and urges the Philippians to work towards their salvation with fear and trembling. He also warns them to beware of those who would lead them astray, instead encouraging them to follow his example of serving God in the Spirit and glorying in Christ Jesus. Paul encourages the Philippians to stand firm in the Lord, to rejoice in Him always, and to be anxious about nothing, but instead to pray and give thanks, and to meditate on things that are true, chaste, just, and holy.
Chapter 1
Paul expresses his gratitude to the Philippians for their support and partnership in the Gospel, and he is confident that God will continue to work in them until the day of Christ. He prays for their love to abound with knowledge and understanding, so they may be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. Paul's imprisonment has actually advanced the Gospel, as many have become bolder in speaking the Word of God, and he rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed, regardless of the motives of those doing so. Paul is torn between his desire to be with Christ and his need to remain in the flesh for the sake of the Philippians, but he is confident that he will remain with them to continue their advancement and joy in the faith.
Chapter 2
The passage emphasizes the importance of unity and humility among believers, encouraging them to have the same understanding and charity, and to esteem others better than themselves. It cites Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of humility, who emptied himself and took the form of a servant, ultimately being exalted by God. Believers are urged to work towards their salvation with fear and trembling, knowing that God works in them to choose and act according to his will. The passage also expresses the apostle's hope to send Timothy and Epaphroditus to the Philippians, and his gratitude for their concern and support.
Chapter 3
The apostle Paul urges the Philippians to beware of those who would lead them astray and to instead follow his example of serving God in the Spirit and glorying in Christ Jesus. Paul recounts his own impressive credentials as a Pharisee, but notes that he has come to consider these things as losses compared to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He expresses his desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection, and to attain the resurrection from the dead, but acknowledges that he has not yet reached perfection. Paul encourages the Philippians to imitate him and to focus on their heavenly citizenship, awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform their bodies to be like his glorious body.
Chapter 4
The Philippians are urged to stand firm in the Lord and to rejoice in Him always, letting their modesty be known to all men. They are advised to be anxious about nothing, but instead to pray and give thanks, and to meditate on things that are true, chaste, just, and holy. The Philippians are commended for their renewed concern for Paul and for their generosity in supporting him, and Paul expresses his gratitude for their gifts. The chapter concludes with a blessing and greetings from Paul and other saints, including those in Caesar's household.
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