November 29, 2014
Philippians
This is my mother’s favorite book of the Bible.
I think it has something to do the “joy” this letter exudes. Why is that? We can tell that Paul is writing from a prison cell, that other Christian preachers fell like they’re in competition with him, that he is still combatting the “Judaizer” heresy (chapter 3:1-11), and that the Philippians themselves have been experiencing some division and dissension (2:1-5; 4:2-3). Despite all this, joy attends every section of this letter.
Think back as to how this church was founded. Paul and Silas were whipped and put in jail for the night, yet even so, they sang praises to God. When the earthquake shook their prison doors open, neither they nor their fellow prisoners attempted to escape. This so impressed the jailor (who’d have been executed if they did escape), that he came to faith in Christ that very night, he and his whole household!
So, Paul writes a letter that overflows with joy to the church that was birthed in joyful praise. “Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again: Rejoice!” (4:4).
Tomorrow, it’s Colossians!
Your fellow traveler through the New Testament,
Pastor Gary
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