Philippians 5-11: First Close Reading

The Apostle Paul’s strategic mission of expanding the church and spreading the Gospel was significant considering the challenges he had to conquer. His life and example was and is applicable to modern cross-cultural leaders and organizations. Philippians 2 is a letter written by Paul to the church of Philippi. It was prepared during his imprisonment in Rome for spreading the Gospel of Christ in an area where people predominately and traditionally believed in Judaism. His writing in this passage highlights Christ as the ultimate example of humility and Paul’s encouragement to his followers to keep the unity, as they are the light of the world.

In Philippians 3:13, it says, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.” Just as C.S. Lewis says ‘There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.’

Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”(KJV). This verse is what I base my whole life around; sports, academics, and everyday life can be traced back to this quote. Without this promise from God, I would not be as honorable, athletic, or smart as I am today.

Philippians The book of Philippians deals with praise, confidence and rejoicing. The book of Philippians was a letter written in prison by Paul in 62 A.D. The key personalities are the Apostle Paul, Timothy, Epaphroditus, Euodia, and Syntyche ( Philippians). Paul is known for his prison epistles ( letter written in jail) there are four and Paul had written Philippians last.

In his new book Becoming the Gospel Michael Gorman provides an interesting look at the life and letters of the apostle Paul. Gorman wants his readers to consider that more than knowing the gospel and its power to save, Paul want his recipients of his letters to live out the gospel in their lives. Thus Gorman’s central argument in this book is that “Paul wanted the communities he addressed…to become the gospel, and in so doing to participate in the very life and mission of God” (Gorman 2). Gorman explores this idea by taking the reader through a look at the letters of Paul using a “missio Dei” lens, to provide a new view of what Paul is teaching to these early Christian communities.

In verse two we can find the second half of the conditional statement of Paul which was given. The means of fulfilling this command is then given in four clauses which emphasize unity by synonymous expressions.7 The way in which the Philippians can “fulfil” Paul’s joy is by having “the same mind”, “the same love”, being “one

There are possibly multiple allusions can be seen in the chosen text. He reflects some of Old Testament passages in Philippians 2:12-18. In verse 14, Paul uses a word “grumbling” to the audience to teach them a proper manner in doing all things so that they may be blameless and innocent children of God unlike the Children of Israel who rebelled against God in the wilderness. Another is “a crooked and twisted generation” in verse 15. Paul uses “a crooked and twisted generation” to remind the readers how the Children of Israel in the wilderness deviated from the truth and standard of God because of their sinfulness in Deuteronomy 32:5.

NT2200-Week Four Philippians Function Discussion The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians has many themes throughout it covering topics such as an attitude of gratitude, unity among the brethren, joy in spite of suffering, and confidence in Christ. However, the theme of joy and rejoicing seems to be primarily the thought Paul is expressing in Chapter One verse four and continues to be expressed with gratitude and love for the Philippians who have shown Paul great love in supporting him during his time of incarceration. Thomas G. Gombis (2010) states, “This is one of Paul’s most personal letters, written to a church that was founded during his second journey and that he had visited during his third journey (Acts 20:3,6). The Philippian church

It seems strange that so little is known biographically about one of the most important figures in Christian history, but this only serves to add to the mystery and grandeur surrounding the Apostle Paul of Tarsus. Much, however, is known of the time after his conversion to Christ and what he did to contribute to Christianity in this period, and it is this that leaves a greater legacy than the simple facts of his life. The contributions that he made towards the cause of Christ and the spreading and formation of Christianity are what he is perennially remembered for.

Our source of knowledge of the apostolic work of Paul comes first from the Book of Acts. The epistles written by Paul serve to further our knowledge of his mission. These letters were written to churches that he had founded or churches that were known to him. Luke’s account of Paul introduces us to the basic facts about this important biblical figure. A more complete understanding of Paul’s journeys can be gleaned from his letters. These epistles were written almost at the time they occurred and they comprise some of the earliest works contained in the New Testament.

Blomberg, Craig L., Jennifer Foutz Markley. A Handbook of New Testament Exegesis. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2010.

"A man must pronounce three blessings each day: 'Blessed be the Lord who did not make me a heathen; blessed be he who did not make me a woman; blessed be he who did not make me an uneducated person.’” said Rabbi Judah, a contemporary of first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Josephus said “The woman is in all things inferior to the man”. Throughout centuries, the role of a woman in the church has been a matter of severe controversy, particularly in relation to the Apostle Paul’s view on the subject. Through a close reading of 1st Corinthians 14: 33-38, I hope to provide a close interpretation of Paul’s message on women’s roles in the church, making a case for the “feministic Paul”.

The objective of this paper is to achieve a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:2-11. To accomplish this objective, the basic contents of this passage will be examined. Furthermore, all relevant issues from this passage will be examined as well. This passage will be made clear in its context so that the content will fit into the overall meaning of the passage. More importantly, a verse by verse analysis of the passage will be given to understand the author’s thoughts.

The purpose of this paper is to perform a thorough exegetical analysis of Philippians 2:1-11. In order to accomplish this purpose, the basic contents of the passage will be surveyed. In addition, any relevant issues from the background of the letter will be examined. This passage will be interpreted in its context so that its meaning will fit into the overall meaning of the letter. Most importantly, a verse by verse exposition of the text will be given which will trace the author’s flow of thought. Finally, a summary of this study’s findings will be given along with some points of personal application.

In this letter Apostle Paul showed how great his love was for the church of Philippi, showing his gratitude for their financial support to further the work of the ministry and to express his concern about their spiritual walk. His only thought was about advancing the cause of Christ and building the Philippians’ faith to continue their mission in spite of the persecution they were facing. Within their church many of the people were at odds and some were trying to hinder the spread of the Gospel. Because of this, Paul encourages the church of Philippi to "stand fast, be of the same mind, rejoice in the Lord always but by prayer let your request be made known and the peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (4:1-7).