PHILIPPIANS REFLECTION
For a letter which is broken down into just four chapters, Philippians packs a lot in!
Well, I say a letter… there is actually a consensus among biblical scholars that what we have as ‘Philippians’ is a combination of several letters written by Paul – and it is viewed as authentically written by Paul – to the Church in Philippi. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily change how we read it, it does help explain some of the more noticeable changes in tone and subject that you might pick up on as you read through Philippians this week.
Chapter 2, for instance, is very positive in it’s message, concluding with 3:1;
Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.
Then, 3:2 marks a potential start for a new section from a different letter;
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh!
This isn’t Paul going through some huge mood change, so nothing to worry about there, likely just a compositional decision.
Given this unusual creation of a letter, however, the key themes that stand out are clear.
Among the most central themes is the idea of Joy amidst adversity.
This makes particular sense in the context of Paul’s own journey, being in prison in Rome at the time of writing some of these letters. Certainly, imprisonment isn’t a situation in which one normally feels joyful, and yet Paul is using his own example to demonstrate a need for joy in all circumstances.
Though Paul comes across quite dour on occasion in his writings, Philippians is full of faithful optimism.
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually resulted in the progress of the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ, and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. – Philippians 1:12-14
Why be joyful in difficult circumstances? Because, Paul is telling us, good things can come out of bad situations. That’s the God we worship – a God who can turn all things into good! (Romans 8:28).
We know that this is an important message because it comes up again and again in Paul’s writings.
And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. – Romans 5:3-5
He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me – 2 Corinthians 12:9
And it’s definition comes in these communications to the Church in Philippi –
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:4-7
Sometimes, human psychology means that we receive the same information, instruction or suggestion differently depending on who is delivering it to us. Sometimes it’s stubbornness and not wanting to listen to certain people due to any number of reasons. Other times, it’s wise, as it employs critical thinking around assessing reliable and unreliable sources.
There is a notable difference between me, Mike, speaking to you from my place of comfort and privilege, saying that you must rejoice at all times and not be anxious and Paul, as one who had undergone immense suffering, loss and persecution telling you those same things. I would understand people not taking my advice on not feeling anxious – I’m not someone who has experienced great anxiety in my life and therefore my ability to empathise with those feeling anxious is limited.
Paul is writing this (potentially) from his prison cell! He is not saying this lightly – In fact, I’d imagine these words are as much for him as they are for either the church in Philippi or for us… He is in the midst of a horrible time, ultimately a time that leads to his death.
And it’s from this place that he declares that we should rejoice at all times and have joy even in the face of adversity!
I would never wish that any of us be in a situation like Paul’s, but my hope is that as we’ve read through this book, the learnings of one that has suffered much can offer confidence and comfort to us all for when we inevitably encounter challenge, difficulty or suffering.