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[Previous: Philippians 1:1-2:18] Regarding Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30)Paul tells the Philippians that he wants to come see them himself (2:24), but it may be awhile. So he is sending Epaphroditus back to them with this letter, and later he will send Timothy (2:19). He asks the Philippians to receive these two co-workers as if they were receiving him. For Timothy and Epaphroditus are also living examples of the humility he has been discussing. Timothy has been faithfully serving Paul in the furtherance of the gospel (2:22). Epaphroditus has risked his very life for Paul and for the Philippians, having become gravely ill in Rome (2:30). Warning Against the False Circumcision (3:1-4:1)Beware of the False Circumcision (3:1-6)Paul now reminds the Philippians of what he has warned them in the past (3:1): to be ware of those who teach that the Gentiles need to be circumcised (3:2). Paul reminds them that the true circumcision (3:3a) belongs to those who worship in the Spirit and who glory in Christ, not putting any confidence in their own ability to please god through fleshly efforts (3:3b). Paul's Personal Experience (3:4-6)Paul reminds the Philippians that if anyone had reason to boast of their fleshly efforts, it would be him (3:4). After all, he was a circumcised Jew—a Hebrew of Hebrews (3:5). He was a zealous Pharisee who even persecuted the church. When it came to fleshly obedience to the Pharisaical laws and traditions, Paul could be considered blameless (3:6). Justification from Faith not Flesh (3:7-11)But Paul would not boast in his fleshly accomplishments. He considered all this as a loss (3:7). All tings are a loss compared to the profit in knowing Jesus (3:8). For all his zealousness, Paul was never able to obtain righteousness through the Law (3:9a). Indeed, He found righteousness only through his faith in Christ (3:9b). Paul reminds the Philippians that righteousness and hope for the resurrection comes only through faith in and our identification with the cross of Christ (3:10-11). Sanctification by Faith not Flesh (3:12-4:1)While Paul is righteous in the eyes of God on the basis of his faith in Christ (3:9b), he is yet to realize that righteousness in the practice (3:12). That is, even Paul is still growing in his sanctification. Therefore, Paul's goal in life is to:
This paragraph most eloquently explains the process of sanctification and Christian maturity. For it reminds us that we have already “laid hold of” and “attained” righteousness positionally. However, our goal is to still “lay hold of' and live out that standard practically each day.
The false teachers promoting the circumcision of the Gentiles are trying to achieve through there own efforts what Christ has already accomplished. Therefore Paul calls them:
But Paul calls on us to set our minds on heavenly things, for that is where our citizenship lies and that is where we will meet our savior (3:20). That is where our bodies will be transformed into our new glorious bodies (3:21). Therefore, Paul says to stand firm against the false teachers, because there is so much more hope found in the true circumcision (4:1). Final Exhortations (4:2-9)Paul has some final, personal exhortations for the Philippians. First, he makes a personal appeal for Euodia and Syntyche to get along with each other, and for the Philippians to help Clement intervene into this dispute (4:2-3). Secondly, Paul calls on the Philippians to rejoice, be gentile, to think good thoughts (4:8) and to not be anxious, but instead to pray (4:4-7). The result will be the peace of God. Paul's Joy in the Philippians Gift (4:10-23)This letter had been prompted by the deliverance of financial support from the Philippians at the hand of Epaphroditus. So Paul concludes his letter by rejoicing in their gift. But while he is indeed thankful, he does not want them to be concerned about his financial situation, for he has learned how to be content in poverty. Indeed he has learned the secret of contentment, be he rich or poor, hungry or well fed. Paul can live through any circumstance through the strength of Christ.
This verse is so often used out of context as a mantra for personal achievement and fulfillment. “I can do it! I can achieve anything! I am full of potential!” through Christ. The focus is on what “I” can achieve. But Paul's focus is not on what he can do, but on what he can do without. He is not excited about how Christ's strength can help him achieve grand and glorious goals, but on how Christ's strength can keep him content in the midst of poverty, hunger, and imprisonment. Nonetheless Paul is thankful for the Philippians generous gift (4:14). The Philippians had been consistently generous to him throughout his journeys. Paul is thankful for their support and is certain that in the midst of their sacrifice, that God will supply all their needs (4:19).
Here again, is a verse so often pulled out of context. This verse is often used as a promise that God will take care of us and supply us with all that we need. But Paul says the Philippians will have their needs met because of their abundant generosity. The Philippians were relatively poor. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 8 we know that the Philippians were so generous that they gave even beyond their means. Paul assures them that such generosity will not be forgotten by God, and that he will supply all their needs.
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