PHILIPPIANS 1:1-30
1) ¶ Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: and Timotheus the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, at Philippi Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: deacons Acts 61-7; I Timothy 3:8-13 2) Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. God our Father the Lord Jesus Christ 3) ¶ I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4) Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5) For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ: 7) ¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8) For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9) ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment; 10) That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11) Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 12) ¶ But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things [which happened] unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13) So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other [places]; 14) And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15) Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16) The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17) But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. 18) What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19) For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20) According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death. 21) ¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. 22) But if I live in the flesh, this [is] the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23) For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24) Nevertheless to abide in the flesh [is] more needful for you. 25) And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26) That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27) ¶ Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28) And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29) For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30) Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear [to be] in me. |
1) Paul was the man who had before persecuted the church. In the flesh, Paul says of himself that he was 5) “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6) Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7) But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.” Philippians 3:5-7.
Paul was not a Levite. The Levite (tribe of Levi) was chosen by God to be servants of God, priests. And from that tribe, one family, the family of Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen to be the high priest. No one, except those from the line of Aaron, could lawfully be the high priest. Paul was not in the high priestly line. Paul was not of the tribe of Levi who were to serve God and His Tabernacle (and later His Temple). Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin. A tribe which at one time incurred the wrath of the rest of Israel, because it hid from the rest of Israel, the men who had raped a Levite’s concubine who died shortly thereafter. Israel came up against them and destroyed them. JUDGES 20:2-17 2) And the chief of all the people, [even] of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen that drew sword. 3) (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) Then said the children of Israel, Tell [us], how was this wickedness? 4) And the Levite, the husband of the woman that was slain, answered and said, I came into Gibeah that [belongeth] to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge. 5) And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, [and] thought to have slain me: and my concubine have they forced, that she is dead. 6) And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel: for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel. 7) Behold, ye [are] all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel. 8) And all the people arose as one man, saying, We will not any [of us] go to his tent, neither will we any [of us] turn into his house. 9) But now this [shall be] the thing which we will do to Gibeah; [we will go up] by lot against it; 10) And we will take ten men of an hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel. 11) So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man. 12) ¶ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness [is] this that is done among you? 13) Now therefore deliver [us] the men, the children of Belial, which [are] in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel: 14) But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel. 15) And the children of Benjamin were numbered at that time out of the cities twenty and six thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabitants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven hundred chosen men. 16) Among all this people [there were] seven hundred chosen men lefthanded; every one could sling stones at an hair [breadth], and not miss. 17) And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew sword: all these [were] men of war. How does Benjamin remind you of Kansas and U.S. politics? After two battles, thousands of Israel were slain by the 26,000 of Benjamin. Israel went before God a third time and asked should continue to battle against Benjamin. God said go up and there was a great slaughter of Benjamin. JUDGES 20:38-48 38) Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city. 39) And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to smite [and] kill of the men of Israel about thirty persons: for they said, Surely they are smitten down before us, as [in] the first battle. 40) But when the flame began to arise up out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and, behold, the flame of the city ascended up to heaven. 41) And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them. 42) Therefore they turned [their backs] before the men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but the battle overtook them; and them which [came] out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of them. 43) [Thus] they inclosed the Benjamites round about, [and] chased them, [and] trode them down with ease over against Gibeah toward the sunrising. 44) And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these [were] men of valour. 45) And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them. 46) So that all which fell that day of Benjamin were twenty and five thousand men that drew the sword; all these [were] men of valor. 47) But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months. 48) And the men of Israel turned again upon the children of Benjamin, and smote them with the edge of the sword, as well the men of [every] city, as the beast, and all that came to hand: also they set on fire all the cities that they came to. All the men of Benjamin were slain. The soldiers of Israel were so blood thirsty that they killed all the wives and children. All were dead, except for six hundred men. A just war?______________________________________ Timotheus: Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's Number 5095 Timotheus {tee-moth'-eh-os} -Timotheus (17) -Timothy (7) [24] 1) Timothy meaning "honoring God" was the son of a mixed marriage. It appears his father died when he was still young and he was raised by his mother and grandmother according to strict Jewish traditions. He was a resident of either Lystra or Derby. When Paul and Barnabas arrived in 44 A.D. his family was converted. Tradition states that he was Bishop of Ephesus and died a martyr's death under Dominican (Emperor of Rome (81-96 A.D.) or Nerka. See a Bible dictionary for a more complete description of Timothy and his life. Easton’s Bible Dictionary: Timotheus the Greek form of the name of Timothy (Acts 16:1, etc.; the RSV always "Timothy"). Timothy honoring God, a young disciple who was Paul’s companion in many of his journeys. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, are mentioned as eminent for their piety (2 Timothy 1:5). We know nothing of his father but that he was a Greek (Acts 16:1-3). He is first brought into notice at the time of Paul's second visit to Lystra, where he probably resided, and where it seems he was converted during Paul's first visit to that place (1 Timothy 1:2). The apostle having formed a high opinion of his "own son in the faith," arranged that he should become his companion (Acts 16:1-3), and took him and circumcised him, so that he might please the Jews. Timothy was designated to the office of an evangelist (1 Timothy 4:14 - WHO WILL LOOK THIS UP? Is it proof Timothy was an evangelist?) 2 Tim. 4:2-5) and went with Paul in his journey through Phrygia, Galatia, and Mysis; also to Troas and Philippi and Beret (Acts 17:14). Thence he followed Paul to Athens. He was sent by him with Silas on a mission to Thessalonica (Acts 17:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:2). We find him helping Paul write to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1) Timothy passes now out of sight for a few years, and is again noticed as with the apostle at Ephesus (Acts 19:22), whence he is sent on a mission into Macedonia. He accompanied Paul afterwards into Asia minor (Acts 20:4) (Turkey), where he was with him for some time. When the apostle was a prisoner at Rome, Timothy joined him (Phil 1:1), where it appears he also suffered imprisonment (Hebrews 13:23). During the apostle's second imprisonment he wrote to Timothy, asking him to rejoin him as soon as possible, and to bring with him certain things which he had left at Troas, his cloak and parchments (2 Timothy 4:13). According to tradition, after the apostle's death he settled in Ephesus as his sphere of labor, and there found a martyr's grave. ___________ slaves, bond servants. (Bond servants voluntarily belonged to their master for life. Paul and Timotheus are conveying the idea that they are voluntary servants of: Jesus Christ, (Jesus=Jehovah is salvation) Christ (Christ=the Messiah, anointed One)___________________________ to all those who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world, Who died on a cross to pay for our (my) sins. But more specifically this letter is being addressed to those who are part of the Body of Christ that is at Philippi________________________________ Philippi: Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's Number 5375 Philippi {Fill'-IP-pay} 1) Philippi meaning "lover of horses" was a city in Macedonia, Greece about nine miles from the sea, to the northwest of the island Thasos in the Aegean Sea, (between Turkey and Greece) It is situated on a plain between the mountain ranges. The Philippi which Paul visited was a Roman colony founded by Augustus after the famous battle of Philippi, fought here between Antony and Octavius and Brunus and Caesius, B.C. 42. The original town, built by Philip of Macedonia, (Philip was king of a Greek city state. Philip was father of Alexander the Great). This Philippi was probably not on the same site. Philip, when he acquired possession of the site, founded a town there named, Dates or Datum, which was probably in its origin a slave colony to the Phoenicians, who were the first that worked the gold mines in the mountains here, as in neighboring Thasos. The proximity of the gold mines was, of course, the origin of so large a city as Philippi. The plain in which it lies is extremely fertile. The position, too, was on the main road from Rome to Asia (minor, now Turkey), the Via Agnate, which traversed from Thessalonica to Constantinople. It followed the same route as the existing post road of the World War I (1914-1918) era. At Philippi the gospel was first preached in Europe. Lydia was the first convert. Paul and Silas were imprisoned here. Acts 16:23. The Philippians sent contributions to Paul to relieve his temporal (short lived, worldly, temporary) needs (food, clothing) as opposed to eternal needs. Which needs most concerns you most about your family? What should concern us more? WHY? Do you act as if you believe what you just said?___________________________ bishops: bishop Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's Number 1985 episkopos {Ep.-is'-top-os} is a masculine noun denotes a male overseer, ecclesiastical (priestly, church hierarchy) head (leader, supervisor, manager, superintendent).- 1) an overseer, a man charged with the duty of seeing that things to be done by others are done rightly. Head of any Christian church. (I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-11_______ deacon: Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's No. 1249 daikons {Dee-AK'-on-os} may be from diazo (to run on errands). One who executes commands of another, of his master; he is a servant, attendant, minister . . . 2) a deacon: the office assigned to him by the church, cares for the poor, has charge of and distributes money collected for their use 3) a waiter, one who serves food and drink. Holy Communion? Are you a “deacon-servant”?_____________________ 2) May God’s favor be on you and His tranquillity and absence of rage and war (rage=fierce anger, confusion, destruction, devastation). A peace no man can understand as it comes from: God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). God our Father: The Supreme Deity which is our Creator, our Male Ancestor, our Father. The Eternal God Who (with the Son and Holy Spirit-Genesis1:1-3) made everything from nothing. (Job 38:4-11) HE created time, space, matter, light, then four days later, the sun, moon, stars in the outer space. Yet, all things were actually created by God the Son. (John 1:1-3) (Job 19:25-27)____________ the Lord Jesus Christ: Jesus is the manifestation, (disclosure, presentation, showing) of the Godhead in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16) It is also from our Master, slave owner to Whom I voluntarily belong The Master, Savior and Messiah, the God with us. They sent God the Holy Spirit to live in us.___________ 3) I, Paul, (dictating through Timotheus) give thanks and am grateful to my God (the One to Whom I just referred). I thank God when ever I am caused to remember any or all of you who are from Philippi.___________________ 4) Every time I communicate with God on behalf of any or all of you, I ask God with great joy, gladness, gratitude and want to seek God and want God’s blessing upon each and every one of you. How often do you pray for others?____ 5) Because your fellowship (association, comradeship, joint participation, friendship, brotherhood) in presenting this good news about Jesus Who died for you to take pay your death penalty. This was true of you from the first time I met you and continues until now. ________________ 6) I am persuaded and believe that the One Who has started or begun this good work of salvation, in each and every one, HE will see that it is accomplished in each of you. HE will continue working with you until the time that Jesus Christ is revealed, or comes in the clouds, or begins His thousand year reign. _________________________ 7) I determined that it is a proper thing, a right thing, a righteous thing, for me to understand and to believe this of you. It is my holy opinion. I have considered you in my Spirit man, that internal portion of man. And I know that you do not consider me one in disgrace, with whom you cannot communicate, but you support me when I am in jail for my verbal proclamation and defense of the faith; confirming the good news of Jesus is absolute truth. But you participate in this my bonds or imprisonment. And you shall be ones that partake or participate as my partner (Str. Gr. # 4791) of the favor I find with God._____________ 8) God (in Three Persons) the Creator of the universe, Himself, will be my witness (will set the record right) and let you know how great is my affection and love for each and every one of you, with the Love (Agape) displayed by those who belong to Jesus. How can we show or demonstrate the Love of Jesus?___________________ 9) When I talk with God I ask Him that you may demonstrate and disclose and expose the love of God (agape) that is in you might become much greater as you gain a more precise knowledge (correct Divine realization) in each and every judgment (insight, decisions, discernment )_______________________________ 10) So each and everyone of you might test, examine, scrutinize, and determine those things that are the “best” (of God); each of you and your thinking and your actions are to be pure, uncontaminated; (Leviticus 11: 44-45) so you will NOT cause any to stumble but believe in Christ. No not until HE comes again. (Is this a call to purity and holiness?)__________________________________ 11) Paul prays each one be overflowing with the actions and mental process that are the result of holy living. These actions, this being, is that which we can only have because of a relationship with the Savior and Messiah (Who died for our sins). Your actions are to bring acclaim & adoration to God. (Men may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.)____________________________ 12) Also, I want you my brothers in Christ to know (comprehend, accept) that my imprisonment that I received, happened so the good news of Jesus would be advanced.__________________________________ 13) My bond servant-hood to Messiah is known and shown to all those who live or work in this Roman headquarters, where the governor of the province resides and conducts business. My stand is known widely in the area. These rulers and soldiers know I am in jail because of the gospel not as a criminal._____________________________ 14) Many, my brothers in Christ have become emboldened by God, having seen the worst that can happen and some being righteously upset at my state and have conviction (become convinced), they are willing to suffer in like manner for the Lord. And when those who love Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 12:7-10) see my bond servant- hood (voluntary slavery) to Master Jesus. Even imprisonment will not stop the gospel, many have become brave in Christ to speak without concern for themselves, but rather that the Gospel go forth. Paul is talking about mere men, such as you and I. BUT we will not be jailed for speaking out. (Well if satan can arrange it he might, remember Dr. Hovind) Someone might call us a Jesus Freak. Jehovah’s Witnesses may put you on a list of those not to visit._____ 15-17) There are those who proclaim the good news of Messiah because of envy (jealousy, rivalry, pride) of and for St. Paul’s reputation and favor with the new churches. They seek to take his place, to undermine his authority and acceptance and exclude him in the future. They were secretly pleased to see him in prison. They wanted to steal his labor in the Lord in the churches established. They desired his place; the affection the churches had for Paul. They would be happy to take his place and to cause trouble for him. And if he felt dejected and depressed, oh well. BUT, some were emboldened and wanted to “fill in for” Paul so the good news of Jesus would be preached. They were brothers who felt kinship with Paul, and were now willing to risk the same imprisonment for the Lord. Remember Spartacus? I am Spartacus. NO, I am Spartacus! Not those, I am Spartacus. “We are soldiers of the cross.”_________________________________ 18) But Paul, although very much aware of the different motives is ultimately more concerned and glad that the gospel goes forth. If they are envious, covetous, undermining Paul and the ministry God has given him OR if they preach to risk joining him in prison, if necessary. What ever the reason, Christ Jesus is being proclaimed to be Savior and Deliverer of His creation. So St. Paul was very happy and was jubilant (delighted, ecstatic). How do we feel if someone in church is getting ahead of us or is trying to take over “my job” or “my position” with pastor or the church? What should be our reaction, as long as, Christ is being glorified?______________________ 19) I perceive, discern comprehend that what is happening, will result in my being delivered from, preserved from the molestation of my enemies by your plea to God for “my salvation:” (St. Paul believed in prayer to God AND that God would hear and answer prayer). Does Paul here write of his road to Damascus salvation or of a greater salvation? Salvation: Greek Lexicon ─ Strong's Number 4991 soteria {so-tay-ree'-ah} 1) deliverance, preservation, safety, salvation: deliverance from the molestation of enemies; in an ethical sense, that which concludes to the souls safety or salvation: of Messianic salvation 1a) salvation as the present possession of all true Christians 1b) future salvation, the sum of benefits and blessings which the Christians, redeemed from all earthly ills, will enjoy after the visible return of Christ from heaven in the consummated and eternal kingdom of God. Fourfold salvation: saved from the penalty, power, presence and most importantly the pleasure of sin. A.W. Pink Why is it important to allow God to reveal of which “salvation” is being written? Of which definition of salvation was St. Paul speaking?__________________ 20) Conforming to my earnest, persistent, real future outlook. (No longer understood would be “earnest money deposit.”) I am assured of heaven. Therefore, because of my ultimate home, I will not now allow circumstances to cause me to be ashamed (dishonored). I choose to focus on my future hope and future assurance. I am emboldened as constantly I am reminded of going to be with Christ (Messiah, Anointed One). My only concern is that HE is to be enhanced by my way of living (John 14:6) or by and in my ultimate salvation and deliverance: heaven. The eternal reward is the gift (prize) of perpetual bliss with Him in heaven forever. So whether I live or die Christ will be glorified. I will be content with His choice for me._______ 21-24) But what is going to happen to me? I really am not sure. Why? Well if I continue to exist on earth, I will serve Christ, even if in prison. But, if Christ should see fit to take me to the place where we never grow old, where we are in His presence always, every day forever and ever and ever and ever, it is unimportant. To go would be an improvement personally for me. AND IF the Lord is leaving that up to me, what should I choose? Personally and selfishly heaven with God is the better choice for me. Yet, if I remain alive then I can be used of God to strengthen you all and not you only, but others whom I have not yet met. WOW! What a most difficult decision. I personally have a “want to” to go be with Jesus, that really appeals to me. Yet, at the same time perhaps I should continue to be HIS bond slave or servant here on earth. I just am not confidence which is the best decision. However, 25-26) I am persuaded and discern with my senses that if I remain with and abide with you, it will increase your gladness and depth of understanding of that TRUTH of God, which you each now believe and accept. 26) It will lead to your confident boasting of HIS answer to your prayers to have me sent to you again, it will increase (exercise, grow) your faith in Christ Jesus as you see HIS provision and answer to your prayers on my behalf._____ 27) Now let your daily behavior (your conduct, the way you act) tell or show others that you belong to Christ. Behave yourself. Strive (try by giving your best effort, your all to be holy. (The Bible says Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things pass away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17) Have all of your old things that you did before you were a child of God, have they passed away? If not are you in the faith? Are you still struggling with something that you have not turned over to God to crucify within you? Who will read Romans 6:11-18? I John 1:5-10-Are you right with God?_____________________________________ 28) Those who your enemies oppose the gospel of Jesus, (the telling, proclaiming, preaching of that good news). Why? Well, they know they are not on their way to heaven. That truth has been written on their hearts. (Read Jeremiah 16:20- Jeremiah 17: 5) They know their destruction is coming (Read: Romans 1:31-Romans 2:1). However, to you this good news of your redemption leads to your full and complete and eternal salvation. That full and final salvation only fully and finally manifests (materializes; shows itself) fully when you are in heaven (“the house of the Lord forever.”)_________________ 29) You, who are in Christ Jesus, will, on His behalf, be given the honor, the reward to be opposed. You have the distinct joy and favor to be persecuted for His sake and His Name. You will be treated unfairly by the world that does not know Christ. Yes, you will be opposed, laughed at, scorned, perhaps imprisoned or killed for Christ. But, then you will be welcomed home to heaven as a conquering hero. Remember Columbine High School? The two killers shot two just because they believed in God. They told one Go join Him. They did not know the honor they accorded to them. Now hundreds of thousands have heard of those who would not deny their faith or love of God. Many have been converted who will not now have to face an eternal death in the lake of fire because of their martyrdom and willing sacrifice at school._______________________ 30) You will also have this conflict in you that longs to go be with the Lord. For to be forever with Him in heaven is far better. But, perhaps Christ Jesus wants you to remain and work in his ministry here on earth. You will experience that same battle or conflict or struggle. ¶ For to me to live [is] Christ, and to die [is] gain. Philippians 1:21 Do you seek to do His will for your life? Deuteronomy 31:6 , 8. |