In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He [Jesus Christ -Yeshua]
was in the beginning with God.
PHILIPPIANS
The book of Philippians is the sixth of Paul’s thirteen letters
referred to as the Pauline epistles. Paul ministered in Philippi in AD 51 during his second missionary journey. Paul later wrote this epistle
in AD 62 to the faithful in Philippi prior to his release from Roman
imprisonment. The ancient ruins of Philippi near present day Kavala,
Greece was a Roman colonial city in Macedonia during Paul’s time.
Paul wrote this letter to thank the Philippians and to encourage them
to remain unified with singleness of mind in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eleven years earlier, Paul helped establish the church in Philippi.
Later, the Philippians helped Paul during his time of need while others
in Macedonia had not. Paul began his letter with a prayer of
thanksgiving on their behalf. He then explained to them that his
imprisonment had not been in vain; the gospel of Jesus Christ, the
Messiah, had been promoted among the prison guard. He appealed to them
to remain united in the same mind, knowledge and peace of Christ.
Paul had learned of discord among the believers in Philippi brought
on by selfish ambitions. Paul exhorted them to be of one mind in the
humility of Christ. As Christ humbled Himself before God to be a
servant, they were also to humble themselves to serve one another in
Christ. They were to do nothing out of selfish ambitions or conceit.
Paul warned them not to depend on themselves for righteousness as in
keeping the law. Rather, they were to rely on the knowledge and works of
Christ for their salvation. They were to maintain their walk in Christ
and not walk in the evil ambitions of the world. Finally, Paul exhorted
the Philippians to stand fast in Christ with gentleness and patience.
Being anxious for nothing, they were to meditate on righteousness and
rejoice in the Lord with thanksgiving while making their requests to
Him. In doing this, the peace of God would guard their hearts and minds
through Christ.
Philippians 1-2: Prayer of thanksgiving; success in afflictions;
having the mind of Christ
Philippians 3-4: The knowledge of Christ; warnings against carnality;
having the peace of God