Monday 09 August 2021

Psalm 36:5-12

Background

Philippians is is a letter in the New Testament written by the apostle Paul, who wrote several other letters. It was addressed to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony, situated in Greece, about 150 km north-east of Thessalonica. The city was named after Philip II, king of Macedonia, who ruled between 359 and 336 BC. The church at Philippi was one of the first churches that Paul had established in the Gentile world. The purpose of the letter is to encourage the Philippians, especially since Paul was in prison and they were very concerned about him. He writes to reassure and encourage them.

The study passage is preceded by Paul encouraging the Philippians to do God’s work joyfully and is followed by some warnings in Chapter 3. The study passage is very personal and commends Timothy, a loyal friend and co-worker and Epaphroditus, who had been sent by the Philippians to carry a gift to Paul and to remain with him to look after his needs. Since Paul is not able to come personally he will send either Timothy or Epaphroditus who will come to encourage the Philippians. Moreover, Paul knows that the Philippians had been concerned when they had heard of Epaphroditus’ illness and his visit will reassure them. However, Paul feared that if Epaphroditus were sent home to Philippi, some might think that he was shirking his duty to Paul. It is for this reason that Paul expresses the high esteem in which he holds Epaphroditus.

To Ponder:

• Even though Paul is in prison, he seems more concerned for the welfare of the Philippians than for his own welfare. What might that tell us about Paul’s personality?
• How does Timothy’s faithfulness challenge us, given that Paul asserts that he puts the interests of the gospel before his own interests?