Book #12—-Philippians Chp. 1

Philippians

Chp. 1

This letter is from Paul and Timothy to the church in Philippi. (Now in part of Turkey.) Paul is writing this letter while he is a prisoner in Rome. Paul is a prisoner, but is in a house—under guard there. Timothy must be visiting him and has helped him write this letter.

Vs. 1 Paul introduces himself and Timothy as the writers of this letter.

Vs. 2-5 Paul thanks them for their friendship.

Vs. 6 Paul reminds them that the good work that God has begun in them that God will continue to work in them until the Day of Jesus Christ meaning His return.

This is a truth that we can take for ourselves, too. God has begun a “work” in our lives, and He will continue it or “and he will make it perfect ” until it is complete. God will not leave us. He will not leave us when we make a mistake. We may receive His correction. But He will continue working in us until His plan in us is complete.

Vs. 7-8 Paul tells them that he thinks of them often. They are dear to his heart. They were dear to him when he was with them, and they are dear to him now when he is in “bonds”.

Vs. 9 Paul’s prayer for them: That their love would grow greater and wider, more and more, that they would grow in knowledge (of God), and in all judgment (good wisdom and making choices)

Vs. 10 That they would know and recognize things that were good and right, that they would be sincere, honest, showing a good example to others until Jesus returns.

Vs. 11 Paul prays that they will be filled with the Holy Spirit so that the “fruits” of the Spirit will be shown in their life.

The “fruit” of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, an d temperance (self-control in all things). See Gal 5:22,23

Vs. 12 Paul tells them, that the things that have happened to him —-that he is a prisoner— has worked toward reaching many people with the gospel.

Because Paul was allowed to be in a house and not in a jail he was allowed to have visitors. He had many visitors. Small groups would come to his house to listen to him teach/preach about this person Jesus. They had heard about Jesus but did not know much about him. Most of the people in Rome worshipped idols.

So Paul was able to preach to many people in the Rome area—- maybe more people than if he had been free. If he had been free to walk around and preach, many of those people would have not liked what he said and would have tried to stop him.

But Paul being kept in this house——people who wanted to hear what he said, were free to come to him and listen.

 

Vs. 13 Because Paul is under arrest and is guarded, all the guards and people in the king’s palace know that the reason Paul is under arrest is because of his preaching about Jesus Christ. He is not the “usual” kind of prisoner.

Vs. 14 Other believers in the city have more courage because of Paul and they are speaking out about Jesus more, also.

Vs. 15 Paul said that some are jealous of all the people Paul is preaching to and so because of jealousy they are talking to many people about Jesus.

Others are telling people about Jesus because of true feelings of the love of Christ.

Those who are preaching more and more people because of jealousy think they are making me feel bad.

But really it does not matter the more they preach about Jesus the more people will learn about Him and be able to believe in Him.

So no matter their reasons the preaching about Jesus is going out.

Vs. 29. 21 Paul says: I am not ashamed. Paul is not ashamed of his believing in Jesus. He is not ashamed that he is a prisoner because he had preached about Jesus. Christ has been his reason to live. It does not matter to Paul if he gives glory to God by living, or if he gives glory to God by Paul dying.

Paul says: For me to live is Christ. If I die, I gain (get more). Paul’s life belongs to Jesus—–alive or dead. If he is alive—he will talk about Jesus. If he dies, he gets more because he will be in heaven—a better place.

Vs. 22-26 If I live, seeing others believe in Jesus is the good thing that comes from my work and preaching. If a die, then that is a better place for me.

I would want to live so I can be of help to you. I would like to be free to come and be with you again.

Vs. 27 Let all your talking be in a way that is a good example of a Christian. Whether I can come again to you or not, I want to hear good news about you.

I want to hear that you are together in agreement in one spirit. That you have one goal to live right as Jesus taught and to tell others about the gospel.

Vs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who are against you because you are a Christian.

They may think you have follow the wrong path, but you know Jesus is the only way of salvation.

Vs. 29-30 You know as believers that we must suffer for His sake just as you have seen in my life and you know I am still suffering for Christ’s sake.