Knowing this, Paul asks a specific unnamed person (“you”), whom he calls his “true companion” or the one with whom he is “harnessed together,” to nurture reconciliation. We can’t be sure what they were on about, though many suggestions have been made, including how to relate their own social status to living as a Christian in Philippi or perhaps they were battling in court.Īsking two people at odds to agree often does not do it as it involves compromise, and often each believes her position is principled and right. He wants them to “be of the same mind” ( 4:2), which means to come to some kind of agreement. Fortune.” Cool names aside, Paul knows they are at odds with one another. We have not heard of these women before but mentioning their names may well make us wonder if their contentions with one another were at work in other passages. We can nurture unity with those with whom we disagree when we begin with a profound reality: we will live with one another in peace in the final kingdom of God. He will soon mention three names and a number of others who are unnamed, and he reminds them that all their names are “in the book of life” ( 4:3). It’s good to start with the last line of this first paragraph, that is, with the end of verse three. His “Finally” in verse eight then is but the beginning of “Finally.” In this beautiful first-of-his-final sections three of his favorite themes in this letter come to expression again: unity ( 4:2–3), joy ( 4:4–7) and peace ( 4:8–9). He’s at times more like the preacher who seems to have two or three or four endings before ending. Paul often begins to end his letters a page or two before he finally signs off. Special Note to the Reader: The text and commentary for Philippians 4:10–20 are found at the beginning of the Bible study. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.Ģ3 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. And the God of peace will be with you.Ģ1 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.ħ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Ĩ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, what- ever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. I will say it again: Rejoice!ĥ Let your gentleness be evident to all. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true compan- ion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.Ĥ Rejoice in the Lord always. For this week, here is the final study, A Common Life of Unity, Joy, and Peace | Philippians 4:2-9, 21-23Ģ I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. It is available as a book as well: Philippians and 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Kingdom Living in Today’s World.įor twelve weeks, Bible Gateway published a chapter from the Bible study book, taking you through the full text of McKnight’s study on Philippians. In this blog series, we’ve been sharing Scot’s insights and wisdom on the book of Philippians.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |