Philippians 4
Therefore, my brothers and sisters,
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, 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.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
This is accurate, astonishingly overlooked and tremendously exciting.
We have a Historic Trail.
Papyrus 46 of Philippians is noteworthy and creates a biblical memory. Critics say the New Testament was drafted in the Roman Empire's 400 A.D. fulfilling a desire for a document of Christ. In Papyrus 46 there are many scriptures and we see Philippians.
Papyrus 46 dates to 175 A.D. and has written in AD 110 by Polycarp. Polycarp was a disciple of the beloved disciple John while he was an inhabitant of the Island of Patmos.
Bishop Papias evidence alone is compelling. But a chronology of the generations John to Polycarp, then Irenaeus - his is the letter displayed below. Irenaeus was the Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul. The three bishops succinctly form a historical chain.
Do the Disciple John's writings correlate to Paul's letter to Philippi from prison?
- John loves! John's written letters proclaim the depth of his love.
- John declares God's joy and an explanation of crowns.
- John also, miles and miles and miles, from Paul - writes of the Book of Life.
- John certainly witnessed the evil of the world overcoming Jesus. He never recovered fully seeing evil at work. John chose instead of focusing on evil - John determinedly spoke of the Promises of God being nearby.
- John survived and triumphed as many of the hardships and difficulties as Paul. We discover John is fruitful in old age.
- John describes of the peace of God 7 times.
We have just seen John say Paul's testimony is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!
Bishop Papias records John's quoted praise of the other three Gospels as well.
The first part of the Passage is very well known and beloved. If you are familiar with Scripture this Living Word is a complete balm.
The second half creates a continuous circle - a study to fully document and describe the first part.
The first part - Rejoice in the Lord always!
The second part - you renewed your concern for me. Verse 10
If we are very, very literal and say, "Rejoice always!" We would look unconcerned and out of place. And when we read to the end of Paul's life in the Bible, we see St. Paul has some concerns. Paul is speaking of the Fire of the Holy Spirit. Paul doesn't speak in uncertainty, guile or error. He doesn't turn back. He doesn't ask for insincerity or the pious display of righteousness- simply put, fake joy. Paul declares with vigor when the Wind of the Spirit lifts us - go there! See what is possible in God!
Love the sheer and utter honesty. What will we do when doubts niggle at us since we are undoubtedly not St. Paul or St. John? Paul says - REVIEW. Take out our truths and reexamine them. Look in the Light for what is is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent.
Share troubles. Verse 14. Paul is not suggesting be poised to hoist up boot straps and display manufactured happiness. The Scriptures proclaim - heartfelt response - Indeed, you were concerned. Still verse 10.
Is the Lord near? The blessings of Philippi, Greece would say so. Wikipedia says this about Philippi: "The prosperity of the city in the 5th and 6th centuries was attributed to Paul and to his ministry." This is the worldly fruit. The Spiritual fruit is discovered in the victory over the persecution of the first 4 centuries and and enduring Love for Jesus. Survival of Roman Empire persecution would need God to guard hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
During the 4 centuries - you bet persecution will cause "anxious" about anything and everything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, requests were presented to God. And the peace of God, transcended all understanding and was guarding those in Christ Jesus.
Were the people perfect or the Churches in the early days??? Were these the golden days gone past - no hassles in Church - People and their nature have not changed since Genesis. God is steadfast through the millenniums. Because Verse 15 teaches us about not whining and adopting Paul's viewpoint to look up to God - here is Verse 15 - "early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving"
What have we learned from this inspiring Scripture of Paul's faith?
There are steps to take in Rejoicing.
A measure of faith and endurance is called for.
Sharing troubles is part of this.
The disciples gave Gospel saying they were far from perfect people. The story of Jesus with His Disciples is - God loving us as people. This 4th Chapter of Philippians tells us what God has created in someone breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. This is a miracle. Paul cried out "Who are you?"
Jesus did answer distinctly,“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
Paul did as Abraham and went. He believed God and this was credited to him as righteousness. The works of God go on, His people have flaws, sins and weaknesses. The Work of God goes forth beyond the workmen.
We can read the first portion of this Chapter and give up. We are not perfect. Jesus is the One who is good and closes our gaps. We need a savior. God Loves You!
Father God, Scripture requires a seek, and yet - You find us when we search. In the Holy Spirit, with seeking Your Word and Law, You write in our hearts. Your Word declares Father God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ. We are transparent to You. All of us. And You decide the answer is Love and Salvation. God you give us the blessing of Your Praise living in our hearts to find reasons to rejoice. Always help us to remember to find reasons to have gratitude. You clearly tell us here that Rejoicing happens when we dwell on Your gifts to us. Help us to abide in this Promise. In the name of Jesus provide this to us and our beloved ones. Amen.
♔ Lord Jesus Saves †
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