The Book of Philippians Pt. 2 Humble Slaves Who Greeted "All" believers at Philippi.

 As we begin to study through the book of Philippians, I want us to remember that this is a prison epistle and Paul wrote it while sitting in a Roman prison. It is also helpful to remember that Paul was imprisoned twice and this period of incarceration is generally regarded as the first time he was imprisoned. 

Paul in prison at Rome. 

Acts 28:16  And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him. 

Acts 28:30-31  And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31) Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. 

How was Paul treated and what were the conditions like? A Roman citizen was treated better than a non-Roman person. Luke recorded the conditions in Rome where Paul was sent prior to his trial. He was allowed some privacy but he did have a Roman soldier that "kept" him. The word "kept" means the guard was responsible to ensure that Paul did not attempt to escape. 

Prisoners were allowed some liberties, depending upon the severity of their crimes. In this case, Paul was allowed to dwell in a rented home and he was permitted to have unrestricted visitors. Paul spent that time being a faithful witness for Jesus Christ. 

He "preached"  which is a word that means to publicly proclaim as an official herald, something of grave importance that must be heard and obeyed. He "taught" which is a word that means teaching doctrine, principles and imperatives from the scriptures. His subject matter was the kingdom of God and all things that concern Jesus Christ the Lord.  

How did Paul preach and teach? "With all confidence" which means he had complete freedom, fearless and cheerful courage and boldness. 

All of these details give us the context for all of the preaching and teaching Paul provided in his letter to the believers at Philippi. Paul wrote this letter when his legal outcome was unknown and when he had received little help from the churches that he established. 

Paul's unique greeting to the Philippians. 

Philippians 1:1-2  Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2) Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:1-2  Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2)  To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Paul begins this epistle differently than most of the others that he wrote. In nine of twelve letters to the churches, Paul introduced each letter much like the beginning of Colossians. "Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ." Yet, here he does not refer to his standing as an Apostle. 

Paul used the Greek word "doulos" which is translated a "servant or a slave" instead of calling himself an "Apostle of Christ." Generally, when Paul referred to his apostolic authority it was because he needed to rebuke a church, correct a church or because he needed to teach them sound doctrine. The word "doulos" has a metaphorical meaning, referring to those who give themselves over to doing Christ's will and who are used of God to advance His kingdom. 

In Philippians 2, the word "doulos" is used about Christ "who took upon him the form of a servant." Paul clearly indicated that if Jesus Christ, the exalted Son of God could come to earth to redeem us and take the lowly position of a slave, then it was right for Paul and Timothy to also serve Christ as bond slaves. 

What is the distinction between a servant and a slave? A servant has certain rights but a bond slave does not. A servant can leave his position and seek employment elsewhere but a bond slave cannot. A servant earns wages but a bond slave does not. A servant received free time to do as he pleased but a bond slave must do his master bidding without hesitation. 

It is in this sense that Paul tells us that we were slaves to sin, dead in trespasses and sin, and under the dominion and oppression of the Devil. He explained how our union with the death of Christ on the cross frees us from the tyranny of serving Satan and sin (Romans 6). The new birth delivers us from the kingdom of darkness and places us into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:12-14). 

He also included Timothy in his greeting and it is worth noting the contrast between these two ministers of the gospel.  Paul was older while Timothy was young. Paul was well educated and Timothy was not. Paul had a full Jewish heritage but Timothy was half Jewish, half Gentile. 

Why the different style of greeting? First, this is considered to be Paul's most intimate letter written to an individual church family. He and Timothy are happy to be considered bond slaves to Jesus Christ. The letter has an emphasis of writing to believers who are like Paul and Timothy: bond slaves of Christ. 

Second, Paul fondly remember the conversion of Lydia and the jailor along with those of their households. He remember the suffering he endured for preaching the gospel in that city. He had a deep love and tender affection for the believers at Philippi and this is woven throughout all four chapters of the book. 

Paul also included the bishops and deacons who served the church at Philippi. Their presences indicates that Paul established order and leadership for the church so that it could continue growing in grace even when he was unable to be with them. 

Paul brought out the common ground that they all shared as born again believers. "Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." Grace means unmerited favor, receiving something from God that we cannot earn. Grace means that God's attitude toward sinners is one of kindness, compassion and love, because He is satisfied by the victory of sin, death, hell and the grave that Jesus Christ purchased with His own blood.  

Grace means that while we were still vile, despicable sinners, Christ loved us and gave Himself for us (Romans 5:6-8). God did for us that which we could not ever do for ourselves. He paid for our sins, He satisfied His wrath against sin by pouring it out on Christ, and He will fully forgive and completely pardon all who turn from sin with repentant faith in Jesus Christ. 

The small, but powerful word "all"

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 

Did you notice that Paul wrote his epistle to all the saints? The little word "all" refers to each and everyone, the whole group collectively. This adjective is on the dative case which means it is given to you. Thus, Paul included all believers at Philippi in his letter. No one was excluded. The sick, the fainthearted, the suffering and the true bond slaves. No one was left out and this is why it is such a personal letter. 

The word "all" is used twenty six times in just four chapters. When we are born again into the family of God, we are placed into the entire body of Jesus Christ's church on earth, by God's Spirit. We "all" are joined together as one body of believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12). 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Paul's greeting shows us that we need to think of ourselves as bond slaves of Jesus Christ. We were bought with a price and we now belong to the One who bought us with His own blood. 

Are we serving Christ today, or are we pursuing our own selfish desires? Remember that the modern definition of an idol is ANYTHING and ANYONE that we love and serve more than we love and serve God.  

Paul's greeting reminds us that God does all things decently and in order. Paul established good leadership to maintain spiritual integrity after he and Timothy had departed. 

Is our church an orderly one? Do we submit to the spiritual leaders that are put in place for our help and for our benefit? Or, do we just sit back and do our own thing while ignoring the direction of our pastors, bishops, elders or deacons? 

Paul used a small word "all" to remind us that the call of God to salvation through the preaching of the gospel of Christ is made to all people, all races, all socioeconomic levels, and all backgrounds.

Are we treating "all" believers in our church family as equal brothers and sisters in Christ? Or, are we doing what James warned about, showing partiality based upon wealth, clothing, or other external factors (James 2:1-13)? 

I do not know how this truth strikes you today, but speaking for myself, I know the Spirit of God has more work to do in my own heart to conform me to the image of Christ. May we all yield ourselves to the work of God's Spirit in us.

Bob