Monday, April 22 | Philippians 1:1-11 | Courtney Trotter
Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while in prison, most likely in Rome, around AD 62. Philippi was an important Roman colony along the Egnatian Way, a commercial road that connected Europe with Asia. Up until this point, Paul’s ministry was focused primarily in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), but after experiencing a call from the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-5), Paul and his companions moved on to Macedonia (modern-day Greece) during his second missionary journey. Philippi was his first stop after this new calling, and therefore the first church that he planted in Europe. There were many notable events from this first encounter recorded in Acts 16, such as the conversion of Lydia the seller of purple goods, the exorcism of a demon from a fortune-telling slave girl, Silas and Paul’s miraculous release from prison, and the conversion of the Philippian jailor. As a result of this brief period spent in Philippi, Paul made many lasting connections with the church which would continue to support him and provide encouragement throughout the rest of his ministry.
This is by far Paul’s most uplifting letter to a church which reflects its overarching purpose. He wants to encourage the Philippians in their faith and thank them for their generous gift. They no doubt have conflicts (see Philippians 4:2), but they seem to be a healthy congregation, not in need of strong correction like the churches in Corinth or Galatia. Nonetheless they cannot be content with their current progress. God is continuing to work through them and he will bring it to completion. He prays that they will abound all the more in love that overflows with knowledge and discernment so that the fruit of their faith will bring glory to God.
Paul’s prayer emphasizes joy, gospel partnerships, and spiritual growth. May we go throughout today with an attitude of joy, thankful that God is working in us through even the most difficult circumstances. Also, thank God for the faithful people that He has placed in your life – those partnerships that remind us of the gospel of Christ. And may we seek to grow in our love, knowledge, and discernment in order to bring glory and praise to God.
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