2:12-18 – Christian Maturity – How it happens (?)
a. Introduction
Sanctification or Christian maturity is a mysterious process in the final analysis. How does a person really grow as a Christian and what does it look like? Does growth take place through great discipline and sheer determination of the will? Or is growth a process where we allow God to change us from within with little human effort? Read more »
2:1-11 – Humility, a Christian Trait
a. Introduction
Not only are the Philippians experiencing a certain amount of persecution from the outside, even if we do not know the details (1:28), but they are also facing conflict within their own community. This is certainly why Paul urges unity and like-mindedness among the Philippians. In addition, it is good to keep in mind that Paul even calls two prominent women in the congregation to reconcile in chapter 4. Internal conflict should not surprise us. Read more »
1:27-1:30 – A Perspective on Suffering
a. Introduction
In these short verses, Paul introduces the topic of suffering as good “citizens.” However, this point is easily missed, because many of our English versions translate the Greek verb, politeuesthe, in 1:27 simply as “to live,” when in fact it means, “to live as a citizen”. These notions of citizenship would have certainly been picked up by the original hears of this letter, because Philippi was a Roman colony where Roman citizenship was coveted. Therefore, if we examine this passage with the themes of suffering and being a citizen in mind, then we will be able to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a civic-minded Christian in this world.
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1:12-26 – The Unexpected Spread of the Gospel
a. Introduction
Often times we ask God to change our circumstances, especially when our circumstances are not what we desire. This prayer is not wrong at all. However, we must be aware of the possibility that God may want to teach us something through unpleasant circumstances. In other words, he may want to give us a change in perspective instead, which might be even more powerful. Paul is in prison and people are out to harm his reputation, but Paul sees in these things something beneficial. What Paul has is a larger perspective. Read more »
Paul’s strong repudiation of the wisdom of the world may give the impression that he is opposed to any kind of wisdom. To draw this conclusion would be to misread Paul.[1] In 1 Corinthians 2:6, he points out that his message is one of wisdom. In 2:7, he even goes further and states that he speaks of the hidden and secret wisdom of God. However, Paul makes it clear that the wisdom about which he writes is markedly different than the wisdom the Corinthians seek. His is not a wisdom of this world or the type of wisdom that the rulers of the world espouse.[2] What, then, is the content of Paul’s wisdom? Read more »
Philippians 1:1-11 Paul’s Confidence and Prayer for the Church
a. Introduction
It is clear that Paul has a very close relationship with the Philippians. He states that they had a partnership in the gospel with him from the very first day (1:3), and that he has them in his heart (1:7). The partnership that he mentions was most likely a reference to the church’s financial support of Paul’s ministry. This fact is important, because it seems that no other church shared in Paul’s ministry from a financial standpoint; remember Paul prided himself on being a tentmaker. In addition, from 2 Corinthians 8, 9 one is able to see the churches of Macedonia were extremely generous. What makes this all the more remarkable is that they these churches were poor. 2 Corinthians 8:2 even speaks of extreme poverty. Read more »
1. Background Information
a. Authorship
When it comes to the book of Philippians, there is little doubt that Paul wrote the letter. Both internal and external evidence point to Paul as the author. For example, the theology of the letter is consistent with what we know of Paul’s theology, the many personal references point to intimate knowledge between Paul and the church at Philippi, and the testimony of the early church confirm Paul as the author. The only part of this letter that may be non-Pauline is the hymn in Philippians 2:5-11. If he did not write this section, he simply employed preexisting material to make a theological point. Similarly, the author of Acts has Paul quote the Hellenistic poet, Aratus, in Acts 17:28. Read more »
Corinth is an ancient city with a complex past. The origins of the city go back well before historical sources to time immemorial, but a brief sketch of the history of Corinth will help to give a sense of the city by Paul’s day.[1] By the fourth century B.C., Corinth was already a prosperous city.[2] In part this was due to the strong leadership of a number of able leaders, who were able to bring stability and prosperity.[3] More importantly, the location of Corinth was ideally situated for trade. Its position on the Isthmus of Corinth between the Aegean and Ionian seas made it a city that benefited from trade that went both east and west. Read more »
a. Introduction
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this story is how Jonah responds to the deliverance of the inhabitants of Nineveh. Instead of praising God for his mercy and the privilege of playing a role in God’s work, Jonah is filled with anger. He even states that he is angry enough to die. God, therefore, tries to teach Jonah a lesson about compassion. By reflecting on this passage, one may come to the unfortunate reality of the human heart and the beauty of the heart of God. And by God’s grace, one may begin to experience a change of heart to see the wideness of God’s love and compassion for people. Read more »
a. Introduction
In this section, we encounter God’s second call to Jonah and Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh. To say that Jonah’s mission was successful is an understatement. The people immediately humble themselves, including the king. In addition, a fast is proclaimed, which includes even the livestock. Most importantly, they call out to God and repent of their ways. In response to this, God relents and Nineveh is saved. Jesus, in the New Testament, even says that the men of Nineveh would rise up in judgment day to condemn those of his day for not believing in the one greater than Jonah. Salvation truly has come to the people of Nineveh. This lesson will explore some of the dynamics of how the people of Nineveh have come to faith. Read more »
1 Corinthians, Book Reviews, New Testament, Phliippians | admin March 9, 2010 | 
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