Philippians Blog 1

Most scholars believe that Philippians was written by Paul and was possibly his last letter, written in 60 or 62 AD (Tafoya). The NISB says that it could have been written as early as 52 AD (Bassler). Philippians was probably written in Rome while Paul was in prison. This is an epistle written to the Church at Philippi. Philippians was written to “reassure them of his undiminished joy—even in those circumstances—and his confidence regarding the outcome….He also wanted to express his gratitude for their gift and their constant friendship” (Bassler). Paul wanted to encourage the Christians at Philippi to remain faithful to their faith. Craig S. Keener talks of the way the letter is divided by its three chapters. He says that chapter one addresses the commonality of the Church in Philippi and Paul (556). Chapter two shows a “model for imitation” (557). Chapter three includes a digression, which is common for that time (557). Chapter four is the thank-you portion of the letter (557).

Philippians 4:4-9 have been on my heart since reading this letter which says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you” (NRSV). This has been the most challenging semester of my college career. I have been growing closer to the Lord on a daily basis. I have learned once again that nothing is worth more than Christ. These verses summarize what God has been telling me hourly. My level of learning has also peaked. This is not just in the spiritual sense, but also academically. I have taken information from all of my classes and applied it to my life. My two English classes have taught me a lot about writing. When it comes to my writing, through prayer and application of what I have been learning, my writing has also improved. I tried in a more conscience effort to do everything for God from reading homework in my English classes and philosophy class to my application homework in my Bible classes to what Pastor Brian has spoken on Sundays.

WORKS CITED

Books:
Bassler, Jouette. “The Letter of Paul to the Philippians.” Pages 2099-2100 in The New Interpreter’s Study Bible with the Apocrypha. Edited by Walter J. Harrelson et al. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2003.

Keener, Craig S. “Philippians,” Pages 556-567 in The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1993.

Lecture:
Tafoya, Stace. "Philippians," lectured on BIB114. Colorado Christian University. 12 November, 2008.