Matthew

Philippians

LeRoy Eims

This is one of the letters that Paul wrote while he was in a Roman prison. That fact makes it seem a bit strange that the theme of the book is joy. It sets forth the sufficiency of Christ for all the experiences of life: privation, persecution, hardship, suffering. It also speaks of the things that often appear on the other side of the coin: prosperity and popularity. Christ gives joy and victory whatever may come, if He is allowed to be the center of our lives, or as Paul stated it: "for me to live is Christ."

The ministry in Philippi had a strange beginning. "And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: there stood a man of Macedonia, beseeching him, and saying, come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel unto them." (Acts 16:6‑10)

One would suppose that in obedience to the divine leading of God, their welcome into Philippi, which was the chief city of that part of Macedonia, would be one of great enthusiasm, on the part of the Philippians, accompanied by the bountiful blessing of God. However, as you read the record you are surprised to learn that it was just the opposite.

God opened the heart of a woman named Lydia shortly after their arrival. Then they ministered to an unfortunate young girl who was demon possessed and as a result they were severely beaten and cast into prison. The Lord provided a miraculous release from prison during which time the jailer and his family came to Christ. Shortly after that they left town.

This story has always been an encouragement to me. Paul was divinely led by the Spirit of Jesus Christ to minister in that city at that time. There were not many visible results of the ministry. Nevertheless, God in His good time did plant a flourishing church in that city upon the foundation of Paul's ministry to those three people.

Great and mighty things often have small beginnings. This was the first time the gospel was preached in Europe. It was at night in the historical city of Troy that the call for help came. In response to that call, four men, Paul, Silas, Timothy and Luke, arranged for ship passage to Macedonia. The same winds that carried them had born the mighty army of Xerxes across the sea 500 years before.

These four men of God accomplished what the millions of soldiers under Xerxes failed to accomplish. By the blessing of God and the power of the gospel they conquered not only Greece, but all of Europe.

Some of Paul’s letters to the Roman churches speak to a definite problem. This one does not. Apparently he had not heard from them for some time. He may have been wondering if they had forgotten him or if perchance some false teachers had come in to trouble them. Then Epaphroditus arrived, bringing with him an offering of financial aid for Paul.

He was deeply touched and profoundly grateful because he was in need of funds. “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; of which ye were also mindful, but ye lacked opportunity." (Philippians 4:10) "But I have all, and abound. I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well‑pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:18-19).

Epaphroditus had nearly lost his life in bringing this gift to Paul. "Because, for the work of Christ, he was near unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me." (Philippians 2:30)

The note of joy is sounded about 50 times in the body of this short letter. Philippians 4:4 may well be considered the golden text. "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice". It sounds a note that we need to hear in our troubled times and pressured lives.

Study this book and let your spirits be revived by the joy of the Lord.