The Epistle of Paul to the Philippians

by

J.W.Weeda

This is a verse by verse study on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians.

Introduction

            This epistle is written by Paul from Rome when he was in prison there and about 64 AD he wrote this epistle to the saints in Philippi.  It was during his first prisonment because Paul had appealed to the Emperor in Rome because he preached the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20;24 and because of the hope of the resurrection. For this reason he was in prison. Paul received the Gospel of the Grace of God from the risen Lord from heaven and this was with progressive revelations. He proclaimed this to this world so everyone could hear it who he met Acts  9:15, Romans 16:25, Galatians 1:11-12: But I cerfify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received is of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

 When paul wrote this epistle he was a ambassodor in bonds. The the saints of Ephesus he wrote  in Ephesians 6:20:For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

 The epistle to the Philippian saints is about the same time as the epistle to the Ephesian saints written and the epistle tot the Colossian saints. 

Paul visit Philippi two times.  The first time when he visit Philippi was with Silas. We can read this in Acts 16:11-40.  In Acts 16 verse 9 we read that Paul saw in a vision an Macedonian man and this man prayed him syaing come over into Macedonia, and help us. Paul and Silas went to Macedonia and at Philippi they spoke  first to the women who were together in prayer and spoke to them. They spoke also to Lydia the seller of purple and she invited Paul and Silas in her house. Probably the church at Philippi began there in that house. As a result of the rubbing of an evil spirit of a maidservant  Paul and Silas were beaten and put in prison. Despite the ignominious treatment prayed Paul and Silas and sang songs till glory unto God and fellow prisoners heard them. shortly after this was an earthquake and all the dungeons opened and the chains fell from all the prisoners. When the jailor saw this he would have killed himself because he thought that everyone was away of the prisoners.  But Paul and Silas called this man and said to him that he had not to harm himself. 

Desperately, the jailer asks what he must do to receive eternal life. The answer of Paul and Silas is: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved Acts 16:30 and 31. The next day Paul and Silas left Philippi but first they visit Lydia and the brethren and comforted them and departed from there.  The second time Paul visit Philippi we can read in Acts 20 verses 1-6. Read this for yourself

Theme of this Epistle

     The epistle to the Philippians is an answer from the apostle Paul on love prove from the church at Philippi which was given through Epaphroditis to him in his priosonment. Read Philippians 4 verses 10 -18. He had goods from them received. Paul send Epaphras back to the saints in Philippi so that they might see him  and they would rejoice again and that the Gospel of the Grace of God would be preached in the local church. Epafras had been very ill near death but God had had taken care of him and he had gotten better. In this epistle the apostle Paul warned the saints at the risk of division. and reminds people of their way how to walk as believes with God through our Lord Jesus Christhoe te wandelen and houw to deal with each other as members of the Body of Christ. .

The place Philippi

       The Name is from Philip, the father of Alexander the Great.  Philippi was in an area of gold and silvermines. This gave the importance of this city. Also was the main road from Asia to Europe. This road walked through or past Philippi. Ceasar August, the Roman Ceasar made of Philippi a Colony. A lot of Romans lived in Philippi and mingled with  Greek Macedonian people who lived there already.  The inhabitans of Philippi called themselves Romans but in daily life they spoke Greek.  Some Jews lived in Philippi.  A synagoge was not there because it was a Military colonoy but there was a place to pray outside the walls near the river Gangites Acts 16 verse 13. 

The church at Philippi

          We have already read above that the church at Philippi began in the house of Lydia, the Zoals we al hebben kunnen lezen hierboven begon de gemeente in het huis van Lydia, the seller of purple.. Lydia was  the first who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ there and the contact  what the apostle Paul had with this church was very good.  We can read this in Philippians 1: 3-9.  They were the only church which helped Paul when he was in prison and send him things as goods. We read this in Philippians  4:15 en 16. When Paul wrote this epistle to this church they were an organized  group of people who had elders and deacons and helpers.

The Epistle as content

Greetings: Grace be with you and peace.......Chapter 1:1-2

Paul's concern about the believers at Philippi  Chapter 1: 3-26

Admonishing:  The example of Christ  Chapter 1: 27 till Chapter 2: 16

The example of Timothy Chapter 2: 19-24

The example of Epaphras: Chapter 2: 25-30

Admonishing: the example of the apostle Paul :  Chapter 3 vers 1 till Chapter 4:9

The saints at Philippi who cared about the apostle Paul  Chapter  4:10-20

Greetings : Grace from our Lord Jesus Christ with you all Chapter 4: 21-23.

Chapter 1: Christ is our life. 

Chapter 2: Christ is our Spirit (thoughts)

Chatper 3: Christ is our purpose or goal.

Chapter 4: Christ is our  Strength! 

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The Epistle of the apostle Paul to the saints at Philippi

Chapter 1 verse 1 and 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. Grace be unto you , and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ

Verse 1; Paul and Timothy are servants of Jesus Christ our Lord.  The original word here for servant is doulos which means slave or servant.  When the apostle Paul lived on the earth you had a lot of slavery in the Roman Empire.  A slave or servant served his manster in the best possible way. A example of a slave was Onesimus in the Epistle to Filemon.  So Paul and Timotheus  are servants of Jesus Christ and they brought the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24. to the people and also to the saints at Philippi. All the holy people. What does this mean holy?  Holy means apart. Set apart by God and every believer in Christ is set apart by God in Him. In Colossians 1:13 we read: Who had delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us intothe kingdom of his dear Son.  We are in Christ and we are His own. Read for yourselves Galatians  2:20.!  By God we are declared as holy. Only God can do this  We from nature have not deserved ths, also not our works can do this or with our works we can reach this.  From ourselves we cannot do anything to reach God.  He came to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Through His Grace and mercy we are saved and that not of ourselves Ephesians 2:8-9. The  Roman Catholic church have not understood Gods Word and says that the Pope can declare someone holy even after many years when the person is already dead. This epistle is thus to the saints at Philippi but also indirect to us as believers, members in the Body of Christ.  With the elders or bishops and deacons. .  Elders or bishops: what kind of persons were they in the local church? What kind of tasks they had or have? 

In 1 Timothy 3 verses 1-7 we read: This is true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no strikeer, not greedyof filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having hsi children in subjection with all gravity; For is a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?  Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 

This is an enumeration to which an elder or bishop should meet. 

 In every local church you had elders, people who took care about the members of the church and had the oversight of the local church. They were overseers. Tthey must be people who could not be punished or be criticised of somebody else. They had one wife, not one who had lust for more women. Also not a divorced man. A man to be trustful to his wfe and who loved here every time. as no other. To be aware and attentive. Always seeing what is going on in the local church. Watch out for wrong teachings who would come in the local church. In Acts 20:28 we read "Take heed therefore unto youerselves adn to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of god, which He hath purchased with His own blood. So  as a overseer to be aware, awake is very important.  The overseer or bishop is a protector of the local church.  No other teachings must be preaced than the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, Galatians 1: 6-9. In Acts 20: 29 and 30 we read: For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. This happened with the saints in Galatians  and you can read that in Galatians 1: 6-9. But don't forget that another Gospel  than the Gospel of the Grace of God is no Gospel! This mixed Gospel brings not blessing but curse. It is very easy to go away from the Gospel of the Grace of God to a mixed Gospel. which is preached in the so called Christian world. The overseer should this be prevented in the local church. And he has to be a stable man/person. Honerable and someone who is a lover of people.  In himself there must be a desire to do this. He is also one who can teach people about God's Word. Moreover, he should also learn himself.  

The elder or bishop had not to drink much wine or strong drinks.  With a lot of alcohol in your body it hurts your brains too. In Proverbs 20:1 we read:  Wine is a mocker, strong drnk is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.  Also the writer Salomon of Proverbs warns us for the strong drink and wine. The overseer must be a example and not given to much wine. 

What does it mean no striker? This is somebody who spend money excessively.  Someone who cannot handle money wisely. Not greedy of filthy lucre: What kind of person is this? Someone who takes advantage of another person for his own profit so seek advantage for your own profit A example for this we read in II Corinthians 12 verse 17 and 18. Read this!  A overseer must be patient, Not impatient. not proud bus someone who serves God and the local church and loves the people very much with God's love. No fighter, don't argue, not greedy for money. One that can rule is own house and having his children in subjection with all gravity.  His children have to obey him and his wife as long as they are not adults. If a overseer cannot rule his own house how can he rule in the local church?  He must not be a man who came recently to believe in Christ Jesus. 

  Paul was not writing alone to the elders but also to the deacons. What is a deacon? Answer: it is a helper. For the first time we read in Acts 6 about deacons in the church at Jerusalem. And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring fo the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily administration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason taht we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip and  Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, adn Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed they ladi their hands on them.  So Stephanus who was stoned later in chapter 7, was one of the deacons.  What a deacon must be we can read in I Timothy 3: 8-10: Likewise the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, nt given to much wine, not greedy of filghy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon being found blameless. The deacon has to have the same qualifications as a bishop or elder or overseer. One who is not to blame. No one has to speak evil about the deacon. Not doubletongued. What does this mean. It is somebody you can trust. What he says he means it and he says the same to everyone and it must not be a drunkard. not greedy of filthy lucre the same as the overseer. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.  In  I Timothy 1:19 we read:  “Holding faith, and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.  Believe in the Grace of God and in the Gospel of the Grace of God and hold this.  Let the deacons first be proved for a while and then after that period he can be chosen as a deacon. 

Vers 2: Grace and peace. All the epistles of the apostle Paul begin with Grace and peace form God. Sometimes in combination with mercy. Grace and peace do not come from men but from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  We live still under the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3: 1-3: under God's administration of Grace. and we are the members of the Body of Christ, the Heavenly Chruch.  That's why God tell's us Grace and peace. He is the God of Grace and peace. What does it mean Grace?  Grace comes from the Greek word Charis. Gods Grace is a Gift for us through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Through Him God died for mankind on the cross, in our place there on Calvary for our sins what we couldn't bear. He has done it for us because He was without sin so that He could die for all mankind who are sinners. I Corinthans 15:3-4.  He bore our sins in His own body on the cross. After three days in the grace He was resurrected and He lives.  In 2 Corinthians  5: 19-21 we read the following words: To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation; Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.  Dear reader you see and read it. God gives Grace and peace to you, not people can do this. Humankind does not know what Grace and peace is. This is because we are sinners Romans 5: 12.  Only God knows what Grace and peace is. For His Grace and peace you have nothing to do. We only has to accept it what God did for us in Christ! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved Acts 16:31!

Philippians 1: 3-5

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always  in every prayer of mine

for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the Gospel from the first day

until now

Verse 3: The apostle Paul thanked God a lot for the saints at Philippi! Every time when he thought about them. He, Paul was glad with them and it is also important for us as members of the Body of Christ to remember brothers and sisters in our Lord and to pray for them and to be glad with them.  The apostle Paul was a example in this. For every local church he prayed to God. In I Thessalonians 5 verse 17 and 18 we read: Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ: prayer or praying to God is very important and this must be part of us. It had a central place in the life of the apostle Paul and so it has to in our lives. 

Verse 4 and 5: The apostle Paul prayed always for these saints and was glad with them. They were a example for many saints, not only in that time but still they are a example for us too to follow. They were the only ones who send things to Paul when he was in prison. No local church in that time did this Philippians 4 verse 15 (read this). That's why the apostle Paul was very happy with them and prayed for them many times to God and remembered them always in his prayings! This verse is talking about the Gospel. Which Gospel the apostle Paul is telling us. Well there is only one Gospel, the Gospel of the Grace of God which Paul preached and beside this Gospel, which is for the Body of Christ, the heavenly Church , there is no Gospel Galatians 1: 6-9. Read also for yourselves Romans 16: 25 and 26. The Philippian believers in Christ from the first day they heard the Gospel had fellowship in the Gospel. This is something to think about it!! They had received the Gospel of the Grace of God , not as a human word but as Gods Word. Let us read I Thessalonians 2:13: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" Gods Word has power. It is as a hammer! Now about fellowship: 

1) In I Corinthians 1:9 we have: God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  See also Galatians 2:20

2) II Corinthians 8 verse 4: Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 

3) Ephesians 3 verse 9: And to make all men see what is the fellowhip of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, Who created all things by Jesus Christ. 

4) Philippians 2 verse 1: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies.  See also 2 Corinthians 13 verse 13

5) Philippians 3 verse 10: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made comformable unto His death

6) Philemon 6: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus

This Gospel of Grace is mighty to confirm and strenghten us. This Gospel makes us stable in Christ as believers and it is also for the obedience of our believe in Christ my dear brothers and sisters! For the saints at Philippi it was so and it is also for us! Dear reader, brother and sister in our Lord Jesus Christ: learn God's Gospel of Grace as the saints at Philippi and at Thessalonica learned it and received it!!!

Philippians 1: 6-7

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the Gospel, ye all are partakers of my Grace. 

Verse 6: This is a beautiful verse! God began a good work in us, members of the body of Christ, the Church. And He will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ! What a certainty we can find in this verse my brothers and sisters! As we know is this in 2 Timothy 2 verse 13: If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: he cannot deny Himself. His work in us, His Grace in us He shall never put away and He shall not leave us. What is the day of Christ. Of wich day the apostle Paul is speaking of? Is this the same day as in Revelation 1:10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet" The answer for this question is no! What is the day of Jesus Christ? The Lord's day is the day that the Lord shall return on earth and shall set His feet on the mount of olives. This will be the day of judgment before the 1000 year of Kingdom will begin on earth. The day of Jesus Christ is the day that all believers to be gathered to Him! Read for yourselves Philippians 3:20-21, Titus 2:13, I Thessalonians 4:13-18. The day of the Rapture!!! In Romans 8 verse 28 we read: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" The conclusion from this is that we rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say rejoice 

Verse 7: The apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote this epistle to the saints at Philippi. In Ephesians 6 verse 20 we read the following verse: For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein i may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  For the hope of the resurrection in Christ and for the Gospel of the Grace of God Paul was in prison. In Ephesians 3 verses 1 and 2 Paul writes us: For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the Grace of God which is given me to you ward. Despite he was in prison and had to answer Ceasar (Acts 20:24), the saints of Philippi were partakers of the Grace which was given to Paul by God through our Lord Jesus Christ, they shared in the Gospel of God's Grace! In Colossians 4 verse 3 we read: Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds. In verse 18 we read: Remember my bonds! And in 2 Timothy 2 verse 9 we read: Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound" The Word of God was not bound 2000 years ago. The Bible is not bound! Through all the ages God's Word exists and it shall never be bound in the future! 

Philippians 1: 8-11

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the 

bowels of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may

abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be

sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with

the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the

glory and praise of God. 

Verse 8: God is my Record, is my witness. In Romans 1:9 we read: For God is my Witness, Whom I serve with my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention oof you always in my prayers. What does it mean God is my Witness, my Record? This means that God is with Paul and also with us. Read Galatians 2:20. God is allmighty. He knows everything and sees everything. Nothing is hidden before Him. Even when Paul was in prison during the time he wrote the epistle to the Philippian saints. He wanted to see them, that was his love for them despite the suffering he had to suffer for Christ. 

Verse 9 The praying of the apostle Paul is that their love became more and more abundantly! Not only in knowledge but also in practice. This is the love of Christ, not the love of men. The agape and this is the love we cannot and have not from ourselves my dear brothers and sisters. First you have to have the theory from God's Word and to understand His love and ask God to work in you. Knowledge has to do with the deep knowledge of God or epignosis

Verse 10: That ye may approve things that are excellent. What things the apostle Paul is speaking?  Things that Differ. That they should distinquish things that are truth from false things. That you may sincere. With other words that ye may upright. Without offence till the day of Christ. This is the same day as the Rapture, the allow meeting to Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. That people may not to blame for something and also us as individuals in Christ Jesus. 

Verse 11: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness. What does that mean? The Greek word here is karpos. This is the unseen power of the Holy Spirit in us that believe. We have to lead ourselves by the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit through His Word. In Galatians 5 verse 22, 23 we read: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,temperance: against such there is no law. Because we read also in verse 25 of the same chapter: if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Oh my brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ: let us be led by God's Holy Spirit through His Word and the Word of His Grace. That His work may work in us every day also to other people. Then it is to the praise and glory of God! 

Philippians 1: 12-15

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened

unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel; So that my

bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; And many

fo the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to

speak the Word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife;

and some also of good will.

Verse 12: The apostle Paul is in prison and during this time he wrote this epistle to the saints at Philippi and also brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ in other places hear and also read the Word of Gods Grace through his epistles and preachings. He, Paul was in bonds. But in this bad situation the Word of Gods Grace, the Gospel of the Grace of God was more and more preached to people. It became well known in the Roman Empire. The more oppression the more the Gospel was brought to the people: the furtherance for the Gospel of Grace went on. You see my brothers and sisters: Gods Word of Grace is not bound. 

Verse 13: The apostle Paul was in bonds because of the Gospel of the Grace of God but read very carefully what happened: his bonds, his sufferings became known in all the palace of Ceasar. Everyone came to know this and in more places it became known that the apostle Paul was in prison and was bound with bonds. In that time there was no internet, no TV, no cell phones, no media etc. This went from mouth to mouth. The palace here in latin is praetorum. How could this happen? Well there was always a soldier (different soldiers) who guarded him Paul when he was in prison and those soldiers told others from him. We can read this in Acts 28 verse 16, 30 and 31. Read this for yourselves. My brother and sisters the Gospel of the Grace of God became widely known! You have to ask yourselves why the apostle Paul continued to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God and that he wrote the Epistles? The answer is that he got the power to continue from our Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. 2 Corinthans 2: 14-16: Now thanks be unto God, which alwyas causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life And who is sufficient for these things? It was the life in Christ what helped the apostle Paul to continue. In Him in Christ we are more than conquerors Romans 8:37 he wrote to the saints at Rome and indirect to us too. Not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for Him. Colossians 1:24-29 and Philippians 1:29

Verse 14 What a positiv news: many of the brethren in the Lord gained the confidence to proclaim the Word of God with much boldness without fear for people. The bonds or chains of the apostle Paul who were on his feet and maybe also on his hands, wrists did not discouraged them, the opposite happened they got more courage to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to people. Oppression leads to more activity! In Romans 8 verse 33-37 we read the following verses: Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? it is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall seperate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. The brothers and sisters in our Lor Jesus Christ were convinced and trusted in God that He would helped them to preach the Word of God without fear and trembling. |They were a example and the apostle Paul was very happy with these felllow brothers and sisters.  To the saints at Ephesus the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 3 verse 13 the following: Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.  It was the deeper wish of the apostle Paul that the saints in Ephesus would not faint but had the courage to continue to preach the Gospel of the Grace of God to others and grow in Grace. We also who live 2000 years later and are members of the same Body of Christ. In 2 Timothy 2: 3 we read another verse: Thou therefore endure  hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ That's how we should live as members of the Body of Christ my dear brothers and sisters: to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Chrsit as Timothy had also to do. We have to stand for this despite all the adversityigheid. Read for yourselves Romans 8 verse 16 and 17. 

Verse 15: The apostle Paul had heard that there were brethren who preached Christ even of envy and strife. What does that mean? Some brethren were jealous on Paul's ministry that this brought so much fruit with it and were maybe proud of themselves to do it much better but in a way of hard discussion with people and with envy. This was not the way Paul was preaching and how he dealt with people. But some did it also of good will. They didn't discuss with people and brought the Gospel of the Grace of God without fear, envy and strife. It's a tactic to bring it without discussion, envy and strife. A novice in Christ is not yet proficient to bring the Gospel of the Grace of God. Let us always be in  our mind that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against pincipalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Philippians 1:16-19

The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing

to add affliction to my bonds. But the other of love, knowing tat I am 

set for the defence of the Gospel. What then? Notwithstanding, every

way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I 

therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall

turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit

of Jesus Christ

Verse 16: There were brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ who preached Christ with a lot of strife, contention. This was not pure! In a quarrelsome way!  Greek word eitheia=wrangling strife. This can do a lot of damage. This let you see as reader that a person is not spiritually grown.  In 2 Timothy 2 verse 23 and 24 we read: But foolish and unlearned uestions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.  Thus with a lot of strifes to bring the Gospel of the Grace of God is not the manner how we have to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God. Those people who did this in this manner were maybe proud of themselves and also jealous because also in prison the ministry of the apostle Paul continued. Paul however suffered a lot for the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Verse 17: There were also brethren out of love proclaimed the Gospel of the Grace of God to others. They understood very well that the apostle was for the defence of the Gospel. They were spiritually grown. In I Corinthians 9 verses 16 and 17 we read: For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea , woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the Gospel is committed unto me" Let us preach like Paul as an example for us, how he preached the Gospel of the Grace of God and be gentle to every person we met! 

Verse 18: The most important thing in what Paul rejoiced was this that Christ was proclaimed. If this was proclaimed with much strife or in gentleness and with all patience: Christ was preached and he was glad. Probably was this alone in Philippi because we cannot find such verses in other epistles of Paul. 

Verse 19: The apostle Paul is speaking of salvation here. What kind of salvation he is speaking off? Probably the apostle Paul speaks here a about his speedy release from prison! The Gospel of the Grace of God was preached and Paul was glad about this because it became more and more known. When he, Paul could be released then he could again visit his fellow brethren everywhere  and here in Philippi too. Through their prayer it became more and more clearly that Paul should be released. And with the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. This was a confirmation that soon this would be reality and this gave the apostle courage in the Lord.

Phippians 1 :20-24

 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet  what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 

Verse 20: The apostle Paul speaks here that it is his hope and his expectation that he in nothing shall be ashamed. In Romans 1 verse 16 we read: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. And here in nothing he wouldn't be ashamed! That Christ would be magnified in his body above all things whether by life or by death. That Christ have the first place in his life and this  should be our desire too my brothers and sisters! In Acts 20:24 we see something remarkable:  But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God.  The apostle Paul was not afraid to die for the Gospel of the Grace of God. In Acts 21 verse 13 we read : Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus. The apostle Paul trusted in Christ because Christ was always with him he knew. We can have this too my brothers and sisters as we stand fast for the truth. Jesus Christ is the most important Person in our lives and He must have in the daily life the Preeminence or first place. 

Verse 21: Christ was in the life of the apostle Paul and also in our lives my brothers and sisters! We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God Ephesians 1:13, 14 and 4:30. In Colossians 3 verse 4 we read: When Christ, Who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory" This is our future my dear brothers and sisters!! Look to that day! To live is Christ and to die is gain! The aposlte Paul was in prison and his life on earth was uncertain what would happen. To die and to be with Christ in glory was much better than the life what he had with a lot of suffering every day. In Romans 8 verse 38 and 39 we read: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which  is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Paul longed to be with Christ which is far better. In II Corinthians 5 verses 4-9 we read : For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality miht be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, Who also hath given  unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: For we walk by faith, not by sight: We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent form the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him" The life of Paul was complete subject to Christ. 

Verse 22-24: To live in the flesh. The question was if this would be fruitful? Paul was in a dilemma.  To be with Christ was much better: to be in heaven litterally! He knew how the situation was in heaven because in Acts 26 verse 16 with his stoning God took him to heaven  and in II Corinthians 12 verses 4-6 we read about this. He said yet what I shall choose I wot not!  The desire was to leave this earth and to be in heaven with Christ which is the best place to be my dear brothers and sisters. To abide, he adds this, on the earth is more needful for the saints at Phillipi and all the members of the Body of Christ. To tell the people the Gospel of the Grace of God 2 Corinthians 5: 18-21. How people can get peace with God forever! That is also important. 

Dear reader if you read this and you are not saved:  know that you are a sinner! You are lost forever because you are in Adam and with your own works or religious works you cannot reach God. The only thing you have to do is to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. Believe on Him and thou shalt be saved Acts 16:31. He died for you and me on that cross on Calvary. He died not His own death, He died our death and paid the price of all our sins. He died, He was buried and He rose from the death to give us eternal life!!!!! I Corinthians 15:3-4. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and Christ came into this world to save sinners like you and me. Believe on Him before it is to late. Do it now. Tomorrow can be to late! 

Philippians 1: 25 and 26 

And having this confidence, i know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 

Verse 25: The apostle Paul trusted upon the Lord that He would give him more time on earth and freedom without bands., withou chains.  Whithout prison!  He had the time to visit all the brothers here in Philippi and others on his way and to speak freely with brothers and sisters about the Gospel of the Grace of God so that they all had joy of faith. Also for the spiritual growing of brothers and sisters.  That he may still alive on earth was needy and you can see in these verses here that he longed to see the saints in Philippi lifely.  On the other side he wanted to be with the Lord in heaven which is far better because of the much suffering he had to suffer for God. Soon he should be released from prison. 

Vers 26: The apostle was sure when they saw him again they would rejoice and that rejoicing was abundantly. His mission under the believers again  in Philippi gave the apostle the oppertunity to help them further  in the faith.  He wanted them to grow and they would not stop. If people are sufficient with their believe in God most of the times they don't want to grow spiritual. He believed soon he should see them again and that the Gospel of the Grace of God would be preached by him to them Romans 16:25-26. 

Philippians 1:27-30 

Only let your conversation  be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ; that whether i come and see you, or else be absent, i may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel. And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. 

Vers 27: There are 3 things here who are important :

1 Stand fast . 

2 In one spirit

3 With one mind striving together 

The apostle Paul was absent. He was in prison but soon he would be released but it was not sure when he wrote this Epistle to the saints at Philippi. If he came to them and see them. Here he speaks that he longed to see them. But he was also realistic that he would be absent from them. 

1 Walk with dignity according the Gospel of Christ. Conversation is manner of life. It was not only to know the Gospel of the Grace of God but also to walk according to the Gospel: the practical life. Their walk was also important every day. One affects the other! We cannot live without the Word of Gods Grace because there we find how we have to walk in daily life, how to behave ourselves. Our walk is in heaven from whence we look for the Savior Jesus Christ who shall take us with Him to heaven. Philippians 3:20-21. Ephesians 4 verse 22-24 we read: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

2 Stand in one Spirit! In Ephesians 4 verse 3 and 4 we read: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, evena as ye are called in one Hope of your calling. It is with one spirit and to keep the unity of the Spirit. The seven oneness to stand for. There were a lot of troubles in the church at Philippi. There was division between them what we can read in Philippians 4 verses 1 and 2. Also in that time there were divisions and people split from each other. Nothing new under the Sun! The apostle Paul admonishes the saints at Philippi with these words. 

3 With one mind together striving for the faith of the Gospel. One mind! What is that difficult. That was difficult in that time and now today it is more difficult. The professing church or the Christian world does not know what this means. Our wrestle is not against flesh and blood but agains principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Our war is against satan and his hosts! Where God's Word is preached satan comes also with his lies. Again don't give up the mood my brothers and sisters and hold fast the sound doctrine of God's Grace: Romans-Philemon. Romans 16:25-26. 

Verse 28: The believers at Philippi had probably problems with people who were against the Gospel of Grace. They were afraid those persons on just manner to explain the Gospel of the Grace of God.  They were terrified from their adversaries that's why the apostle Paul admonished them here in this verse. The satan is the one who is behind all this and we just as the saints in Philippi have not to be afraid for these adversaries. In Romans 8: 15 we read: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father.  We have not to lead ourselves by our flesh but to put on the new man in Christ because we are new men in Christ and we have to lead us through Gods Spirit Who is living in us by His Word, the Bible This we have to know Romans 8:31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Ans in verse  37 from the same Chapter we read: Nay, in all these things we ae more than conquerors through Him that loved us.  We have not the spirit of fear but we have the Spirit of God and are sealed with this Spirit Ephesians 1:13,14, 4:30. We have to trust His Word and to trust on Him who lead us and bring everything in prayer.  Our adversary use those persons who are against the truth to to achieve his goal.  Let us ask God to have the courage and boldness to preach  the Gospel of the Grace of God, the Mystery, to people. Read Efeze 6:19 and Colossians 4:3,4.  We have not to shame for Gods Word. We read II Timothy 1:8: Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel according to the power of God. 

Verse 29.  The Grace of God through Christ was given to the saints at Philippi and we too my brothers and sisters who live 2000 years later is this same Grace of God given. It is not alone to believe the Gospel of the Greace of God but also to stand for it and  automatically you have also to suffer for it.  The apostle Paul suffered a lot,  physical and spiritual. There were a lot adversaries in his time and today it is the same.  As we know from the Scriptures there were a lot of people who were against the Gospel of God's Grace. Some of them were enemies of God and others didn't want to suffer for the Gospel of the Grace of God and didn't want to grow spiritual. The same we have today. There are a few people, persons who want to believe and suffer for the Gospel of Gods Grace.  The apostle Paul is our example of suffering for the Gospel of Gods Grace and he was the first one who proclaimed, dealt out this Mystery. .  In  2 Corinthians 11: 22-33 and in 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings. By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindnessm, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned By the Word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true. As unknown, and yet well known; as dying and, behold, we live: as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet posssessing all things"

Verse 30: Having the same conflict, the same conflict what the apostle Paul had and here he admonished the saints at Philippi and us and to contiue in this conflict with our adversary. Read Ephesians 6:12. The saints at Philippi had seen the conflict and as we stand for the truth we have this same conflict and feel it everyday. And we may say with the apostle Paul this in Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me".  Let us follow the apostle Paul in this my brothers and sisters and not to be ashamed for the Gospel of the Grace of God. 

Philippians Chapter 2

Content:

Verse 1-4 is about our walk in Christ

Verse 5-11 is about Christ as Example and Servant.

Verse 12-16 is about our walk

Verse 19-21 is about Timothy

Verse 25-30 is about Epaphroditis

Philippians 2 verse 1-3

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one

accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in 

lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves

Verse 1 A In Christ there is always consolation !! Romans 15 verse 5 is telling us:  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.  And in 2 Corinthians 1: 5-7 we read what the apostle Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth and inclusive us: For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings whcih we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is stadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.   Another beautiful verse we read in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17: Now our Lord jesus Christ Himself , and God, even our Father, Which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through Grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good Word and work.  Allone in our Lord Jesus Christ we have consolation, everlasting consolation! Think about this for a moment. What does it mean consolation? The answer is cheer up, to encourage. God encourages us through His Son Jesus Christ. 

B In any comfort of love. The Greek word is paramuthia=to relate near, encourage. Over which love we speak here? Answer: Gods love! His love what He had done for us in His Son Jesus Christ: That He died in our place on Calvary, He died our death there and took all our sins upon Himself on the cross! He was buried and rose again from the death because death could not hold Him. Let us read with each other Romans 4:25: Who was delivered for ou offences, and was raised again for our justification" It is His love and comfort to us: Romans 5:8: But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Yes dear reader, yes my brothers and sisters: He died in our place on that cross on Calvary when we yet sinners!  This truth you can only read in the epistles of the apostle Paul . From his epistles we can receive everyday consolation! 

C Any fellowship of the Spirit: This is very important for us as members of the Body of Christ to be likeminded. Read Ephesians 4:3-6. What is fellowship? This is to have spiritual contact with each other through the Word of Gods Grace and the Bible. And to rightly dividing the Word of God 2 Timothy 2:15. And also to pray with each other to God. Gods Spirit is working with Gods Word Romans 10:17! 

D If any bowels and mercies! In Colossians 3:12 we read the following verse: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.  This has to work in our daily life my dear brothers and sisters!! We can do this alone in Him: feelings of compassion to others. 

Verse 2: These 2 verses 1 and 2 answer each other. If there is any consolation in Christ verse 1 begins and in this verse the question of the apostle Paul if the saints at Philippi to fulfil his joy to be likeminded. The saints at Philippi had a relation with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Now the apostle encourages them to be likeminded under each other. Any consolation of love is the answer to the question if they had the same love as the apostle Paul had. Paul was given the following: Unto me, who am less thatn the leat of all saints, is this Grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ Ephesians 3:8. Oh that they may do the same as the apostle Paul did to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God with a lot of Love of God. Read Colossians 2:9-15. Being of one accord, of one mind. That they, the saints at Philipi would be likeminded together. In Romans 12 verse 16 we read the following verse: Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not hight things but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. In Romans 15 verse 5 we read:  Now the God of patience  and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. 

In I Corinthians 1 verse 10 we read: Now I beseech you, brethren by the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.  Also in Corinth there were divisions and disagreements and also under the saints at Philippi. Today it is the same under believers in Christ: a lot of divisions and disagreements. It is not a good example for this world who look to the saints. Here in the Netherlands we have so much divisions and disagreements so that it is very difficult to tell people the truth namely the Gospel of the Grace of God.  Thats why I call people here in the Netherlands to learn the Gospel of the Grace of God which is the only Gospel for today for you!  Read  Galatians 1:6-9! 

Verse 3: We have studied in Chapter 1 verse 16 that some of the saints at Philippi who were in Christ preached the Lord Jesus Christ not pure! It went not with love of God and patience and yet it was preached to people and people heard Gods Word of Grace. In this verse the apostle Paul admonishes the saints at Philippi and special the ones who did this not to do things in strife and vainglory. Strife comes from the Greek word eitheia= to provoke: to anger: contentious. This they had not to do and also us who live 2000 years later we have not to do this. We have to be friendly first against other persons. We have to love each other in the Lord: in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Romans 12 verse 10 tell's us: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another. So it is for us individually to do away the old man and to put the new man on, otherwise it will not work. Conclusion: as servants of the Lord we do not to strife and not be proud of ourselves but we give God the first place and we love each other with brotherly love. 

Philippians 2 verse 4 and 5

Look not every man on his own things, but every

man also on the things of others. Let this mind be

in you, which was also in Christ Jesus

Verse 4: That's how it should be my dear brothers and sisters. Now we are in Christ, new men, new women and we are not focused only on ourselves but we have to focus on the other person in the Body of Christ and also the ones who are outside, the unbelievers. In I Corinthians 10 verse 24 we read: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. Focused on the other that's what we learn here and that the other person may learn God's Word of Grace, teaching the other God's Grace like the apostle Paul did. In Acts 20 verse 27 and 31 we read: For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the cousel of God. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. The happiness you have in God through our Lord Jesus Christ and His Grace give you your heart to another person! From nature we are so focused on ourselves. By nature we are self centered. If we look into this word through fast communications as smartphones through apps, facebook, games, music men in general became more and more focused on this and for his own pleasure!  The modern man Anno 2021 doesn't read much anymore. But here the call of God's Word for us my dear brothers and sisters: We have not to walk like the others in this world. We know God's Word of Grace or want to learn this so we have to be focused not on ourselves but on the other brother or sister in the Body of Christ. If you are focused on the other person the less self centered you behave. 

Verse 5: Let this mind be in you. It is not a feeling but a mind! Keep an eye on! Which mind is this? This is the mind of Christ and we have the mind of Christ. This mind has to work in us my dear brothers and sisters! Our Lord Jesus Christ thought not on Himself but came into this world to save sinners I Timothy 1:15! He died our death on the cross on Calvary. He came to this earth and left heaven with all the glory and humbled Himself and became poor as men. It was to save us my dear brothers and sisters! To save us from all eternity. To give us eternal life! He died our death so saving us from the eternal death!  I Timothy 1:15: This is a faithful sying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief"

Philippians 2 verse 6-9

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal

with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of

a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion

as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even te

death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him,

and given Him a Name which is above every name. 

Verse 6: From this verse till verse 10 we read what Christ had done for us. We read about the seven humiliations of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ we see here in this verse was and is God. In Colossians 1 verse 15-17 we read: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him. Adn he is before all things, and by Him all things consist. What we read here is something special and with a lot of respect far above our minds. Through the Scriptures we can accept this through faith. Christ is God. Being in the form  of God: Greek word morphe: the expression from the inward nature of His being! Christ is God, equal and for all eternity! He had not to reach that place because He had this place. This is the first humiliation what we read here.  We read here further on that He thought it not robbery to be equal with God. The Greek word is hapagmos. He made Himself empty. Not that losed Himself from the Godhead. John 1:47-49 Read for yourselves. He did this freely to save the world! To save you and me my dear brothers and sisters! Why He wanted to save this world? Because He loves us (agape). He gave Himself for us. I Timothy 1:15: This is a faithful  saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief" Yes for you and I He came because we are sinners and He loves sinners and wants to save them. He went voluntary to the cross and died for our sins on that cross which took place on Calvary! He without sin died for you and I sinners and with sin. He paid the price for our guilt there on that cross! That guilt we couldn't bear it ourselves. 

Verse 7: Made Himself of no reputation: This is the second humiliation! What does this mean? It comes from the Greek word Kenoo. Reputation – it’s cultivation, elevation, and protection – was of no importance to our Lord Jesus Christ in His ministry. He became such a Man. And it was only in this form that He could serve, love, give, teach and, yes, lead. The third humiliation we read He took upon Himself the form of a servant! A servant serves his master, not himself and is submissive. The fourth humiliation here is the incarnation: Christ became equal with men alone without sin with this purpose that He could save the world. He was 100% God and 100% Man. 

Verse 8: Being found in fashion as a man. In Hebrews 2: 14 and 15 we read: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers fo flesh and blood, He als Himself likewise took part of the same: that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death , that is , the devil. And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. God was and is God and Man. He was and is both when He was here on earth to save us from the eternal death. In Hebrews 2:9 we read: But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour, tha the by the Grace of God should taste death for every man.  He deid on the cross, in our place and took all the sins of us upon Himself and that from the whole world! The fifth humiliation is in this verse that He as Man Himself humiliated. The Sixth humiliation is that He was obedient unto death. As a servant who was obedient to his master so was the Son of God obedient to His Father. It had to happen, there was no other way to save the whole world inclusive us my dear brothers and sisters!  The seventh humiliation is that He was not only obedient to death but on the deaht on the cross. The most cruel death you can imagine. As a murderer they crucified Him on Calvary between 2 murderers. He without sin died there for us sinners. The most terrible death you could die. He died not His own death but our death! He did this pure voluntary to save us sinners and to make the way open to God. Read I Peter 2:24, Hebrews 12 verse 2. I Timothy 2: 5 we read: For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

Verse 9:  For this reason what He had done for mankind and for His faith and obedience God also hath highly exalted Him and given Him a Name which is above every name. In 1 Corinthians 15 verse 3 and 4 we read: For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. Romans 8 verse 34 tells us: Who  is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also maketh intercession for us.  Read also Ephesians 1: 20 and 21

Philippians 2 verse 10 and 11

That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in 

heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And 

that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father

Verse 10: God the Father has given His Son a Name above all names. He hath highly exalted Him. Christ sits on the right hand of the Father, far above all governments, might and powers and dominions. We can read this in Ephesians 1: 21 and 22: Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion and every name that is namded, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church.

Highly exalted and a Name above all names given from God the Father with this reason what we read here in this verse that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow! Every human being has to bow for Christ in the future. The first event when people have to bow down their knees is at the Bema when all the members of the Body of Christ and we inclusive as members too shall willingly bow our knees. In Romans 14 verses 10-12 we read the following verses: But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then eveyr one of us shall give account of himself to God. 

The second event will take place on the Day of the Lord. This will be the judgment over Israel and the nations as Christ will return to earth in power and glory on the end of the Great Tribulation. He will divide the believers from the unbelievers. The believers will be resurrected. Read Isaiah 45 verse 23!

The third event will take place at the Great White Throne after the 1000 years of reign on earth. On that day unbelievers from all ages would be judged. They will bow down their knees before Him. This is the second resurrection. They will be judged to their works Revelation 20: 12 and be cast into the lake of fire verse 15

Verse 11 Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Also the unbelievers from all ages who will stand before the White throne in Revelation 20. They should confess and recognize that Jesus Christ is Lord!  Every tongue: In Greek we read exomologeo is to acknowledge or agree fully. The unbelievers will be punished day by day until eternity. 100% separated from God. II Thessalonians 1 verse 9: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power"

Dear reader, you can still choose. Now is the time, day of salvation! Tomorrow can be to late! because tomorrow  you can die!  We are still living under God's Grace and under His administration of Grace. Acknowledge you are a sinner and come from Adam who was the first sinner in this world.  You are born a sinner, separated from God.! But you can choose now. Believe(accept) that the Lord Jesus Christ His life gave for you as sinner on the cross and that He took all your sins in His body on Calvary, that He was buried and that He is resurrected and that He lives. I Corinthians 15: 3-4. He died for you so that you can live forever! Be ye reconciled to God! II Corinthians 5: 20 before it is to late!! Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved!

Philippians 2 verse 12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as  in my presence

only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling

Verse 12: From this verse on you have the daily practice. How to walk with God daily and what disires God from us? The saints at Philippi were always obeying. They walked very well not only in Pauls'presence but also now when he was in prison and was absent from them. He heard about them through Epaphras. They had heard the Gospel of Gods Grace and had accepted it as Gods Word and not as human words. You see my brothers and sisters they were obeying and for us this is a very good example to follow. In I Corinthians 1 verse 30 we read: But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. This was the position of them in Corinth and in Philippi and also the position we have in Christ my dear brothers and sisters! And we have to walk according this position my fellow saints! Romans 10 verse 17 tells us: So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.  We read also Galatians 5 verse 16: This I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. This we have to do my brothers and sisters like the saints at Philippi with fear and trembling! 

Philippians 2 verses 13 and 14

For it is God Which worketh in you both to will

and to do of His good pleasure. Do all things

without murmurings and disputings

Verse 13: Hear we read my dear brothers and sisters that it is God Who works in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is according His approval. We, from our nature are not capable to do something good because we are born sinners but in Christ and as we are led by Him, by His Spirit we are competent as members of the Body of Christ, the Church to do good because He works in us by His Word! 2 Corinthians 3 verses 4 and 5 we read now: And such trust have we trough Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" This is what the apostle Paul wrote to us 2000 years ago and it is still working because we live still under the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ we are not from ourselves anymore but from Him. Galatians 2:20 tell's us the following: I am crucified  with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I but Christ liveth in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me. Now the question arises: How does God works in us? Answer: through His Spirit with which we are sealed till the day of redemption Ephesians 1:13-14 and Ephesians 4:30! In Romans 8 verses 15 and 16 we read: For we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received  the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry Abba Father. The Spirit itself heareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children (sons and daughters) of God" His Spirit works with His Word Romans 10:17 and we have to lead ourselves by His Spirit Which lives in us. Ephesians 1:10 tells us: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" This is the purpose, the goal of God with us the members of His Body, the Body of Christ, the Heavenly Church! And to make known the following in Ephesians 3 verse 10: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom  of God"

Verse 14: We have seen that God works in us as members of the Body of Christ, the Heavenly Church trough His Holy Spirit whereby we are sealed. Now the daily life and God asks us not to murmur and to dispute. What does that mean? Make no mistake, murmuring is sin. "Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:14-15). "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling" (1 Pet. 4:9). It causes one to perish (1 Cor. 10:10).  If we have been led by God's Spirit by His Word then we are not busy with our flesh. We have always to choose as believers and more to be spiritual minded. 
Philippians 2 verse 15 and 16

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God,

without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse

nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Holding

forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ

that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. 

Verse 15: That ye may be blameless and harmless! This is the request of God that we will be like this. Without rebuke! To live without giving cause of reproof or censure. For God we are without guilt and in our walk nobody of the unbelievers has to say something evil of us. They have to see the difference between them and you as believer. We are living under unbelievers and God can shine through us as light, as lights in the world. How? To let us lead by God through His Word. So again sincerely do things for the Lord and not for the people.

In I Thessalonians 5 verses 4 and 5 we read: But ye brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are the children of light, adn the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness"

Verse 16: What does this mean: Holding forth the Word of life? What is the Word of life? This is the good news of the cross, the glory of the cross my dear brothers and sisters! Christ died for our sins, in our place on Calvary on the cros, was buried and rose from the grave I Corinthians 15 verses 3 and 4. Romans 5: 8-10. This is the Gospel of our salvation. This is the Gospel for this sin world! If we tell the people in this world this then the apostle Paul would rejoice in the day of Christ, on the day of the Rapture! We have also like the apostle Paul rejoice in the glory of the cross of Christ  and not to boast in ourselves. In Galatians 6 verse 14 we read: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. We have to hold fast this Word of Gods Grace and tell others about it! In Titus 1 verse 9 we read: Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.  We have to follow Paul as he followed Christ and obeyed the instructions of Him. First we have to know (deeper knowledge) it for ourselves otherwise we cannot explain or deal it to others. If we do that the whole work of the apostle Paul is not in vain. Philippians 3 verse 17 tells us:  Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Philippians 2 verse 17 and 18

Yea and if I be offered upon the sacrifice

and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me. 

Verse 17 and 18 : The apostle Paul is the first example of the practical outworking of having the mind of Christ. He proclaimed the whole counsel of God in his ministry. Even if he had to give his life. He wasn't afraid. He offered his life for them that believed in Philippi. Because it was for them that they might be stronger in the Lord Jesus Christ. This is agape. Not love of men in general but God's love! In Philippians 4 vers 4 is written: Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say Rejoice. The apostle Paul rejoiced in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Gospel of the Grace of God and that he was chosen to proclaim the whole counsel of God. The Philippian saints began to understand God's Grace and that that brought them salvation, they willingly devoted the remainder of their lives tot the things of God. There was no sacrifice too big in their desire to glorify God because they understood His Grace. For us as believers my dear brothers and sisters is it also important to have joy in our Lord Jesus Christ and rejoice in God's Grace. In our lives just as the Philippian saints we have setbacks through diseases, dismissal or grief because one of our loved ones died or something else. Anyway we can rejoice in Him because we are in Him and have everything in Him. And He is always with us don't forget this. We can rejoice just as the saints at Philippi in the Lord always and glory in the cross of Christ what He has done for us!!! 

Philippians 2 verse 19 and 20

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus 

shortly unto you, that I also may be of good

comfort when I know your state. For I have no 

man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state

Verse 19 : From this verse till the end of this Chapter the apostle Paul told the saints at Philippi about Timotheus and Epaphroditis or Epaphras. These men were fellowlaborers and fellow soldiers in the Lord Jesus Christ of Paul. Paul trusted in the Lord to send Timothy to them. Timothy the son of the Jewish mother Eunice and of a Greek father.In Acts 16 verse 1-3 we read the following verses: Then came he (Paul)  to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but hsi father was a Greek. Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that hsi father was a Greek. In II Timothy 1 verse 5 we read another verse: When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am pursuaded that in thee also. From a child Timothy had known the Scriptures and he was a disciple with a very good report that's why Paul took Timothy with him on his journeys. The apostle Paul laid also his hands on him, to ordain him as pastor of Ephesus. I Timothy 4 verse 14. The apostle Paul was in prison and he wanted to know how the saints were at Philippi and to strengthen them in the faith so that he Paul had a good comfort over them. 

Verse 20: The apostle Paul knew no man like Timothy. He was really a fellowlaborer and later a pastor. He could care for people and he had all the natural character traits of a bishop, a teacher etc. He followed Paul as he followed Christ I Corinthians 11:1. Timothy was a upright man and very capable. Always a good report of the apostle Paul. So with a rest assured Paul send him to Philippi! 

Philippians 2 verse 21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's

Verse 21: Men in general are self centered! This was in the time of apostle Paul 2000 years ago. Today it is the same. Men is still self centered. They are only busy with oneself but not with God's Word and surely not with God's Word of Grace and the rightly dividing Acts 20:24, 32, Romans 16:25,26 and 2 Timothy 2:15. Sure the unbelievers are not busy with God's Word we know. In this verse we read also about believers who were not busy with God's Word. How many we have today who live so. There was in the time of the apostle Paul a minority who was busy with God's Word and wished to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and went deeper into the Scriptures and today it is the same my dear brothers and sisters. Nothing new under the sun. 

Philippians 2 verse 22

But ye know the proof of him that, as a son

with the father, he hath served with me in the Gospel 

Verse 22: But Timothy, and the saints at Philippi knew this, was a different man in Christ! He had as a son helped Paul. Paul was his spiritual father. Oh how Paul loved Timothy. He was a young man and very young when he joined Paul in his journeys. Timothy was not self centered. Jesus Christ was the One Who was the first in his life. Timothy joined Paul in the Gospel and they were servants of our Lord. Oh that we may live like these men Paul and Timothy and that our our own self more and more on the background may be. That we just like them be led by Gods Spirit through His Word!  Satan hates the Gospel and he will do everything to hinder us and others so that the Gospel of God's Grace may not be preached and learned. There are now at this moment a lot of temptations he uses like Facebook, TV, Hobbies, Internet via cellphones, smartphones. If people and inclusive ourselves are only looking to these things than we became self centered, egocentrisch. This is not the will of God my dear brothers and sisters. God's will is that we just lie Timothy serve Him through His Word and will tell others about His Word of His Grace. Let us hold fast: But thou hast not thus taught Christ

Philippians 2 verse 23 and 24

Him therefore I hope to send presently,

so soon as I shall see how it will go with me

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall

come shortly

Verse 23: Him is Timotheus here. Paul hoped to send him very quickly to the saints at Philippi to encourage them and strenghthen them in the believe. He Timothy was already a pastor and could take care about them there at Philippi. He was capable to do this and Timothy could tell them how it was with Paul in prison there in Rome and if he will be soon released from prison because we see in the next verse the following:

Verse 24: The apostle Paul trusted fully in the Lord that soon he would be released from the prison he was in and that he as a free man could move and visit the saints at Philippi. The apostle Paul trusted not in men but only in the Lord and that was his strength. How the apostle Paul longed to see them

Philippians 2 verse 25

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, 

my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier,

but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants

Verse 25: There was another man, a brother in the Lord Jesus Christ, who the apostle Paul send to the saints at Philippi and that was Epaproditis. He was not only a brother, he was a companion in labour with Paul and a fellowsoldier. He was also the messenger of the local church at Philippi. He informed Paul in prison about the spiritual state of the saints at Philippi. He brought goods and maybe financial things  from the saints of Philippi to Paul in prison.  Read 2 Corinthians 11: 8 and 9 and Philippians 4:15 and 61. From the Scriptures here we can understand that Epaphrodtis a time with Paul has been in prison. 

Philippians 2 verse 26 and 27

For he longed after you all, and was full

of heaviness, because ye had heard  that he had

been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death:

but God had mercy on him; and not on him only,

but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow

Verse 26 and 27: Epaphroditis longed to see his brothers and sisters at Philippi back  and to have again spiritual fellowship with them. He had a lot of love and that was the love of God for them. But he was ill, sick near death. This was very serious. In the time he became sick the apostle Paul had not the gift anymore to heal him. It was after Acts 28. The Acts period which was a transition period was gone and God's Word became complete. The healings and miracles were not anymore working so it was now with medicins (natural) a person could be healed or he could also die. Now Epaphroditis was almost dead.  But what happened? 

God had mercy on him so that He healed Epaphroditis and the apostle Paul could send him back to the saints at Philippi with the Gospel of the Grace of God and that Epaphroditis. Epaphroditis was one of the saints at Philippi and had brought to Paul goods from the saints at Philippi. This is the way how God works now under this Dispensation of Grace.  And God had also mercy on Paul that he should not have sorrow upon sorrow. Paul was in prison and the circumstances in that time were very bad in prison. Beside that he was concerned about all the saints and specially about Epaphroditis who was very ill near death. Believe it Paul prayed a lot for his brother and for all the saints who he knew! This verse let you see that God can heal people, have mercy on persons. Only it is not a condition that He will do it. In 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9 we read: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory n my infirmities, that hte power of Christ may rest upon me.  Paul had a thorn  in the flesh and he besought the Lord thrice , tat it might depart from him and what we read: His Grace is sufficient!!! He is sovereign to heal persons. This is possible but not a condition of God. What we have to do is also to take care about our bodies. If we are sick we take medicins or go to a doctor and let him or her investigate us and possible send us to a hospital to a specialist or give us medicins for healing. Sure prayer is also very important when a person is ill we know or if we are ill and want to be better. We ha ve also to think that we all have a mortal body and that our hope is not here on earth. Philippians 3 verse 20 and 21 tells us: For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself 

The reality is that illness and suffering and death belongs to this life on earth!  In Romans 8 verse 18 we may read the following verse: For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us

Philippians 2 vers 28

I sent him therefore the more carefully,

that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice

and that I may be the less sorrowful

Verse 28: Paul send as soon as possible Epaphroditis back to the saints at Philippi that they see him again and could rejoice to see him. And that Paul  would have less sadness. Epaphroditis was fully recovered because God in His Grace had mercy upon him and had healed him because he was nearby death. Paul was very thankful that his fellowlaborer and fellowsoldier and brother was recovered from his sickness and that God had healed him.  

Philippians 2 verse 29

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and

hold such in reputation. 

Verse 29 Epaphroditis was under his way to the saints at Philippi. From Rome to Philippi was a long journey in that time. A lot of the journey was by feet so this took a long time. The saints at Philippi had to receive him in the Lord with all gladness. And what also was important and also for us as members of the Body of Christ is that he was teacher and probably also a pastor teacher of them. In I Timothy 5 verse 17 we read: Let the elders tat rule well be counted worthy of double  honour, especially they who labour in the Word and doctrine.  We have to have respect for them that learn us in the Word of Gods Grace and also in the rest of the Bible. Double respect what the apostle means here. 

Philippians 2 verse 30

 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto

death , not regarding his life, to supply your lack

of service toward me. 

 Verse 30: Because of the work of Christ, because of Gods Work  read Ephesians 2:10 Epaphroditis was nigh unto death. Epaphroditis was not afraid and counted not his life for himself. He was not afraid to die for the preaching of the Grace of God, for the Gospel of the Grace of God.   The saints at Philippi had a lack in their service to God and Epaphroditis came therefore to Paul in prison to tell him that and asked maybe advice of Paul. We do not know exactly but it could be. We know for sure that he was for the work of the Lord Jesus Christ nearby death.  And so this chapter ends with this. 

Philippians 3 verse 1-3

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write

 the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous,

 but for you it is safe. Beware of dogs, beware of evil

worrkers, beware of the concision. For we are the 

circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice

in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh

In this chapter our Lord Jesus Christ is the central Source for every believer to rejoice in Him. 

Verse 1: The apostle Paul says here finally but it is that he continues here or furthermore. Paul gives the saints at Philippi inclusive the Body of Christ (also us) the instruction to rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ. For the things we are in Him, what He has done for us and what He does on this moment for us. That He gave His life for us on the cross Romans 5:8! That we have forgiveness from all our sins through His blood on Calvary! That we have eternal life in Him and that is for everyday to rejoice in. Philippians 4 verse 4 : Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice.  For the apostle Paul it was a joy to write the saints at Philippi this and it would helped them to overcome sadness, to be grievous etc. For us my brothers and sisters if we look the more to our Lord Jesus Christ we become more glad than to look to the circumstances we live under or to see only the world. 

Verse 2: Beware of dogs. Satan have also his ministers and those persons are named dogs or evil workers. Satan always change the Word of God and he is very cunning. He is very cunning. In the time of Paul the ministers of satan were Jews, religious Jews to thwart the Word of God's Grace Acts 20:24. In the time when God was busy with Israel His folk, the Gentiles were dogs. Matthew 15:26 but now the situation has changed because there is no difference between Jew and Gentile anymore through the cross Ephesians 2:11-22. We live still under the Dispensation of the Grace of God and God calls everyone to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and being saved forever. Now satan comes as a angel of light and his ministers too. These ministers could be people who are believers but are against the Gospel of the Grace of God. In the time of the apostle Paul those dogs or ministers were the religious Jews who wanted that everyone went back under the Law of Moses and be circumcised. Circumcision was a ritual around which there was much quarreling. Nowadays it is waterbaptism! 

Verse 3: We are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit says the apostle Paul. In Colossians 2 verse 11 we read the following verse: In Whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ.  We are circumcised in Him and that is the spiritual circumcision my  brothers and sisters! This is the circumcision without hands which took place on the cross!!! Our old man died with Christ on the cross, was buried with Him and we are now new men in Christ because He was resurrected and we too with Him. This is our identification with Him! This is our circumcision, baptism! Romans 6: 3-5, Colossians 2: 11-15. What is better now on this moment: the waterbaptism what is a human ritual and a so called work to be accepted of God or the spiritual baptism, circumcision which saves us for all eternity? Waterbaptism is not necessary anymore because all is accomplished on the cross through our Lord Jesus Christ! And we are complete in Him. This is very clear and I hope and pray dear reader, brother and sisters that you may understand this. We serve Christ and rejoice in Him and have no confidence in our flesh. 

Philippians 3 verse 4-6

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man

thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of 

Benjamin, and Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee

Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness

which is in the law, blameless

Verse 4: The apostle Paul could have confidence in the flesh! In Galatians 1 verse 14 we read: And profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. The apostle Paul was born a Jew. If any man hath to trust in his flesh the apostle Paul said here in this verse I more. He could have been proud of this. You see this in the world that a lot of people are proud in the flesh: where they came from or what they do for profession, that they could learn very well, have a lot of diploms, are well educated. The apostle Paul was also well educated as a Pharisee above all the others zealous for the Law before he was saved by Jesus Christ. 

Verse 5 and 6. Here in this verse and the next verse the apostle Paul calls all upon which he could be proud and might trust in the flesh:

1 Circumcised the eighth day

2 Of the stock of Israel

3 Of the tribe of Benjamin

4 An Hebrew of the Hebrews

5 As touching the Law, a Pharisee

6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church

7 touching the righteousness which is in the Law, blameless

These were all benefits and things whereupon the apostle Paul could boast! 

1 The same benefits we could also have as the apostle Paul. He Paul was circumcised the 8th day. He was a child of the Covenant. Well circumcision could not save persons for all eternity. The Law given to Israel could not save people. Through the law people could know what is sin. It only gave the Jew in the past the benifit to believe in God and in His Word and to trust Him. But as any other person in this world he or she had to choose for God. 

2 The apostlel Paul could boast that he was one of the chosen nation Israel. In Gods plan with Irael, Israel had the position to be a blessing for the nations. If they would obey God 100% they would. They had the Law and the covenants and promise of God. 

3 Paul was of the tribe of Benjamin. He was a Jew and one of the two tribes when you had the 10 tribes and the 2 tribes. 

4 He Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews. Paul was of a family which was social, political, religious and bound to the Hebrew folk. In Acts 22 verse 3 we read: I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in htis city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as y all are this day"

5 According the Law a Pharisee. One of the leaders of the Pharisees Paul was. He was not a liberal Sadducee but a conservative Pharisee and the leader of the persecution. 

6  Concerning zeal, persecuting the church, the church at Jerusalem. Paul or Saul destroyed the church at Jerusalem. He was against Jesus Christ Acts 26 verse 9-12 (read thoses verses). In I Timothy 1 verse 13 we read the following verse: Who was before a blashemer, adn a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained  mercy, because I did it iignorantly in unbelief. 

7 According the Law righteous and he was blameless. But he didn't know that he was a sinner in that time. In that time he never thought about this. In his religion Saul's heart was not right with God and the way he went was a dead end. The same could be said about unbelievers today who are on the way of the dead end. 

Philippians 3 verse 7 and 8

But what things were gain to me, theose

I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless,

and I count all things but loss for the excellency

of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:

for Whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do

count them but dung, that I may win Christ

Verse 7: On the way to Damascus everything changed for Saul of Tarsen. God changed His life. Saul was the bitterest enemy on earth! Near Damascus Paul met the resurrected Lord from heaven. In Acts 9 verse 3-6 we read: And as he jouneyed he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persectutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and asthonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do" The life of Paul wasn't the same after he met the Lord Jesus Christ from heaven. From a enemy he became a servant of Jesus Christ. From a murderer and a oppressor he became the apostle of the Gentiles. What was gain to him, all what he was before became loss for Christ. It didn't mean nothing anymore for him. Christ was all, the life in Him. 

Verse 8: So everything before his conversion: Pharisee, Jew, High education: all those things were loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. In Colossians 2 verse 2 and 3 we read: That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom an knowledge.  The excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord is above all human thinking and above all diploma's we have or benefits in the flesh. It is the full knowledge of Christ in the practice of every day my dear brothers and sisters! 

Philippians 3 verse 9

And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the 

law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness

which is of God by faith. 

Verse 9: And be found in Him: righteousness! Paul was righteousness through the faith of Christ. And so we are the same my brothers and sisters. You don't deserve justice to hold the Law of God, or to be good for you neighbours or attending every Sunday the local church, being waterbaptized. With this you are not just for God and you cannot reach God with this. In Romans 3 verse 19-22 we read: Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the rigtheousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference.  It is the faith of Jesus Christ who saves a man and justifies a man. On the cross on Calvary this all was accomplished! In Romans 4 verse 25 we read: Who was deliverd for our offences, and was raised again for our justification

Philippians 3 verse 10-12

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the 

fellowship of His sufferings, being made comfomable unto His death;

If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead

Not as thoug I had already attained, either were already perfect;

but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I

am apprehended of Christ Jesus

Verse 10 and 11: It was the wish, the deep wish of the apostle Paul to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Paul longed to spiritual insight and knowledge (deeper knowledge-epignosis) in Christ. Paul knew Christ not according the earthly ministery, under the former Dispensation, not according to the flesh. In 2 Corinthians 5 verse 16 we read: Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, thought we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth knwo we Him no more. Our Lord Jesus Christ is now on the right hand of the Father in heaven! We read in Ephesians 3 vers 19-21: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when He raised Him form the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that wich is to come" This power, the power of His ressurection wanted the apostle experience daily! And we too my dear brothers and sisters just as the apostle Paul!!! This in the practice of daily life!!! Surely we have to suffer see Romans 8:17 but our future is so good my dear brothers and sisters. In Romans 6 verse 11 we read according our position in Christ the following: "Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord" First we have to recognize that our old man, the former man in Adam is dead and in the grave and we are a new man in Christ and live forever!!! This should be daily to be in our mind and that we can do all things through our Lord Jesus Christ, through His ressurection power what is in us!!!! We need everyday to read our daily spiritual food in the epistles of the apostle Paul which are a part of the Bible Romans 16 verses 25 and 26 which strengthen us and is for the obeying of the faith!!!

Verse 12: In position we are perfect in Christ. In Colossians 2 verse 10 we read: And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power" In our daily walk we aren't not complete. Sometimes we are far from complete because of sin. However we can like the apostle Paul did to follow after, that we apprehended it what we learn here from the apostle in this verse. We are saved sinners and we have to do with the presence of sin and our sin nature we are born with. This is not a excuse for us not to follow after that which is perfect in Christ. Brothers and sisters: we have to follow Paul as he followed Christ also in this as long we are on this earth!  

Philippians 3 verse 13 and 14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are

behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus

Verse 13 and 14:  The apostle Paul wrote to his brethren in Christ Jesus at Philippi that he in his walk, daily life had not apprehended it. That he was not complete in his walk, daily life,  but he strove for perfection! This is also for us brothers and sisters. We have the same experience in the Lord as believers in Him. We should also strive just as the apostle Paul did! What we have to do is this and that the apostle Paul did: forgetting those things which are behind! This is to learn: to forget things which is behind. If we have troubles or if we did something wrong. Not to stand still with this but going forward. As humans  beings we tend to always look back. What does this Word say to us: don't look back!!! What has been has been. This was also a song of Boudewijn de Groot, one of famous Dutch singer songwriter. But he was right. It makes little sense to look back! We make mistakes and faults because of sin and sometimes we don't behave better than a unbeliever in this world and we can tell our Lord this all and leave it with Him and continue in the new life we hav in Him. 

It is better to look forward reaching forth unto those things which are before! What does that mean for the apostle Paul? What he says here is that he was reaching forward the rapture of the Body of Christ that we will stand before the Bema and get a prize. Sometimes we have people like Alexander in 2 Timothy 4 verse 14 and 15 where we read: Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according tho his works. Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. As we met people like this man we have to leave it with God and He shall judge over it. And we have to continue in His Gospel of the Grace Acts 20:24 and don't look back. Like the apostle Paul said in I Corinthians 9 verse 24 and 25: Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run , that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptable crown; but we an incorruptable. Brothers and sisters again we have just like the apostle Paul to strive for the mastery, to the first prize like in a racecourse! On the end of his life here on earth the apostle could say the following words: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at the day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7 and 8. Brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ: we can learn a lot of this and let's do the same like the apostle Paul did in his life here on earth as a servant for Christ. 

Philippians 3 verse 15 and 16

Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:

and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall 

reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have

already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind

the same thing

Verse 15:  We are perfect in Christ my brothers and sisters. Colossians 2 verse 10 we read: And ye are complete in Him, which is the Head of all principality and power.  We just have still the sin nature but in position we are in Him complete, perfect. God sees us in His Son Jesus Christ perfect, complete. In our daily life, walk,  we can never be perfect. But the apostle said there let us be minded!! We are in Him full grown sons and daughters and we can like Paul strife in our daily life run that we may obtain that maturity in our walk too. In any thing be otherwise minded. This means that there will be differences between brothers and sisters, little differences but this does not belong to be a stumbling block between the one brother and the other brother or sister if we commenly stand for the truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God because God can give insight from His Word and He shall do it if we desire, want it. Apparently there were believers at Philippi who had arguing with each other. We read in chapter 4 verse 2 the following verse: "I beseech Euodias, and beseech Synteche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord" 

Verse 16: What is to walk by the same rule? As believers in daily life walk by the same rule and same mind that means that they have this in mind and do: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, whih was also in Christ Jesus" Philippians 2: 3-5. As a believer you humble yourself relative to the other brother or sister. 

Philippians 3 verse 17-19

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them

which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk

of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping

that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose

glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 

Verse 17: The last verses are about our daily walk as believers in Christ. The apostle called the brothers and sisters in Philippi and us inclusive to be followers together of him. In I Corinthians 4 verses 15 and 16 we read the following verses: For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.  In that time when Paul wrote this epistle to the saints at Philippi there was division under the saints there as it is today. That's why he calls them to mark them which walk so as ye have us (Paul , Timotheus, Epaphroditis) for an ensample. They are the example to follow: first in the Gospel of the Grace of God and walking according to God's Grace. This is what the brethren had to do in Philippi and we too because we are of the same Body of Christ. We still live under the Dispensation of the Grace of God Ephesians 3:1-3!!!  We have not to follow the Christian world which is divided in so much churches with all rules. No we have to follow Paul as he followed Christ in the Gospel of the Grace of God. To stand for the truth, doctrine of Grace and not being tossed and fro like other believers. Ephesians 4 verse 14 and rightly dividing the Word of truth 2 Timothy 2:15! 

Verse 18: Many walk otherwise. Who are those many men? Are those people believers who don't know the truth and oppose it? Paul had to weep about these people who walked otherwise. These were people who didn't believe in Christ and in the glory of the cross so they can be saved. They are the enemies of the cross. And we were like them my brothers and sisters! Look with me to Ephesians 2 verse 2 and 3: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others" The apostle Paul gives Timotheus and us  in II Timotheus 3 verse 5 the following instruction: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. This means not that we don't have to talk to them or to have any contact with them. It means to have distance to unbelievers in this that we have not to walk how they walk. Our walk is different. And in Ephesians 4 verse 17 and 18 we read: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated form the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. 

Verse 19: The apostle Paul goes on here in this verse about the unbeliever, the person without God in his or her life. The end for him or her is destruction!  What does that mean destruction? The end will be a ruin. If people, in this life on earth, under this Dispensation of God's Grace,  will not accept the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior, their end will be destruction, a ruin!!! In II Thessalonians 1 verses 7-9 we read: And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be reavealed from heaven with His mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence  Their belly is their god, whose glory is in their shame. They mind earthly things. We have not mind earthly things my brothers and sisters: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. for ye are dead, and your life is hd with Christ in God Colossians 3 verse 2 and 3

Philippians 3 verse 20 and 21

For our conversation is in heaven from whence also we look 

for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Who shall change

our vile body that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious

body, according to the working whereby He is able even

to subdue all things unto Himself.  

Verse 20: Our walk is different than the person who don't believe in the Saviour Jesus Christ, our Lord! We have known Christ in our lives and accept Him as personal Saviour. In Ephesians 4 verse 20-24 we read: But ye have not so learned Christ: if so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off corcerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.  We , my brothers and sisters, are no longer anymore in Adam, that was our former state and like others in Adam we were dead in trespasses and sins Ephesians 2 verse 1.  Our walk is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ" Other verses to  prove this are Titus 2 verse 13, I Thessalonians 4 verses 13-18 and I Corinthians 15 verses 49-55. Read those verses my dear brothers and sisters!!! This is our Hope!!! Christ will come and will take us to heaven on the day of the Rapture!!! This will be very quick, in a twinkling of a eye!!! We as Body of Christ will be recorded and then we will be forever be with the Lord Jesus Christ litteraly in heaven!!

Verse 21: He, God, will change our vile body, this body which is corrupt because with this body we cannot reach heaven! That's why God will change our vile body on the day of the Rapture and that will be a body, a spiritual body which is fashioned like unto His glorious body. A body which is uncorruptable. From that moment we can never sin anymore! This is fantastic!!! We have to look forward to it as members of the Body of Christ. According to teh working whereby He is able een to subdue all things unto Himself. God works independent after His own council!!! This shows His greatness, His mighty power!

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Philippians 4 verse 1 and 2

Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for,

my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved

I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same

mind in the Lord. 

The layout of this chapter:

Verse 1-3: Admonition to be of one mind among each other

Verse 4-7: Peace with God, the key of joy and rejoicing in the Lord

Verse 8-20: The Presence of God in Practical Joy and Daily Practice

Verse 21-23: Greetings

Verse 1: Paul named his brethren (brothers and sisters) in the Lord beloved and longed for. They were his joy and crown and he admonish them to stand fast in the Lord and in His Word of Grace Acts 20:32. Again he said to them my dearly beloved!  In I Thessalonians 2 verse 19 and 20 we read: For what is our hope, or joy, or crown or rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy.  This was the same with the saints at Philippi. To stand in the Lord is to stand for the truth, for the glorious Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24, Romans 16:25-26 for which the apostle Paul was in prison and suffer a lot for it because he stood for the truth till the end of his life on earth my dear brothers and sisters!!!

Verse 2: There was one problem in the local church at Philippi. There were 2 women who weren't agree with each other. These women were Euodia and Syntyche. They were very known in the local church at Philippi and maybe they were dominant women. There was a big conflict between those women and this almost caused a rupture in the local church. Each of them probably wanted to be right. It further hindered the mutual relations between brothers and sisters in the congregation. You got the same situations as in the church in Corinth. That's why Paul admonish the saints and specially those women to be likemind in the Lord Jesus Christ. To stand jointly together for the truth, the Gospel of Gods Grace Colossians 1:5, 6 Acts 20:24, 32. That's why Paul in Philippians 2 verse 3 said: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. And read Philippians 2 verse 4-12. Probably these women had forgotten how to walk and how to deal with each other. If you forget how to walk in the Lord throught His Word of Grace than you began to walk according your flesh and maybe this happened here at Philippi between these women. satan benefits from this. He likes this because his work is to keep people off from God's Word and specially God's Word of Grace Acts 20:32.  That's why it is also important for us as believers to stand for what we read in Ephesians 4:2-6. To keep the unity of the Spirit! That we have this in common in our Lord Jesus Christ!!!

Philippians 4 verse 3

And I entreat thee also, ture yokefellow, help those women

which laboured with me in the Gospel, with Clement also,

and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the

book of life

Verse 3: Paul had met these women Euodias and Syntyche because they had laboured with him in the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24. They stood for the truth with Clement, one of the brothers of the local church at Philippi. They all were fellowlaborers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul knew them very well and this is a very earnest admonishing to the other brothers to help those women! The most important things in conflicts is that you can talk with each other about it. In this conversation this must not be a wright-wrong game but open and honestly. They, the other saints at Philippi had to come with a solution from God's Word to solve this problem between these women.  The saints to whom Paul wrote at Philippi had not to do it alone but with more laborers in the Lord Jesus Christ whose names are in the book of life!  We too brothers and sisters are in the book of life like they are!!!

Philippians 4 verse 4 and 5

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice

let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord

is at hand

Verse 4: Rejoice!!!  Rejoice in what? In the Lord always!!! Rejoice, it sounds like a whoop! My brothers and sisters we can only rejoice in our Lord because He has done everything for us. He has saved us through His Son Jesus Christ. We are in Him and in Him we have all blessings Ephesians 1:3. This is the answer for us to have joy in our lives. Maybe we are in troubles or in a sad situation because of loss, sickness or other setbacks in our lives now. Here is the answer to have joy: Rejoice in the Lord always!!! In Him we are more than conquerors: Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us! Romans 8 verse 37  He gave His life for us Romans 5 verse 8 and 9. We are righteous in God's eyes through Christ Jesus!! He sees us in Christ, His Son! Romans 4 vers 25 and 5 verse 1 tells us: Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" There is so  much to Rejoice!!! Let us do it as believers in Him! That's why Colossians 3 verse 1-3 admonish us with the following words: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, whre Christ sitteth on the right hand of god. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. The more we do this in our lives my brothers and sisters the more gladness, joy and the more to rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ because we are in Him Galatians 2:20!!!

Verse 5: Let your moderation be known unto all men. What does this word means moderation: is gentle, patient. We are exhorted to gentleness and good temper towards all believers in Christ and unbelievers. In things indifferent do not run in extremes. We have to judge graciously, unselfishly concerning one another as brothers and sisters. In conflicts like here in Philippi the Lord is at hand: He will take vengeance on our enemies and reward our patience. In Ephesians 5 verses 8 and 9 we read: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" And in 2 Timothy 2 verse 24 we read: And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient"  Here we have it my dear brothers and sisters the same word patient, gentle, moderation. This is a learning process and we have to learn this and grow in it. From ourselves we haven't but in our Lord Jesus Christ He does the work and the will in us! 

Philippians 4 verse 6 

Be careful for nothing: but in everything

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known unto God

Verse 6: This verse is very clear my dear brothers and sisters! Be careful for nothing! As men we always worry about things. God says here be careful for nothing. Yes you say but that is to easy. But God is always with us and in Him we are safe. Let everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving made be known unto God. He knows our hearts brothers and sisters. He asks us to pray to Him and make everything known to Him and also our requests! With thanksgiving because we are already complete in Him. In I Thessalonians 5 verses 16-18 we read : Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: fo rthis is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. This is what God asks from us to do. Praying to Him is talking to Him and is very important. But you will say but God knows everything from me why should I pray to Him. Well this is the will of God  because He wants a real relation with us and that we make everything known to Him with thanksgiving.

Philippians 4 verse 7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

Verse 7: The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, which is above us shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. This peace which God gives us, even if it is restless in our lives and we don't see it anymore God still gives us his peace. It is to rest in God that He has all in control and rest in the finished work of Him. This peace goes beyond all the tragedies and problems we have  here on earth. This peace of God gives our hearts and thoughts be in Christ Jesus. God is a God of peace, not of war and He wants us to make known all the things what we have trouble with and He gave us peace! Not the peace which we know in this world because there is only war because of the sin in the world. He gave us peace and rest in Him!!! What a joy to know this and from this Word of Him we know that not everything we ask for we shall receive but what we receive is more: peace of Him!!!

  Philippians 4 verses 8 and 9

Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true,whatsoever things

are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard

and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you 

Verse 8: Finally, these are last words of the apostle Paul to the saints at Philippi. First we have to think about these last words of the apostle Paul here. This should be on our minds: What should be on our minds? Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, are of good report. True: untrue things must not be in our minds. How can we overcome these untrue things? Through reading Gods Word of truth, the Gospel of the Grace of God Acts 20:24 and to stand for this and live it. We have to lead God's Spirit in our lives. That He may do the Work of Him in us!! Through the Spirit of God we can do all those things.  If there be any virtue or goodness, if there be any praise and we have to praise God for everything we received! We have to think about those things. First in our minds, then to let God's Holy Spirit leads us through His Word and make it our own that it will be a part of our life. This is what God wants us to do and what He through the apostle tells us here in this verse.

Verse 9: In this verse the apostle Paul at first writes to the saints at Philippi and us inclusive. What ye have learned, received, heard and seen in him Paul. Do! This is action: Do! What had the saints at Philippi learned: the Gospel of the Grace of God, how they had to walk, what Christ had done for them, the hope in Christ, the change of the vile body that this will take place at the Rapture. Not to be afraid but to pray everything to God. That they learned that God is a God of peace and not of war. This also applies to us my dear brothers and sisters. If we be lead by Gods Spirit by His Word than such things will play a roll in our lives and people can see it in this world. 

Philippians 4 verse 10-12

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath

flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked oppertunity

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever

state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and 

I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed

both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need

Verse 10: The apostle rejoiced in the Lord greatly because the saints at Philippi were at last again to think about him and to take care about it.  That flourished again! Probably because of the conflicts they had in the local church with these women Euodia and Syntyche who were not on the same mind, they forget to think of Paul and were busy with fleshly things. Now it was different and after the lacking oppertunities they came back to think about him and to take care for him. The apostle rejoiced in it. It was not only to think about the apostle. They had send also goods when he was in Thessalonica and in 2 Corinthians 11 verse 9 we read: And when I was  present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself  The apostle Paul asked never money or goods and wanted to be independent from any men. This was his attitude in the Gospel of the Grace which he proclaimed. This was also that nobody could blame for this that he lived from the Gospel. We can learn from it and also to be independent from other people. 

Verse 11: The apostle Paul says there that he has no lack because he has learned in whatsoever stat he was, therewith to be content. He, Paul was really content in every situation he was in. Who had learned him this? Our Lord Jesus Christ! Only from Him he had learned this because of himself he never could have learned this. We too my brothers and sisters are sometimes far of contentness. If we be lead by God's Spirit through His Word of Grace than it will also work and we will be also content. However, there are often things that get in the way and than we aren't satisfied. Let us not look to the circumstances we are in but to focus on Christ and what He had said in 2 Corinthians 12 verse 9: And He said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Just like the apostle Paul we have to have such a attitude and to think always that God's Grace sufficient is for us. 

Verse 12: The apostle knew what was abasement, indignity and he knew that was to be abound. In I Corinthians 4 verse 11 we read: Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst and are naked and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace.  Yes the apostle knew what was hunger, nakedness and slay down with fists, once he was stoned and he was a few times in the deep. Paul suffered a lot for our Lord. We brothers and sisters have no hunger like Paul or have no certain dwellingplace. We have a dwellingplace to sleep. Most of us has houses from ourselves. The apostle Paul didn't have it. We have to be thankful every day for this. Read for yourselves 2 Corinthians 11 verses 22-33. Here you can read all the sufferings the apostle had. Acts 9 verse 16, Philippians 1: 29. We have to follow Paul as he followed Christ in the Gospel of the Grace of God my brothers and sisters! 

Philippians 4 verse 13

I can do all things through Christ 

which strengtheneth me

Verse 13: Despite all the humiliation and sufferings, hardship says the apostle Paul here in this verse: I can do all things through Christ Which strengtheneth me. He says that he is be able to do all things through Christ, Which strengtheneth me. The apostle Paul trusted 100% on the Lord Jesus Christ and trusted not his flesh. God gave Paul in Christ all the power (dunamis), the power of His resurrection to go on, to continue to proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God despite he was a prisoner and was in hardship every day. This power is also in us my dear brothers and sisters. His power is working in us with His Word of Grace. It is the resurrection power that lives also in us. We were dead in trespasses and sins Ephesians 2:1 but we are quickened and alive in Christ!!! In Philippians  3 verse 10 and 11  is written that we may to experience this power everyday in our lives: That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and th fellowship of His sufferings, being made comformable unto His death. If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead" This was the life of the apostle Paul and this should be also for us my dear brothers and ssiters. We died with Him on the cross, were buried and are resurrected with Him Romans 6:3-9, Ephesians 2:1-6. With the apostle Paul we too can say: I can do all things through Christ Which strengtheneth me" What a firmness we see here!This is a very constructive text my dear brothers and sisters!  We have another verse which is almost the same in Ephesians 1: 19: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to uw ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty power"

Philippians 4 verse 14

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did

communicate with my affliction

Verse 14: The saints at Philippi had done well done. They knew that Paul wascalled to account for the Gospel of the Grace of God. Acts 20:24. God had appointed him, Paul, to the Gospel of Grace and this to proclaim under the nations. He suffered a lot for the Lord Jesus Christ and these brothers communicated with his afflictions. They joined in his sufferings what he suffered in prison in Rome. We just read that a lot of the saints at Philippi waxing confident by his bonds and were much more bold to speak the Word of God without fear.  The apostle Paul was very glad with it and praise them for their attitude. 

Philippians 4 verse 15
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the Gospel,

when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me

as concerning giving and receiving but ye only

Verse 15: The apostle Paul remembered the saints at Philippi that no church communicated with him as concerning giving and receiving than only them! Through all this communication with Paul there was more than only a visit. The church at Philippi began in the house of Lydia.That was the beginning which is spoken here. In Acts 16 verse 40 we read : And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. The saints at Philippi helped Paul  to send him goods. They were the only local church who did this. No other church was like them.In II Corinthians 8 verse 1-8 we can read about giving and in II Corinthians 9 verse 7 we read: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of neccesity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" Brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, the saints at Philippi were a example how it should be!!

Philippians 4 verses 16 and 17

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again 

unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift:

but I desire fruit that may abound to your account

Verse 16: After Philippi the apostle went to Thessalonica but we read in Acts 17 that he an Silas were not secure there because of a uproar in this city so they had to fled from this city again and the brethren send once and again unto Paul's necessity. Maybe they send him food and other things like clothes.

Verse 17: He, Paul, had not asked them and had not desired this gift. He never asked people money or other things.  But the fruit of giving through God's Spirit in these saints was so great! They were an example in the Lord Jesus Christ in this! They were the only local church who did this. This had a lot impact on Paul. They gave with a cheerful heart! For us brothers this is really a example. Let us do the same like they did. We can give money or other things on organizations like Berean Bible Society in the USA or other organizations who spread the Gospel of the Grace of God in this world. It is not how much we give but that we give with a cheerful heart! 

Philippians 4 verse 18 and 19

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Ephaphroditis the things

which were sent from you an odeur of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing

to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

Verse 18: The apostle Paul had received all. He had all the spiritual blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ wherewith he was blessed and we too my brothers and sisters. Now he had received from Epaprhroditis goods from the saints at Philippi and this was send from them as an odeur of a sweet smell, a sacrifice, wellpleasing to God. In Galatians 6 verse 6 we read: Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. They that had been taught must support with money or goods to the one who teacheth them. This is exactly what the saints did at Philippi! They were the only ones who did this! 

Verse 19: What a beautiful verse is this: My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! What is too short will be supplemented by God. Through His Word what goes together with God's Spirit. This also applies to us if we follow in the footsteps of this dear saints at Philippi. We have to proclaim just like Paul the Gospel of the Grace of God to this world my dear brothers ans sisters. To everyone who wants to listen to this wonderful News!!

Philippians 4 verse 20, 21, 22 and 23

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever

and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus.

The brethren which are with me greet you. 

All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of

Caesar's household. The Grace of our Lord Jesus

Christ be with you all. Amen

Verse 20: The apostle Paul had a deep relationship with God. He praised God and our Father and says: be glory for ever and ever. Amen. God is always with us. He is allmighty! To Him is the glory for ever and ever. He has done everything for us. It is His Work! In Ephesians 2 verse 10 we read: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath befroe ordained that we should walk in them" This is how the apostle Paul in his life on earth experienced it and we can too experience this in our lives my dear brothers and sisters! 

Verse 21: Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. Paul urges the Philippian saints to greet every believer in Christ from him from Rome. Also for us this is important to do. In some of his epistles the apostle Paul mentioned names of saints. Here on the end of the epistle to the saints at Philippi he didn't but urges the saints at Philippi to salute everyone who is a believer in Christ. This is all inclusive. They received also from the brothers and sisters who were with Paul in prison or out of prison like Luke, Aristarchus greetings. Read Colossians 4 verse 10 and 14. 

Verse 22: All the saints in Christ who were in Rome greet the brethren at Philippi. Under them the ones who were of Caesar's household. Also in the house/ palace of Caesar came people to believe in Christ and that was through the power of God's Word. God's Grace saves people! The soldiers who Paul guarding told others of this amazing Grace of God. Maybe they were alreday saved and proclaimed the Gospel of the Grace of God to others in the palace of Caesar. Many came to believe in Christ Jesus. This was a fact. In 2 Timothy 4 verse 16 and 17 we read: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  In spite of his prisonship the Word of Gods Grace was not bound and is not bound and penetrates people's hearts! 

Verse 23: The apostle Paul closes this epistle with the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. This is the theme of every epistle of him. God is the God of Grace and peace now under this Dispensation of Grace! This is His love for us through His Son Jesus Christ Who gave Himself for us on the cross, was buried and is resurrected from the dead I Corinthians 15:3-4. He still offers Grace because we still live under this Dispensation of Grace Ephesians 3:1-3. This Grace, Gods Grace be with us all my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus! Amen!