Summary Of Paul's Letter To Philippians

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Philippians has numerous intents or purposes contained within. For example, Paul gives thanks to God for to the Philippians generosity, he explains why he sent Epaphroditus back, he tells who his imprisonment has been a means of gospel advancement, he updates them on his future plans, and he warns them of false teaching and those that would distract them from the gospel. Nevertheless, Paul delivers to his readers the primary purpose of his letter to the church at Philippi within Philippians 1:27-2:18. Herein, Paul exhorts the Philippians to “[stand] firm in one spirit” as one “worthy of the gospel (1:27). This motif of persevering together as people “worthy of the gospel” is seen woven through the letter fastening it together like the thread that binds a seam, such as when Paul reminds the Philippians that they are “[partners] in the gospel from the first day until now” (1:5), or later in the letter when Paul urges the Philippians to press forward, “Not that I have …show more content…

27). This for the apostle is the one (μόνον) important demand he has for his readers.” In his commentary of Philippians Peter O’Brien identifies that the gospel was the central purpose, but in that Paul’s focus was to stand firm and be united in the gospel of Jesus. He concludes, “Yet it is a comprehensive exhortation that covers every aspect of their lives and stands as a rubric over the whole paraenetic section, 1:27–2:18. The two important issues that are highlighted in this segment are ‘standing firm’ and ‘being united’, and these are expressions of living together as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.” So, although there are numerous “purposes” found throughout Paul’s letter it is his urging of the Philippians to persevere together as a people “worthy of the gospel,” which shines the

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