Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
…we who serve God by his Spirit…
Summary: The concept of serving God is clearly explained in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, obedience becomes more Spirit-driven.
If you ever wonder why it takes us so long to get through a short book of the Bible, this passage is a great example of why.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:3b – Serving God”
For it is we who are the circumcision…
Summary: Understanding what Paul means by “we who are the circumcision” requires a brief look back at the history of the Bible.
In the Old Testament, circumcision was given by God to Abraham and every male that was with him (Genesis 17:10). When we talk about circumcision of the flesh in the Old Testament sense, we are talking about something that is uniquely male. Interestingly, when we talk about circumcision in the New Testament sense, it can apply to both men and women.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:2a – Old and New”
Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.
Summary: Paul’s use of name-calling serves a specific purpose, and it might not be what you expect.
There is a saying I remember from childhood when someone had harsh words to say about someone else — they would say, “Them’s fighting words!” If somebody were to call you a “dog,” you might feel inclined to defend your honor. If so, that is because “dog,” “evildoer,” and “mutilator of the flesh” all fall into the “fighting words” category.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:2 – Fighting Words”
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Summary: This passage leaves us with both questions and answers. If done cautiously, it can be constructive to consider why Paul wrote what he did.
I notice that Paul says he is writing “again.”
Do you ever wonder what happened to Paul’s first letter to the Philippians?* I suppose that it must have been lost or misplaced. Perhaps, at some point, people started realizing that Paul’s letters were valuable.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1b – Authority and Clarity”
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!
Summary: Rejoicing in the Lord sounds rather simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, even when we put our faith in Jesus, we are still able to take pride in ourselves.
Do Christians still know how to “rejoice in the Lord?” Sometimes I wonder if rejoicing has become a lost art.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:1a – A Lost Art”
He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.
Summary: We know very little about Epaphroditus, and yet what we know is enough to realize that he lived a full and adventurous life in the service of the Lord.
Every truly good story is based around a hero or heroine who puts themselves at risk to save others. The ultimate risk, of course, is the risk of losing life itself.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:30b – God’s Emissary”
… and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.
Summary: Epaphroditus was someone who was deeply committed to the Lord’s work. His commitment to the Lord led him to serve Paul in his time of need, and that service put his life in danger.
Sacrifice demands honor.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:29b-30a – A Living Conundrum”
So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy…
Summary: Paul’s instruction to the Philippians contains a phrase that is key to our understanding of Christian living.
Paul’s words here are touching. Epaphroditus has been a lifeline to his brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Philippi. He travelled a great distance to bring gifts to Paul and support him during his unjust imprisonment, and then he almost died in his service to the Lord.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:29a – In The Lord”
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
Summary: This verse provides an excellent example of how the original Greek can help clear up questions about seeming contradictions in the Bible.
This verse provides the opportunity to clarify something that could be important to some.
The word Paul used when writing his letter was “alypos.” The NIV translation uses the English word “anxiety” here, but that is not a direct translation. Most English translations use a different word.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:28 – Paul’s Relief”
Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.
Summary: This passage provides another insight into Epaphroditus’s adventure and Paul’s feelings for his brother in Christ.
By now, it feels like we know Epaphroditus personally. He comes from Philippi, and he is devoted to the Lord. Because of his love for the Lord, he has given himself to serve both the church at Philippi and Paul.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:27 – Paul’s Sorrow”