Philippians – Page 2 – Three Minute Bible

May 12, 2025May 12, 2025

Philippians 1:7b – The Last Place

Picture of a prison door, with a sign in front that reads, "The Last Place" (Grok)

… whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.

Summary: Paul, writing from prison, talks about sharing in the grace of God. This leads us to wonder about what “grace” is and what it means.

Have you ever noticed that whatever you are looking for, you always find it in the last place you look? It’s funny because it is true! It is also “funny” (odd) because sometimes the last place we look is the last place we would ever think to look.

For example, whoever thought the world would be saved by someone crucified by the Romans two thousand years ago?

May 10, 2025May 11, 2025

Philippians 1:7a – Emotional Need

Picture of an old country church superimposed against a large translucent red heart. (Grok)

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart …

Summary: Paul continues his introductory remarks by explaining why he feels so strongly about the Philippians.

Emotions are a tricky thing. As people, we are susceptible to being emotionally needy.

To some extent, everyone is emotionally needy before they meet Jesus. We all need to be reunited with our Father, God.

May 9, 2025May 9, 2025

Philippians 1:6 – God Never Quits

… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Summary: God has started a “good work” in everyone who believes in Jesus Christ.

If you were wondering why Paul prayed “with joy” every time he prayed for the Philippians, now we know!

May 8, 2025May 9, 2025

Philippians 1:5 – Good News

A picture with the word "GOSPEL" floating in the center and the following acronyms scattered around the word "GOSPEL" -- CPU, CFO,ROI, MBA, SAT, DNA, MRI, ASAP, DIY, PIN
(Grok)

… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

Summary: Words matter, and the Bible’s words matter the most. Helping people understand the gospel is often a matter of making sure we are using words correctly.

What does it mean to have a partnership in the gospel?

The word “partnership” seems straightforward. Paul acknowledges the support he has received from the Philippians. The word “gospel” is a little different.

May 7, 2025May 8, 2025

Philippians 1:4 – The Source of Joy

Picture of a baby wearing a BIG smile! (Pixabay)

In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy…

Summary: Paul’s joy is an indicator of a special relationship with the Philippian church.

This verse alone tells us a lot about Paul’s relationship with the Philippians. His prayer for them is filled with joy.

Paul’s other letters all convey his love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, but his relationship is different with each one.

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025

Philippians 1:3 – A Special Place

Picture of Paul and a small group meeting alongside the river outside Philippi (Grok)

I thank my God every time I remember you.

Summary: Paul’s thankfulness for the church at Philippi is a sign of his love for them and his memories of his time with the Philippians.

Do you know anybody you’d do that for?

Do you know someone, whom every time you think of them, you literally thank God for that person?

May 5, 2025May 5, 2025

Philippians 1:2 – Grace and Peace

A gray momma cat and her kitten. (Pixabay)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Summary: Paul’s introduction affirms that God’s grace extends to all who believe. In the same sentence, he describes the result of God’s grace; God’s peace.

When Paul offers us “grace and peace” from God, it helps if we understand how he is using those words. The grace and peace he is talking about are not just pleasantries. They are real things.

Let’s begin with “grace.”

May 3, 2025May 4, 2025

Philippians 1:1c – Church Leaders

Graphic of an "org chart" for church leadership (Grok)

… together with the overseers and deacons:

Summary: This letter is unique because the introduction includes “overseers and deacons.” Their presence in the letter’s opening lines gives us an opportunity to explore who these people are.

In some ways, Paul’s letter to the Philippians is unique. Like his other letters, Paul expounds on the love of Christ and the heart of the Gospel. Unlike his other letters, he singles out “overseers and deacons” in his greeting.

Why is this important?

May 2, 2025May 2, 2025

Philippians 1:1b – Vine and Branch

Picture of grapevine and branches with grapes (Pixabay)

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi…

Summary: God’s people are special because they are family.

If you had to pick one person to act as the key spokesman for introducing Christianity to the Gentile world, it is hard to imagine someone better suited to the job than Paul.

Paul’s expertise as a Pharisee gives him extensive knowledge, not only of the history of Jewish traditions and laws, but the theology, or academic underpinnings, behind those laws. Paul understands the heart of Judaism.

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025

Philippians 1:1a – One Voice

Picture of an old fashioned family album (Grok)

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus…

Summary: As we begin our meditations on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we are prompted to reflect on God’s Word as his family album.

I often think of the Bible as God’s family album. Even without pictures, the Bible includes “portraits” of people who are important to God and who are part of his story.

Of course, we are all important to God! He loves us without a doubt! Yet, some people play a more prominent role than others (1 Corinthians 12:18-20).