Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… a Hebrew of Hebrews…
Summary: Paul’s description of himself as a “Hebrew of Hebrews” is not just a casual reference. The phrasing itself echoes Hebrew history and culture.
I am fairly certain that no one has ever claimed to be a “Norwegian of Norwegians.”
My parents were both Scandinavian, but pure bloodlines are not something that our culture values these days. It is okay to be part this and part that. Most of us are of mixed blood.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:5d – He Had it All”
… of the tribe of Benjamin…
Summary: Paul’s reference to the tribe of Benjamin was, no doubt, a point of pride. Yet, when we look at this history of Benjamin’s people, we find a sordid past overshadowing the good.
Our last meditation points out how God made the Hebrews keep a record of every major thing they did wrong. Even though Israel was blessed by God (Genesis 32:26-28), she continued to poke God in the eye every chance they got by doing the opposite of what God told them to do.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:5c – The Tribe That Almost Wasn’t”
[If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in] the flesh, I have more:
Summary: Following up on our last meditation, we take a more detailed look at the specifics of what the flesh is and how it relates to our spirit.
In our last meditation, we looked at the concept of the flesh metaphorically. In this one, let’s take a more objective look through the lens of Scripture.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh, Part 2”
[If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in] the flesh, I have more:
Summary: Understanding Paul’s language sometimes requires that we know Jesus to know what he is talking about.
Here is an interesting fact: To understand the “flesh,” you first have to be in the “spirit.”
What does that mean? Let’s use fish for an example.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:4c – The Flesh”
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”
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”
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”
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”