This blog is about pages 136-137 in the book The Smart Guide to the Bible: Paul and the Prison Epistles.
Paul had four reasons for writing to the church in Philippi:
“1. Express his gratitude for the financial support from the Philippians sent with Epaphroditus. (4:10, 15-18)
2. Encourage the Philippians to live in joy regardless of their circumstances. (1:12-26; 4:4-9)
3. Influence those who are in disagreement to become united. (2:2-4; 4:2-3)
4. Correct the wrong teachings of legalism. (3:1-19)”
This means that the church was helping Paul financially, and although they were doing really well in a lot of ways, they were having problems with disunity and falling back on dependency on the law instead of the mercy that God offers. They were also struggling with being joyful in the middle of difficult situations, and Paul wanted to send them encouragement.
What amazes me is that while Paul wrote this, he was in jail. He was going through his own difficulties, and he was demonstrating this joy that can be obtained in all situations. I really admire that. It takes a great man to encourage people going through their own problems when his own problems are huge.
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