The Joyful Letter: Paul's Epistle to the Philippians

By Howard D. Chaney

"All people should praise God for the remarkable beauty and effectiveness of this priceless personal letter preserved through so many dangers and centuries to bless the saints of all ages."

                                                                                             — Burton Coffman

The apostle Paul says, contentment doesn't come to us naturally. He gives us the key when he writes, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content (Philippians 4:11)." 

 

We can conclude from this that contentment is a learned state. Unfortunately, we do have to learn from our experience. We desperately pursue what we think will satisfy us. Finding disappointment, we move from one thing to the next just as soon as we realize the satisfaction is but temporary. Sometimes, it requires we experience the thing we most fear in order to realize true joy.

 

Paul tells us the secret to true contentment in his Philippian epistle. He explains joy and contentment begins in prayer and supplication having an attitude of thanksgiving. Then later, he writes,

 

"I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13)."

 

Paul has given us a reality that society doesn't teach. As we lift up our needs and longings, we experience unexplainable peace shown in the depths of Christ's power, beauty, and grace.

 

Of course, we can find our faith by delving into the Word of God. There we find Jesus Christ and the revelation that He is God. The reality is that we find Christ with the Word. When we use the precepts and principles given to us by Scriptures, we gain an insight and grow spiritually. The author of Psalm 119 gives us the benefits of living by the precepts of God's Word. In the NLT, Psalm 119:1 succinctly says, "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD." Further, the author points out,

"Everything you need to know about life is in the Bible somewhere. It is up to you to find it!"         

                                 — Howard D. Chaney

"If you want to be happy for a day, go golfing. If you want to be happy for a month, buy a car. If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, put your faith in Jesus Christ."

                                                                                             — Coach Lou Holtz

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Berean Press Ministries
• Release date: Feb 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393360360

Book preview

Preface

Happy? Are you truly happy? Yes, we seek happiness in life, and we do so in many ways for countless reasons. The simple fact is we all want to be happy. Here is something to think about, what does the term happiness evoke in you? Sometimes it is a vision of Christmas morning and unwrapping gifts. It can be a surprise on your birthday. We happily respond to something funny on TV, in movies, or from one of your online friends. We daydream of our next vacation or adventure. These things make us happy— at least for a time.

There are as many and varied views on the causes of happiness as factors correlating to contentment. Psychologists have been trying to measure satisfaction of people for centuries. Men, in their wisdom, have developed tools in the form of scales. They try to measure this emotion. Some measure global subjective happiness or produce a world happiness report. One organization focuses on the positive and negative effects. Yet another group measures our satisfaction with life. A recent Gallup poll asked people several questions. Do they experience enjoyment, laughing, or smiling a lot? Do you feel well-rested often? Are you treated with respect? Do you like learning or doing something interesting? This poll revealed nine of the top ten contented countries are in South America.¹ So, we have to question, why? Is it because of a more relaxed lifestyle?

Since we do seek happiness, there is always a danger of not meeting high expectations. When we do not, it can negatively affect our contentment. Common knowledge tells us happiness causes improved physical health. Studies show a feeling of well-being is higher for those who experience a wide range of emotions. It includes both positive and negative emotions. Sigmund Freud said all humans strive after happiness. He also says the possibilities of achieving it are restricted. Maybe it is because we are so made that we can derive intense enjoyment only from a contrast and very little from the state of things.²

I love what Nathaniel Hawthorne says about happiness.

Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.      —Nathaniel Hawthorne (American Novelist)

In a developmental phycology class, we studied the Hierarchy of Needs by Abraham Maslow. There are other similar human stages of growth theories. The Maslow hierarchy depicts a pyramid with ascending levels of human needs. These include basic needs, psychological needs, and self-fulfillment ascending needs. As we trudge through life, we climb each step of the pyramid. The steps include: 1) Basic physiological needs. 2) Safety needs. 3) Belongingness & love needs. 4) Esteem needs until reaching 5) self-actualization or achieving our full potential. Wikipedia defines self-actualization as,

Focusing on becoming the best person that one can possibly strive for in the service of both the self and others.³

As we ascend the pyramid of life, we meet moments of an extraordinary experience. Then profound moments of love, understanding, happiness, and emotional rapture. With these experiences, we can feel whole, alive, self-sufficient, and a part of the world.

The above-stated ideas and theories are fine to study and have some truth to them. Yet, everyone wants to be happy. We humans tend to make chasing this elusive ideal a lifelong pursuit. These pursuits include spending money, collecting things, and searching for new experiences. The LAB⁴ says,

But if happiness depends on our circumstances, what happens when the toys rust, loved ones die, health deteriorates, money stolen, and the party is over. Often happiness flees, and despair sets in.⁵

An accompanying contrast to happiness is joy. We use pleasure in the context of an emotional state or subjective well-being. Temporary pleasure brings us happiness. The Oxford Dictionary defines joy as a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. We should realize joy comes from a profound inner feeling of well-being or contentment. C. S. Lewis saw a clear distinction between joy or pleasure and happiness. He writes,

I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for Joy… I call it Joy, which is here a technical term and must be sharply distinguished both from Happiness and Pleasure. Joy (in my sense) has indeed one characteristic, and one only, in common with them; the fact that anyone who has experienced it will want it again... I doubt whether anyone who has tasted it would ever, if both were in his power, exchange it for all the pleasures in the world. But then Joy is never in our power and pleasure often is.⁶

Where does joy come from if not from happiness and pleasure? I love what the Life Application Bible says in its introduction to the epistle to the Philippians:

In contrast to happiness stands joy, running deeper and stronger, joy is the quiet, confident assurance of God’s love and work in our lives—that he will be there no matter what! Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ.⁷

Before starting this study through Philippians, please read it several times. This effort will give you a better understanding of the epistle and how to achieve joy. You cannot help but come to a better understanding of the cause of joyfulness.

According to Paul, contentment does not come to us as a natural occurrence. Philippians 4:11 gives us the key when Paul writes, I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. We can conclude from this contentment is a learned state. Unfortunately, we do have to learn from our experience. It seems to go something like this. We are desperate and pursue things we figure out will please us. Then disappointment comes. We move from one thing to the next only to realize the satisfaction is but temporary. Sometimes it requires we experience the thing we most fear to understand joy.

Paul tells us the secret to true contentment in Philippians 4:6-7. Here, he explains joy and contentedness begin in prayer and supplication. Our prayers must have an attitude of thanksgiving. Then later in chapter four, he writes,

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).

Here, Paul gives us a reality society doesn’t teach. As we lift our needs and longings in prayer, we experience unexplainable peace. A peace we find only shown in the depths of the power, beauty, and grace of Christ.

I thought it ironic when writing this my friend sent me a video of Lou Holtz. The video shows him giving an inspiring commencement speech. Coach Holtz has been one of my favorite speakers since I first learned of his speaking skill while he coached the University of Arkansas (1977 -1983). In the speech, Coach Holtz gave some sage advice to give to our children. He says,

If you want to be happy for a day, go golfing. If you want to be happy for a month, buy a car. If you want to be happy for a year, win the lottery. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, put your faith in Jesus Christ.⁸

Of course, we can find our faith by delving into the Word of God. There we find Jesus Christ and the revelation He is God. The reality is Christ is in the Word. According to Revelation 19:13, His name is called The Word of God. This passage tells us the name of Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

When we use the precepts and principles given to us by Scriptures, we gain insight. With this insight, we grow in the Spirit. The author of Psalm 119 gives us the benefits of living by the precepts of the Word. Psalm 119:1 says, Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord! The NLT is succinct when it says, Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. When led by God’s Word, we follow His instruction. In Psalm 119, we find we can remain pure (vs. 9), overcome scorn (vs. 22), and escape greed (vs. 36). He will enable us to resist sin (vs. 61), find believing friends (vs. 63), and live-in joy (vs. 111). We can only find joy by living in the Word. As such, it impossibly gives us a purer mind. Jesus gives the apostles the key to joy as recorded in John,

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:11).

Of course, the apostles remembering what Jesus told them, wrote the New Testament. It piques my interest when Buddha agrees with a simple precept of Jesus. He writes,

When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.⁹      — Gautama Buddha (ca. 480 to 400 BC)

I wrote The Joyful Letter with an assurance you can understand the Bible (Ephesians 3:3-5; 5:17). It is not my assurance, yet it is the assurance we find in the Scripture. Scripture and its simplicity are such that children find it fascinating and illuminating. The Bible is not a closed book. It is a revelation from God, and it is important to note He did not produce a book of ambiguous perplexity. Scripture enlightens men (Psalms 119:130). Any reader should be able to understand the simple message of salvation (Ephesians 3:4).

God gave the Scriptures to us and He expects us to use them to understand Him and His will. There is no difficulty in the Bible to keep a person from going to heaven. Yet, it does need faith and obedience to Jesus Christ. Once saved, the Holy Spirit supplies further insight. The Holy Spirit helps to understand the most difficult passages.¹⁰

As written in my earlier work, The Perfect Letter: Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians,

I love Scripture. Here is an important warning. If you are reluctant to read the Bible, then this book is not for you. We use Scripture to interpret Scripture. I use quotations from commentaries and other sources, including many references to early church writers. My ultimate goal is to teach with Scripture.

This book, The Joyful Letter, abounds with Bible verse quotes. It has many Bible verse references. It is better to use Scripture to make the point than write an extensive parallel narrative.

I pray that you read The Joyful Letter with an open mind to Scripture. My purpose in writing about Biblical subjects is to get people to think. It is consequential to reflect on the Scriptures we read. It is also critical to think about what you have learned about the Bible. There is nothing wrong with challenging things we have learned about Christianity. John and Paul both tell us to test all things (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). Paul even tells us to probe and examine ourselves to figure out if we are in the faith— or beliefs of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). And it is the faith that Scripture teaches. This includes nothing more and nothing less. Often, we learn dogmas that go beyond Scripture. Unfortunately, it is often without knowing Paul teaches not to go beyond Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6). This passage means for us to do what Scripture says and not add, nor take away from the Bible. This is still a principal concept for us today. Scripture has not changed just because society and culture have. Unfortunately, many denominational doctrines fall into the cultural trap and go beyond the confines Scripture gives us

I pray you’ll feel challenged and especially feel encouraged. I hope what you discover will delight and surprise you. I know sometimes historical viewpoints of Paul’s teachings might be troublesome. But Christian religious roots are in the Apostolic Church of the New Testament. If my church does anything different than what God reveals in the New Testament, I must question it. The intended purpose is to teach the Word of Truth and to show the reality of the gospel. As you learn Scriptural and historical perspectives, they’ll dispel errant religious teachings. If you’re grounded in the truth, you’ll find this pleasing and encouraging. Scripture’s reliability should be our only guide.

With humility, I offer The Joyful Letter with the prayer it pleases God, and it brings Him glory. I pray it provokes more study of Scripture and enables many to understand the Word of Truth. May it encourage obedience to the gospel plan of salvation and reach the ultimate joy, heaven.

Introduction

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.¹¹ The Philippians 4:4 verse, written while in prison, yet summoning an unparalleled strength, Paul encourages the Philippian church to rejoice. Paul expresses his joy because he knows no matter his circumstances, Jesus Christ is with him. Philippians 4:4 is the fundamental verse, and it is for good reasons since it confirms an established theme. The unmistakable theme of the Philippians epistle is: Rejoice in the Lord! Many scholars call the Philippian epistle Paul's joy letter.

As previously suggested in the Preface, if you read the Philippian epistle, the theme is clear. Throughout this short four-chapter epistle, there is a defining theme. The significant concept is joy. It is written on a personal note by the Apostle Paul, and he urges the Philippians to be joyful, most likely, because they needed to hear it.

Here are a few joyful facts. The notion of joy or rejoicing appears sixteen times in the letter. A form of the Greek word for joy we find five times,¹² and it is in a variety of Greek noun cases.¹³ The Greek word for joy is chara.¹⁴ The Greek verb translated to rejoice occurs eleven times,¹⁵ and again it is in a variety of Greek forms.¹⁶ The Greek verb translated rejoice is chairō.¹⁷ Considering these facts confirm the Philippian epistle as The Joyful Letter.

As Paul writes, he stays on topic. Each chapter shows his exceptional relationship with the Philippians. It is clear the joy they brought him. Each chapter singles out a manner of rejoicing. Chapter one - Rejoicing in evangelism and in facing death, or joy, in suffering. Chapter two -Rejoicing in lowly service and brotherhood, or joy, in serving. Chapter three - Rejoicing in imperfections and heavenly citizenship, or joy, in believing. Finally, in Chapter four - Rejoicing in anxiety and poverty, or joy, in giving.

In the Philippian epistle, Paul shows us several things that give him joy. Burton Coffman says in his commentary, Joy is the keyword of Philippians; and Barclay has given a beautiful outline of the joy Paul communicated in this loving letter.¹⁸ He goes on to delineate the list Barclay has supplied for us, they are:

The joy of prayer (Philippians 1:4).

The joy which comes when Jesus Christ is preached (Philippians 1:18).

The joy of faith 1:25).

The joy of seeing Christians in fellowship together (Philippians 2:2).

The joy of suffering for Christ (Philippians 2:17).

The joy of news of a loved one (Philippians 2:28).

The joy of Christian hospitality (Philippians 2:29)

The joy of the man who has been baptized into Christ (Philippians 3:1; 4:1).

The joy of the man who has won one soul for the Lord (Philippians 4:1).

The joy inherent in every gift, this being not in regard merely to its value but to the fact of another’s caring. (Philippians 4:10).

Although each chapter talks about rejoicing, there are six main sections of this epistle. They are: 1) The situation in Rome. 2) Exhortation to behavior worthy of the gospel. 3) Plans involving Timothy and Epaphroditus. 4) Warnings against Judaism and antinomianism.¹⁹ 5) Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace. And 6) Thanksgiving for their generosity.

The majority of scholars agree the apostle Paul is the author of the Philippian letter. John Eadie, in his elaborate, intricate, and expanded commentary, has this to say. The genuineness of the epistle was not questioned till a very recent period. The early external testimonies in its favour are very abundant.²⁰ The authorship by Paul finds support from many early church writers. It includes scholars like Polycarp, Irenaeus, and others.

Paul writes the epistle from Rome while held as a prisoner. He mentions his chains in Philippians 1:7. We do not know if the chains were literal or figurative. While not explicit yet verse 13 does say his chains are in Christ. But he refers to the whole palace guard. It is important because later he writes,

All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:21).

Paul does not mention Rome specifically. Some scholars use this fact to suggest other locations where Paul was a prisoner. It includes places like Corinth and Cæsarea. The reference to the Caesar household excludes the Herod family dwelling in Cæsarea or any location in Corinth. Philippians is one of the four prison epistles by Paul.²¹ There is a consensus by scholars Paul wrote these epistles during his imprisonment in Rome.²² One can assume, if this premise is true, then Paul wrote Philippians around AD 61-63 from Rome.

David Lipscomb is resolute about authorship as well as the time and location of writing. He writes,

This epistle was written by Paul while in bonds in the Praetorium (1:7-13). He sends greetings from Caesar's household (4:21); he expresses expectation of some crisis in his imprisonment (1:20-26); and confident hope of visiting Philippi (1:26; 2:24). All these indications place it in the first imprisonment of Paul in Rome which we know to have lasted two whole years (Acts 28:30), which certainly began in the year AD 61. Therefore its date must be somewhere towards the end of the imprisonment, in the year AD 63.²³

Epistle’s Purpose

The purpose of the epistle is to thank the Philippians for the gift they had sent. It is delivered to Paul by Epaphroditus. As an added benefit, it strengthened the believers at Philippi by showing them the true joy coming from Jesus Christ alone.

This epistle does not rectify a particular controversy. It does not chastise the Philippians. It does not combat error like the Colossians letter. While it is succinct and truthful, the epistle does not give us a new truth. Nor does it expose personal or inconsistencies. Nor pose doctrinal correction like some of his other letters. It does not even vindicate his apostolical prerogative and authority. Factually, the Philippians church sent him a gift to Rome. They are from a people who had distinguished themselves by similar kindnesses in former times. Again, Lipscomb writes,

Epaphroditus had brought the contribution of the Philippians to Paul. He entered into the work there, risking his life and contracting a serious illness; but his life had been spared of Paul and his brethren. Now Paul sends him back to Philippi, though he knows he will be very lonely without him; and he sends with him this letter of acknowledgment of their gifts, filled with commendation and encouragement, gratitude and love.²⁴

As written earlier, the church at Philippi had sent a gift to Paul. It is delivered to Paul in Rome by the hand of Epaphroditus (Philippians 4:10, 18). Paul certainly means to thank them. He also takes the opportunity to comfort them about his situation as a prisoner for Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:12-14). He takes time to write about his plans to send Timothy soon (Philippians 2:19-24). He then lets them know why he felt it necessary to send Epaphroditus back to them (Philippians 2:25-30). There may have also been a problem at Philippi involving two women. Yet Paul has few words to say about them (Philippians 4:2-3).

The City of Philippi

Philippi was a principal city of Macedonia, named after Philip of Macedonia. He was the father of Alexander the Great. It is a city on the Ignatian Way.²⁵ It is a road constructed by the Romans in the second century BC. Although built by the Romans for military purposes, it became a major trading route. It connected the Bosporus Straits to the West coast of Greece. The western point on the Grecian peninsula found about 100 miles from Brindisi. It is across the Adriatic Sea, from the Italian peninsula. Brindisi, Italy, is where the famous Appian Way²⁶ connects the rest of Italy. The Ignatian Way ran from Dyrrachium,²⁷ found on the West coast of modern-day Albania. Then east through Macedonia, Northern Greece, to Byzantium,²⁸ in Turkey. Many secondary roads are connected, so each region had access to the road. While it crossed the Grecian peninsula, it also passed along the North Coast of the Aegean Sea. It ran through or near many seaports. Besides Philippi, the road ran through several other cities. Some were Floina, Edessa, Pella, Amphipolis, Neapolis, and Aenus.

In Roman history, Philippi was also the site of a famous battle in 42 BC. It is where Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius. In 30 BC, Octavian named the town a Roman colony. It allowed retired soldiers to live and enjoy the full privileges of Roman citizenship. Roman colonies were guards of the empire frontier. Local colonies were part of the fortification system that made the empire safe.

There were many benefits to holding Roman citizenship, even if from a Roman Colony. Paul could attest to this fact since he was from the Roman Colony of Tarsus (Acts 21:39). Remember his Roman citizenship Paul held prevented a scourging in Jerusalem (Acts 22:22-29. The Roman commander continued to protect him from a Jewish plot secreting him away to Felix (Acts 22:23-31). Once in Cæsarea, he stayed in the Herod Prætorium. We also know later Paul uses his citizenship to appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:1-12). Being foretold the events followed the providence of God as Luke recorded in Acts,

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome (Acts 23:11).

The Philippian Church

Paul planted the Philippian church on his second missionary journey, and we can read about the beginning of the church at Philippi in Acts 16:11-40. Easton says the church at Philippi was the first-fruits of European Christianity.²⁹ I am not sure the Easton statement is correct. In his claim, it assumes none of the other apostles taught those who live in Europe. At least before Paul visited Macedonia. Remember Acts 2:10 specifically mentions there were visitors from Rome on the day of Pentecost which fell in late May, or early June AD 30. Some scholars contend this is the source for the beginnings of the Roman church. If so, this occurred almost twenty years before Paul visited Philippi. Paul later wrote the epistle to Christians at Rome. Yet no record exists of the church founding. Paul planted the church at Philippi during his second missionary journey (AD 49-52). Paul received a vision at Troas, and Luke writes,

A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, Come over to Macedonia and help us. (Acts 16:9).

Paul and his traveling companions Luke, Timothy, and Silas sailed from Troas, arriving at Philippi (Acts 16:6-12). Typical of the day, churches have humble beginnings. Lydia and her household conversions happened near the river at Philippi (Acts 16:13-15). Along with the Philippian jailor and his baptism (Acts 16:25-34), the church began at Philippi. There is no record of a synagogue in the city, so there may not have been many Jews present in the area. The church may have consisted primarily of Gentiles. It is clear women played a vital role in the church, as Paul writes,

I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. (Philippians 4:2-3).

Acts 16:16, 25 tell us about Paul and Silas and their imprisonment at Philippi. After a providential earthquake, they taught the Philippian Jailer and converted him. They must leave the city once released. Again, Roman citizenship of Paul played a role in their treatment. It gave them a chance to say goodbye to the brethren there (Acts 16:35-40). When Paul and Silas left to go on their way, Luke seems to have stayed in the area. If we are careful to observe the personal pronouns Luke used writing Acts, this premise is clear. In Acts 16:11, Luke used verbs which are first-person plural (we).³⁰ It includes himself in the group. Then in Acts 17:1, Luke changes to a deponent verb form, including the third person plural verb (they).³¹ The use of this verse excludes himself. Paul felt the infant church at Philippi needed a strong influence. What better representative than from one who traveled and learned directly from him? Paul may have sent Timothy and Erastus to Philippi. Later in Acts, Luke writes,

So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a time (Acts 19:22).

Paul again visited the church at Philippi during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:3, 6) on his way back to Jerusalem. The Philippian church gave Paul joy and satisfaction.

We can write much about the church at Philippi. The Philippians became a significant source of support for Paul.³² He showed his confidence in them by accepting their help. Such aid he received from no other congregation. His rule was to refuse gifts of money for himself.³³ His policy for profit is plain when he writes,

For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:17).

The NET Bible succinctly calls those who peddle the Word of God hucksters. When Paul made general efforts at raising gifts, they were for others. Especially for those poor saints in Jerusalem.³⁴ He knew the likelihood some would misconstrue the acceptance of gifts. But the exception in the case of the