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Paul’s Introduction Philippians 1:1-2. Studies in Philippians. Paul & Timothy (1-2). Paul, a bondservant Paul’s typical introduction, “Paul, an apostle…” ( 1 Cor. 1:1, Gal. 1:1, etc.) Here & Romans 1:1, Titus 1:1 , as a bondservant (& apostle) Philemon 1 – a prisoner of Christ Jesus.
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Paul’s IntroductionPhilippians 1:1-2 Studies in Philippians
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Paul, a bondservant • Paul’s typical introduction, “Paul, an apostle…” (1 Cor. 1:1, Gal. 1:1, etc.) • Here & Romans 1:1, Titus 1:1, as a bondservant (& apostle)Philemon 1 – a prisoner of Christ Jesus
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Paul, his background • Prior to his conversion, from Tarsus (called Saul), educated – Hellenistic and Jewish (by Gamaliel), a Pharisee, of Jewish stock (Philippians 3:5). He was advancing in Judaism • He gave it all up for Christ • NOW, he is in prison
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Paul, his background • As he writes to this predominantly Gentile congregation that was paying a price for their faith, he seeks to encourage them.
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Paul, a bondservant • Or servant. A fundamental description of Christians • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we were bought at a price • Romans 6:16-23, we are slaves (servants) of God • Luke 17:7-10, unprofitable servants doing our duty
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Timothy, a bondservant • A frequent traveling companion of Paul • First introduced in Acts 16:1-3, as Paul was visiting Derbe and Lystra • He traveled with Paul and was likely with him in Philippi as the church began there • He had a good reputation
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Timothy, a bondservant • He became a trusted friend and fellow worker with Paul. • He is mentioned in most of Paul’s letters (ex. Galatians & Ephesians) and Hebrews 13:23 • Because his father was a Greek, Paul had him circumcised (Acts 16:3) - so he could be helpful in teaching the Jews
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Timothy, a bondservant • He was fairly young. Some believe Paul was mentoring him, possibly to carry on his work • 1 & 2 Timothy, written to him • Familiar with Philippi, being sent to Macedonia later (Acts 19:22, 20:3-6). See also Philippians 2:19
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Lesson: Friends • In doing the Lord’s work, we need friends and fellow workers • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 • Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1, Jesus sent the apostles, and later the 70, “two by two”
Paul & Timothy (1-2) • Lesson: Friends • A friend can give you support, encourage you when discouraged, keep you on track, protect you (a witness, etc.) • The best way to learn to teach others, is to go with someone who can teach you.
To all the saints (1-2) • Written to the church in Philippi • The word “church” not used in introduction, but we find here the organizational structure of a congregation • In this letter, Paul addresses them as an entity (e.g. Philippians 1:3-5, etc.)
To all the saints (1-2) • Saints in Christ Jesus • Saints, “holy ones”,(also holy, sanctified, etc.) consecrated or dedicated to God. Distinguished from what is common • We are set apart to God, Titus 2:14, 1 Peter 2:9
To all the saints (1-2) • Saints in Christ Jesus • We are to live holy lives • 1 Peter 1:15-16 2 Corinthians 7:11 Thessalonians 4:7Hebrews 12:14 • We are called saints, 1 Corinthians 1:2
To all the saints (1-2) • Saints in Christ Jesus • NOTE: The church is His people – Ephesians 1:22-23 • 1 Corinthians 14:33, “as in all the churches of the saints” • NOTE: The saints are alive! Colossians 1:2, Philippians 4:21-22, etc.
To all the saints (1-2) • With the bishops • Overseers. A term used to describe those appointed to shepherd the flock (elders, pastors) – Acts 20:17 & 27, 1 Peter 5:1-2 • 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9, Acts 14:23, appointed in every church, must be qualified
To all the saints (1-2) • With the deacons • Descriptive of servants. The term is most often used to describe servants, Matthew 20:26, Romans 16:1 • Of Timothy, 1 Timothy 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (minister)Of Paul, Ephesians 3:7, Colossians 1:25 • Here, clearly an appointed office (cf. 1 Timothy 3:8-13)
Greetings (1-2) • Grace & Peace • Grace, similar to the usual Gentile greeting (similar to our hello). To look upon one favorably • Peace, the typical Jewish greeting (Shalom). A word meaning tranquility, the absence of strife.
Greetings (1-2) • Grace & Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ • God’s grace – Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:24, 6:14 • Paul often concluded his letters with this appeal, cf. Philippians 4:23
Greetings (1-2) • Grace & Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ • Peace with God – Romans 5:1, Philippians 4:6-7 • Gospel of peace, Romans 10:15 • Romans 14:17, a kingdom filled with • Romans 12:18, live peaceably with all men
Does the grace and peace of God rule in your heart? Studies in Philippians