Who were the Philippians? The city of Philippi was located in what is now northern Greece, just inland from the Aegean Sea. It was on a main trade route during Paul’s day and, as a result, was ethnically diverse. Paul planted a church there, mainly Gentiles, on his second mission trip.
Paul’s Relationship with Philippians
Paul introduced his letter with his feelings for the Philippian church. Philippians 1: 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. 7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.[1]
This feeling must have been mutual because Philippi had sent a gift to Paul via Epaphroditus. One reason Paul wrote this letter was to say thank you. Philippians 4: 18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus.[2] Paul also takes advantage of this letter to write a warning to a church he loved.
Reading Between the Lines
There seems to be a problem with pride and division in the church if we pay attention to what Paul writes. Philippians 1: 15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.[3]
Philippians 2: 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.[4]
These same problems still happen in the church for us today. We can learn from Paul just as the Philippians learned.
Paul’s Solutions Centered on Christ
Paul pointed out the need to have the same attitude as Christ. Some members of the church were causing problems because of their selfish attitudes. They were focused on themselves and not on Christ, the foundation of their faith. This would create factions in the church, which Paul wanted them to avoid.
Thus, Paul refocused them on who Christ is and what He did for them. They needed to be like-minded and work together in love to be the church God wanted them to be. It is the same for us today. We can’t focus on ourselves but, as a group, must focus on Jesus. Philippians 2:5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.[5]
Who were the Philippians? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/live-with-attitude
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation .