Module 8 - Exegesis on Philippians 4; 21-23

Module 8–Exegesis on Philippians 4: 21-23


Frank D. Felker

Grand Canyon University: BIB 355

October 09, 2011

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Exegesis on Philippians 4: 21-23

Analyzing the Sentences

Greet saints. /... /. / . . Brothers send greetings |all the ¦ \T |who are with me

¦in \ h ¦Christ Jesus \e

Saints send greetings. . |All (of) the | (to) you ¦especially ¦ those who belong | to Caesar’s household

Grace (be) with spirit--------Amen. \T |of the Lord Jesus Christ |your \ h \e

Analyzing the Paragraph

Theme of the paragraph: Saints (disciples/brothers/elect) greet one another in the name of Jesus Christ and receive the grace of our Lord.

(Main theme) | All saints/brothers greet | …receive greetings in Jesus Christ’s name | | | (result) | the grace of Jesus Christ (be) with your spirit

| | | (introductory) | Greet all of the saints

Outline of the Epistle to the Philippians

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1. Introduction 1: 1-11

a. Thanksgiving and prayer for the church 1: 3-11

2. Paul’s news of himself 1: 12-26

a. Christ is preached 1: 12-20

1) Paul’s chains advance the Gospel 1: 12-14

2) Motives for preaching, good and bad 1: 15-19

b. To live is Christ, to die is gain 1: 20-26

1) Joy in faith 1: 25-26

3. Conduct of the Philippian Church 1: 27‒2: 18

a. Call to unity 2: 1-11

1) Having a Christ-like attitude 2: 6-11

b. Working out salvation 2: 12-18

1) Being blameless and pure 2: 14-18

4. Joy in believing 3: 1‒4: 1

a. Beware of Judaizers 3: 2-6

b. Knowing Christ 3: 7‒4: 1

1) Profit and loss in knowing Christ 3:7-11

2) Pressing on to the goal 3:12‒4: 1

a) Unity in following Paul’s example 3:17‒4: 1

5. Rejoice in giving 4: 2-20

a. Exhortation for unity and agreement 4: 2-20

1) Rejoice in the LORD 4: 4-7

b. Joy in noble and pure thoughts 4: 8-9

c. Paul’s thanks for gifts 4: 10-20

1) Strength through Christ 4: 13

6. Final Greetings (Outline of the designated passage) 4: 21-23

a. Greetings from all of Paul’s companions 4: 21

b. Greetings from Caesar’s household 4: 22

c. Spiritual blessing of the grace of Jesus Christ 4: 23

Theological Implications of Philippians 4: 21-23

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This passage has only a few theological connotations. It presents Paul’s beliefs in the

love and brotherhood in God and of the Christian church. In his reference to the household of

Caesar, it indicates his belief in Jesus’ admonition to spread the Good News of salvation to all

people and supports the reasoning that God’s salvation is meant for everyone, Jew and Gentile

alike; this work should be accomplished regardless of personal circumstances. It also supports

Jesus Christ as the Son of God. It is a closing greeting and salutation to a very much loved

congregation. Paul closed all of his epistles on a personal note and Philippians is no exception.

Literary Aspects of the Epistles to the Philippians

Genre

In context, this letter is both instructional and advisory. It is written as one family

member to others in a family that is loved and respected. Paul passes on personal news of his

own situation in prison and thanks the members for their support. Much like a father, he asks the

other members of the family to stand together in unity for the sake of doctrine.

Literary Character

Paul has several areas he wants to cover. Through it all, the letter is informal, yet

informative and intense. The warnings are not given as edicts or orders but, rather, as an

advocate. These are people that he has faith in but he wants them to protect themselves in all

possible ways. It is obvious that he is pleased with his own accomplishments in Caesar’s

household while a prisoner. He advises, gives thanks for their service to himself, and passes on

his own pleasing, personal information.

Figures of Speech

In speaking of the Judaizers, Paul refers to them as “dogs”; a reference to his low opinion

of them as being “unclean” and despicable. He also speaks of them as being “mutilators of the

flesh.” This is in reference to their insistence upon following Jewish law and also the

circumcision, demanded by Jewish law.

Paul also speaks of “pressing on” and “running for the prize.” These are allusions that he

had used often, here and in letters to other churches. It was always his contention that followers

of Christ needed to treat their lives as an athletic event; a race or fight that needs the utmost

effort, will, and concentration to win through to their own personal salvation.

Important Words Study (in the Greek), Philippians 4: 21-23

Brothers (adĕlphŏs):

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Several definitions are offered in Strong’s Concordance. The most fitting would be; “(6)

persons united by a common interest: ‘And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more

than others do? Do not even the publicans do so?’ (Mt. 5: 47); (7) persons united by a common

calling.” (Strong, J., 2001, p. 5 [Greek Dictionary of the New Testament])

Grace (charis):

Grace is defined in Strong’s Concordance as; a graciousness of manner or act of

spirituality; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and it reflection in the life; including

gratitude, favor, and thanks. It is equal to an acceptable benefit, gift, graciousness, joy, and

liberality. (Strong, J., 2001, p. 270 [Greek Dictionary of the New Testament])

Greet (aspazǒmai):

According to Strong’s this word signifies to “draw to oneself”; hence, “to greet, salute,

welcome,” it also signifies “embraced to bid farewell.” A “salutation or farewell” was generally

made by embracing. (Strong, J., 2001, p. 45 [Greek Dictionary of the New Testament])

Saints (hagiǒi):

This word is defined; “(2) It is used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to

God. (2a) Indeed, the quality, as attributed to God, is often presented in a way which involves

divine demands upon the conduct of believers who are called hagiǒi, ‘saints,’ ‘sanctified’ or

‘holy’ ones. (3) This sainthood is not an attainment, (3a) it is a state into which God, in grace,

calls men; yet (3b) believers are called to sanctify themselves (3b1) consistently with their

calling, (3b2) cleansing themselves from all defilement, (3b3) forsaking sin, (3b4) living a holy

manner of life.” (Strong, J., 2001, p. 3 [Greek Dictionary of the New Testament])

Spirit (pnĕuma):

The Greek, pnӗuma, denotes; “a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy

or figuratively a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principal,

disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy

Spirit: ‒Spirit, Holy Ghost, Spirit (of the Lord), human (spirit) and is equal to life, spiritual,

spirituality, wind. Pneumatikos always connotes the ideas of invisibility and of power. It does

not occur in the Old Testament or in the Gospels.” (Strong, J. 2001, p. 205 [Greek Dictionary of

the New Testament])

Historical Environment Surrounding the Epistles to the Philippians

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Philippi, in Eastern Macedonia was located on the Via Egnatia in Eastern Macedonia. It

was designated a Roman colony in 42 B.C.E and received its name from Philip II of Macedonia.

The city was a medical center and generated, at least a portion of, its wealth from gold mines in

the surrounding mountains. Its greatest growth came when it became a Roman colony. (Myers,

A. [Ed.], 1996)

The church was founded c. 50 A.D. during Paul’s second missionary journey. (Acts 16:

12-40) Philippi was possibly the home town of Luke, a doctor and traveling companion of Paul

and Timothy, Paul’s protégé. The church had its share of suffering. Paul, who loved the church

deeply, was naturally concerned. It was possible also, that there may have been some leanings

toward a doctrine of perfectionism. And, there was the added threat of the arrival of the

Judaizers. Still, Paul rejoiced over the church’s progress. Paul wrote his Epistle to the

Philippians in c. 61-63, while a prisoner. (Alexander, D. & Alexander, P. [Ed.], 1983)

Main Issues Contained in the Epistle to the Philippians

Paul’s main purpose when he began this letter was to give advice and encourage the

church; and to also give a call to unity of purpose. He also had personal news he wanted to

impart. It is possible that Paul received news of the encroachment into the church of the

Judaizers, while engaged in the process of writing. It then became imperative to give warning to

his beloved disciples in the church. (Life Application Study Bible, NIV, 2005)

Summary of Philippians 4: 21-23

The Epistle to the Philippians was written by Paul (in Greek) from prison. Paul had

several reasons for writing. He wanted to explain why he was sending Epaphroditus back. He

wanted to thank the church for the gifts they had sent him. He wanted to encourage and advise

unity. Further, he wanted to warn them against Judaizers. He also wanted to point out his inroads

in preaching to Caesar’s household. (Alexander, D. & Alexander, P. [Ed], 1983)

At first glance it does not appear so; but Paul, in verses 21-23, has encapsulated a large

portion of the Epistle. He indicates their unity in a call to brotherhood and greetings. He once

again brings attention to converts in Caesar’s household. He relates to them their spiritual bond

in Jesus Christ. In the last verse he reminds them of our Lord’s grace and spiritual indwelling.

Paul says much in just a few words of closing.

Application of the Epistle to the Philippians in Today’s World

The Unchanging Word of God

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The Bible deals with elements in human nature; elements unchanged throughout time.

People who inhabited the biblical era had aspirations and failings that are easily identifiable

today. Even the faults of the heroes of those days are not glossed over. They are displayed in an

honest light of reality. The Bible is unchanging because God is unchanging.

Judaizers

We might not be faced with the Judaizers of the early church; we are, however, faced

with our own “Judaizers.” These are the ones who persist in advocating legalistic interpretations

of worship. They would prefer us to follow church doctrine, dogma, and law as opposed to

God’s will and commandments. Just as Paul admonished the Philippians, we must stand in

resistance to all things not of God’s preference, nature, and will.

False Teachers and Preachers

In his letter, Paul tells of those who preach out of selfish ambition, envy, and rivalry and

also of those who preach out of goodwill and love. These types are as prevalent today as they

were then, if not more so. We must, at all times, be aware of and discerning of these. It is vitally

important for us to defend ourselves against the former and to cherish the latter.

Unity

“United we stand, divided we fall” is a sentiment for all ages. If we are united in love,

faith, and devotion to the doctrine laid down by our Lord, Jesus Christ, we are able to overcome

all obstacles. Divided, we fall as easy prey to Satan’s power. Evil’s strength lies in the division

and disassembling of the bride of Christ, God’s church.

Words of God for Today

Finally, we must “run for the prize” and “fight the good fight.” We need to treat our faith

as if it were a matter of life and death―because it is a matter of life and death.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from

there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring

everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be

like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3: 20-21, NIV)

Give all praise and glory to the LORD God of creation. Amen

Resources

Alexander, D. & Alexander, P. (Ed.) (1983), Eerdmans Handbook to the Bible, Grand Rapids,

MI: William B Eerdmans Publishing Company

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Holy Bible (2005), Life Application Study Bible, NIV, Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House

Publishing, Inc. & Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

Myers, A. (Ed.) (1996), Eerdmans Bible Dictionary, Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans

Publishing Company

Strong, J., LL.D, S.T.D. (2001), The New Strong’s Expanded Exhaustive Concordance of the

Bible, Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers

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Documents

Module 8 - Exegesis on Philippians 4; 21-23