Daily Meditation - Philippians 1:1-2

April 19, 2010

Philippians 1:1-2
As we begin spending time in this letter, we need to set the stage.

Paul is writing to the Church in the city of Philippi. This city was given special privilege by Octavian. After 31 BC he ordered the citizens of Philippi to surrender their land to his veterans. Apparently citizens in Philippi had supported Antony and Cleopatra rather than Octavian, so their land was taken and given to Octavian’s soldiers. The city was then given the title “Colonia Iulia Augusta Philippensis” which basically meant that people who lived there lived as though they were on Italian soil - they had some breaks when it came to taxes and such.

Philippi was a favored city and the citizens were very proud of their colony. As you read this letter from Paul, look for allusions to this fact.

To better understand the establishment of the church in Philippi, one must go to Acts 16. While we could spend much time reflecting on this passage, I refer to it only to provide context for Paul’s words in our passage. Lydia is the first convert. She is a probably a Gentile who was more than sympathetic to Judaism, but she was also a very successful businesswoman.

Upon establishing the church in Lydia’s house, Paul soon ran into trouble with the law. He cast out a demon from a young slave girl who would tell fortunes. Her owners realized that they lost a major source of income and got the city into an uproar against Paul. In the end, the city was embarrassed because they improperly treated Paul who was a Roman CItizen (something highly prized in a favored city like Philippi!).

As you read verses one and two, here are some things to consider:

Paul calls himself (and Timothy) “slaves of Christ Jesus.” Despite our modern concept of slave, this term does refer to ownership and servitude, yet Paul uses it to introduce himself. When you are introducing yourself to others, what images do you want them to have of you? What matters to you when it comes to how others think of you? Would you consider yourself a slave of Christ? How do you see this play out in your daily life?
Next, Paul refers to the people in the church at Philippi as “God’s holy people.” The Greek really says to the “saints” at Philippi. Throughout the New Testament the word “saint” (haigos) is always in the plural, referring to a group of people. How do you see yourself as part of the “Saints” of Terra Nova? What does that mean when it comes to how you view yourself and others in our church?
What connections do you see between Paul and Timothy being “slaves of Christ Jesus” and the members of the church being called “Saints in Christ Jesus”?
Lastly, Paul calls special attention to the overseers and deacons. This is the leadership of the church. In what ways do you view the leadership of the church? Do you pray for them? Do you support them by helping out and encouraging them?

As you go through your day today, allow this passage to guide you. What key thoughts impress you as you slowly read the passage? What is God saying to you through the Holy Spirit?

Under the Mercy,
Jason