La Crosse Baptist Church

The seed of the woman traced through the narrative of Genesis.

The Apostle Paul begins the body of the letter by asserting the centrality of the gospel. First, Paul points to his imprisonment as a means by which Christ is being made visible (vv. 12–14). The gospel is advancing! Second, Paul rejoices in the proclamation of Christ regardless of the motive (vv. 15–18a). While some are merely pretending to love Jesus, others do truly love Him. Third, Paul expresses the deep conflict of his soul (vv. 18b–26). He desperately longs to depart and be with Jesus, but he also understands the urgent needs of the Philippians. Paul is confident that he shall remain with them for their progress and joy in the faith.

Having greeted the church in Philippi, the Apostle Paul now introduces several of the main themes that will be unpacked in the letter. These themes are expressed in praise and prayer. In verse 3, Paul gives thanks to God for the fellowship that he has with the Philippians in the spread of the gospel. Every Christian is to be united in this common front: the desire to see Jesus treasured by all. In verse 9, Paul prays that their love will abound more and more. Ever-increasing love for Jesus redounds to the glory of God.

The Apostle Paul begins the Letter to the Philippians by identifying the senders and recipients (“Paul and Timothy; all the Saints … who are in Philippi”) and expressing the blessing (“Grace to you and Peace”). Already, Paul is urging unity by identifying he and Timothy as “servants,” writing to all the saints, and making mention of “overseers and deacons” as an extension of the local church in Philippi. This call to unity finds its climax in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who “took the form of a servant” humbling himself “having become obedient to death—even death on a cross.”