Joel McCarty | Paul brings this letter to a close by addressing the area of support and provision. From the text we learn the church in Philippi had previously partnered with Paul in his ministry financially. He thanks them for their renewed interest but takes the opportunity to show them the true source of provision. In the good times and the bad, in “abundance and need,” Paul is able to declare “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (v. 13).

Joel McCarty | Paul brings this letter to a close by addressing the area of support and provision. From the text we learn the church in Philippi had previously partnered with Paul in his ministry financially. He thanks them for their renewed interest but takes the opportunity to show them the true source of provision. In the good times and the bad, in “abundance and need,” Paul is able to declare “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (v. 13).

Jason Cherry | Paul begins the conclusion to this letter with some very practical application, writing with regard to a dispute between two members of the church in Philippi. Don’t miss the implications of this short section: the first-century church was a mess just like the church today.

Jason Cherry | Paul begins the conclusion to this letter with some very practical application, writing with regard to a dispute between two members of the church in Philippi. Don’t miss the implications of this short section: the first-century church was a mess just like the church today.

Joey Thompson | The book of Philippians is considered to be one of the most encouraging of the apostle Paul’s letters, characterized by the concept of “joy” which occurs no less than 16 times. However, one must not confuse the focus on joy with the absence of hardship or suffering, for nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, what we find in this book is a call to pursue and experience joy in the midst of pain and suffering

Joey Thompson | The book of Philippians is considered to be one of the most encouraging of the apostle Paul’s letters, characterized by the concept of “joy” which occurs no less than 16 times. However, one must not confuse the focus on joy with the absence of hardship or suffering, for nothing could be further from the truth. Instead, what we find in this book is a call to pursue and experience joy in the midst of pain and suffering

Jamey Nettles | Paul begins this chapter with the exhortation, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 3:1). As we’ve seen throughout the letter, the means of joy is not the avoidance of suffering, but the assurance in Christ Jesus that comes through suffering.

Jamey Nettles | Paul begins this chapter with the exhortation, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 3:1). As we’ve seen throughout the letter, the means of joy is not the avoidance of suffering, but the assurance in Christ Jesus that comes through suffering.

Jamey Nettles | This chapter begins with an incredible call to emulate the humility and others-centered character of Christ (Phil 2:5-11). Paul now turns his readers’ attention to some very practical examples of this Christ-like character. First, he commends Timothy, who he describes “as a son” to him in his work and ministry (v. 22). Next, he speaks of the faithfulness of a dear brother named Epaphroditus. These two men—one well known and the other pretty obscure—provide a tangible expression of the sacrificial life Paul has been speaking of. The key to these friendships is not mutual affinity or even dedication to one another. Instead, what makes these friendships great is that they love Jesus more than anything else. It is this treasuring of Christ more than anything or anyone else that makes this friendships truly joy-filled. And so the apostle commends the Philippians to receive these men with joy, for they have pursued Christ above all.

Jamey Nettles | This chapter begins with an incredible call to emulate the humility and others-centered character of Christ (Phil 2:5-11). Paul now turns his readers’ attention to some very practical examples of this Christ-like character. First, he commends Timothy, who he describes “as a son” to him in his work and ministry (v. 22). Next, he speaks of the faithfulness of a dear brother named Epaphroditus. These two men—one well known and the other pretty obscure—provide a tangible expression of the sacrificial life Paul has been speaking of. The key to these friendships is not mutual affinity or even dedication to one another. Instead, what makes these friendships great is that they love Jesus more than anything else. It is this treasuring of Christ more than anything or anyone else that makes this friendships truly joy-filled. And so the apostle commends the Philippians to receive these men with joy, for they have pursued Christ above all.