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Only behave as a citizen worthy of the Good News1 of the Christ, so that whether I arrive or remain absent,2 I may hear reports about all of you that you all continue to stand in one mental inclination,3 faithfully striving together in one soul4 of the Good News.
| 1 | Behave as a citizen worthy of the Good News: Or, RHM: be using your citizenship; BER: conduct yourselves as citizens; GDS: show yourselves citizens; BAR: your day to day conduct in the ordinary life of society. The Greek is POLITEUESTHE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4176]. Paul uses the word again at Philippians 3:20. Christians are “aliens and sojourners” on earth. [1 Peter 2:11] Their true citizenship exists in the celestial City. [Hebrews 12:22] The true disciple of Jesus Christ strives hard to make sure his behavior reflects the Gospel. Compare 1 Peter chapter 2. [Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10] |
| 2 | I arrive or remain absent: “Absent” is the opposite of being present, the result of an arrival. Some Christians behave one way when a person of authority is present, and differently after his departure. |
| 3 | Continue to stand in one mental inclination: Or, spirit, pneuma. Possibly Paul uses pneuma as attitude or disposition. He exhorts the congregation – not to be divided by the two attitudes he has discussed earlier – but in “one mind.” Compare 1 Corinthians 1:10. Contrast this with the “one soul” mentioned next. |
| 4 | Faithfully striving together in one soul: Or, mind, heart, purpose. As one single living being. Compare Acts 4:32. The congregation of many members striving as one entity. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we begin looking at Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. The overall theme of the letter may be stated as “Keep the Mind of Christ.” We choose Philippians 1:27 as the theme verse of the first chapter – Gospel Behavior. This is the only letter that is also addressed to “overseers and deacons” so it ought to be of special note to such Christian men. [1, 2] Paul begins by thanking the congregation for their material contribution to the gospel. [3-7] Paul prays that love will grow in their congregation, as well as their knowledge and comprehension. [8-11] If they are brimming over with the fruitage of righteousness they will be “pure and above reproach” when Christ returns. He acknowledges that his imprisonment has emboldened some Christians to “speak the Word without fear.” [12-14]
There are two kinds of Christians. [15-20] There are those who preach out of envy and strife, lacking good intentions. They lack a pure motive and create contentiousness. However, there are other Christians who proclaim Christ with good motives, doing so because of love and without pretense. Paul rejoices that Christ is being proclaimed. He prays that the congregation with its overseers and deacons will receive an abundant supply of Christ’s spirit.
To Paul continuing to live means “to live in Christ” and “to die gain.” [21-26] In prison with the possibility of death facing him he feels the pressure of the choice of life or death. Though he would prefer to let death take its course, he knows that it is better he remain alive to serve the Philippians. He looks forward to seeing them again.
Paul urges the congregation to “behave as a citizen worthy of the Gospel.” [27-30] He wants to learn that they are all united “in one mental inclination” working hard for the Gospel. He warns of “those opposing you” and these are likely the Christian Judaizers who lack a pure motive and try to stir up contention.
Abba our Father bless all with Christ’s spirit.
[7 July 2002]
