Chapter 4. I wonder about
Paul's addressing the “brethren” of Philippi. NRSV uses “brothers and sisters,”
which seems reasonable when we learned that women, including Lydia, constituted
at least some of the community. (See my first blog of Philippians.) We are so
inclined to think of Paul writing only to men, when some of the women seem to
have been so spiritually minded.
Well. We have some discord
between two women for which Paul admonishes his readers/hearers to endeavour to
bring about a reconciliation – to each other and to Christ. It seems that one
of the women could be Lydia. Their names are Euodias and Syntyche. Paul asks
them to “be of the same mind in the Lord..” What a good direction!
Verse 6 reminds me of my
first efforts at praying. I had been introduced to God by a marvellous
experience (related in my Christian Science Journal testimony of June 1973), and talked
to Him each evening as I went to bed. I simply outlined something which needed
correction. The next evening, that situation had been resolved and I said, “Thank
you,” and put my next petition. It was pretty wonderful.
Very soon, God led me to
Christian Science, and, as I look back, I recognise that our family was lifted
out of an inadequate house (family of 6 in a 2 bedrooms and verandah) and a
printing business “under the house”), to a house that fully met our needs and a
factory where the printing business could prosper and grow. A nephew remarked
that his family had believed we had “won the Casket,” there was such a change
in our circumstances.
Probably the most used
Benediction there is, is Phil. 4.7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
It is followed by that
majestic verse 8: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” What a recipe
for good living, or living good!
Paul is grateful for the
Philippians' care of him, even supplying his need in times of lack, which no
other church had done. However, he knows that he can be content whether he is
in lack or in abundance. And he promises that “My God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (verse 19).
Interesting end note: It
was written to the Philippians from Rome by Epaphroditus.
Joyce Voysey
Joyce Voysey
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