Exploring the Scripture
The warmth of friendship in sacred community is obvious throughout Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. The verses in this introduction express gratitude and affection for the community. It is the longest introduction of Paul’s letters, which suggests a particular fondness for the Philippian church.
The introduction sets up the themes of the letter. Those themes include Paul’s suffering, Christ-like love, and servanthood. He also discusses his supportive relationship with the community and his wish for unity and right relations among the people. The letter closes with a pastoral prayer of intercession for the spiritual well-being of this beloved community in preparation for Christ’s return.
The inbreaking of God’s love through Jesus’s birth is a memory that points to a hope-filled future. Thus, Paul’s admonition to prepare speaks to disciples readying for what God is birthing in this season of Advent.
In his greeting and introduction, Paul expresses grace and gratitude. In Greek, these words have similar roots (grace—charis; gratitude—“I give thanks”—eucharisto). Paul sometimes uses them interchangeably in his writings. His imprisonment deepens his gratitude for and longing to be with his cherished companions in gospel witness. Paul expresses joy and gratitude for their sharing in the gospel, for it goes beyond common belief or practice. Doing such is of mutual love and support and oneness in a Christ-centered community.
Paul’s wish is for the community to address whatever threatens its unity and to grow in love and wisdom toward greater oneness. As God began the good work of grace among them, Paul encouraged them to continue this good work by loving one another and growing in knowledge. His wish is for them to experience with one another the love and support they have shown him. His wish is also for them to grow in right relationships with God and one another, embodying the morals of Christ’s peace. Paul’s prayer is that the love of God and one another will lead to greater insight and wisdom as they discern what matters most in their relational ministry and mission.
Righteousness is a common theme for Paul, including God’s justice and salvific work in Christ. Paul’s understanding is that Christ’s return is imminent. The spiritual condition of the community is of prime importance in its preparation for this day of Christ’s return. An understanding of righteousness and Christ’s return has evolved over the centuries. It may be understood better as a spiritual condition of right relationships with God, others, and the natural world.
God’s salvific work in Christ finds new life and expression as disciples and communities engage in personal, relational, societal, and environmental salvation.
Theologian and mystic Thomas Merton wrote, “The mystery of Advent is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ.” Such is the Advent preparation that mirrors Paul’s wish for the Philippian church. It is an invitation to fully embody Christ Jesus, the peaceful One, and his mission. It is not for earning God’s grace at some future time, but for bringing forth God’s purposes.
The unity Paul wishes for the Philippian community finds new expression in Doctrine and Covenants 165:3e:
Oneness and equality in Christ do not mean uniformity. They mean Unity in Diversity and relating in Christ-like love to the circumstances of others as if they were one’s own. They also mean full opportunity for people to experience human worth and related rights, including expressing God-given giftedness in the church and society.
The heart of our Advent preparation is active love embodied in inclusive, Christ-centered communities pursuing justice and peace on and for Earth.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Paul’s joy and gratitude for sharing the gospel with the Philippian church are more than common belief or practice; they are of mutual love, support, and oneness in a Christ-centered community.
- Paul’s hope and prayer is that the love of God and one another will lead to greater insight and wisdom in discerning what matters most in their relational ministry and mission.
- The heart of our Advent preparation is active love embodied in inclusive, Christ-centered communities pursuing justice and peace on and for Earth.
Questions to Consider
- What would you include in the introduction of a letter to the community with whom you are sharing?
- How does Paul’s counsel speak to the circumstances of your faith community?
- What is the Holy Spirit’s invitation to disciples and their communities this Advent season?