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The Book of Philippians: Theme
Hewlett explains that the Apostle Paul is thankful for the Christian fellowship with the church at Philippi, even as he is imprisoned. Hewlett (1440).
The Apostle Paul has been encouraged by the arrival of Epaphroditus from that church (Philippians 2). Hewlett (1440). The Apostle 'pays warm tribute to the repeated generosity of the church'. Martin (42).
But, the Apostle, is troubled by the lack of harmony in the church. Hewlett (1440). This church is to be 'marked by the mind of Christ' according to the Apostle. Hewlett (1440). Chapter 2, verses 1-2, explains from Paul that via the Holy Spirit, joy should be made complete by maintaining the same love, united in spirit and intent on one purpose. In context, the gospel purpose.
There is a call for 'unity and concord' from the Apostle. Martin (43). There is a call for a Christian standard of behaviour toward others in the Church. Martin (43).
The Apostle writes against Judaizers on one hand, and 'libertines' (1440), on the other hand. Hewlett (1440). These are enemies of the cross of Christ. Hewlett (1448). See Philippians, Chapter 3.
The Judaizers are those who rely on law over grace and the gospel, atonement of resurrection of Christ (Ephesians 1-2). The 'libertines' are those who deny the atonement and resurrection in a spiritual liberty leading to death and destruction. Martin mentions that there may have been a 'perfectionist' wing in the church at Philippi. Martin (43-44). Is there overlap with this possible group and Judaizers?
The Elwell text opines that within the Book of Philippians, there are those that advocate for a combination of the atonement and resurrection of Christ and also the continuation of Mosaic law, and rituals, such as circumcision. Elwell (297). This is the Judaizers. The Apostle Paul responds by stating that the heirs to the law are those in the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Elwell (297). The Judaizers opposed the cross of Christ by requiring the works of the law. Gundry (302).
Even as scholarship was not crystal clear in parsing these groups, in my opinion, Philippians does not exhaustively explain the nature of these groups. The Apostle Paul's theology is clear:
A gospel that does not embrace that the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ saves believers alone, is not the true, New Testament gospel. Those that promote a false gospel are enemies of the cross of Christ (3:18). Leland Ryken correctly reasons that the Apostle Paul embraced Jesus Christ's teaching that false teacher's exist and that Paul's example was to be followed. Ryken (458).
Hewlett writes that the church should not consist of those with 'selfish individualism'. Hewlett (1448). Paul expressed the need for Christian unity in love. Hewlett (1448).
BROWNING, W.R.F. (1997) Dictionary of the Bible, Oxford, Oxford University Press.
ELWELL, WALTER AND YARBROUGH, ROBERT W., Third Edition (2013) Encountering The New Testament, Grand Rapids, Baker Academic.
GUNDRY, ROBERT (1981) A Survey of the New Testament, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
HEWLETT, H.C. (1986) 'Philippians' in The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
MARTIN, RALPH P. (1987) Philippians, Grand Rapids, IVP.
RYKEN, LELAND (2015) Literary Introduction to the Books of the Bible, Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois.
