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Analyzing Paul's Letter To Read Philippians

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BY SHONGZAN CHANLILA KHAYI 1. a) Read Philippians using “mirror reading” to describe the problem the letter is addressing. Ref. Text Problem addressed 1:15-18 … some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so in love…the former preach Christ out of selfish ambition. The important thing is… Christ is preached… Paul seems to be addressing an issue of disunity within or without the church, particularly in preaching Christ. There is an indication of the presence of envy and rivalry because of selfish-ambition. 1:27-28 …conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. I will know that you stand firm in one Spirit…without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.. that you …show more content…

d) Suggest one or two main theme(s) and the supporting themes/arguments for Philippians. One of the main themes of Paul’s letter is for the Philippian church to “only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (1:27), which consist of standing firm in one spirit and not frightened in any way by those who oppose them. This idea is repeated again in 4:8-9, indicating an inclusion or an emphasis. “Partnership in the gospel” is another unifying theme of Philippians. ‘Joy in Christ’ is one of the prominent supporting theme. Paul repeatedly exhorts the church to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of circumstances. The supporting themes of ‘Thanksgiving,’ ‘Humility and unity’ and ‘Salvation’ are also found in the …show more content…

What is the main problem that Paul is addressing in the book? What are the “applications” Paul want the original readers to apply? Paul is addressing two prominent problems prevailing in the church of Philippi at that time – disunity among the believers and opposition from the outsiders. Of these two problems, Paul is more concerned about the issue disunity among the believers in this epistle. Because, the differences and grudges within the church make the opposition a potential threat, for which, Paul is prompted to address this main problem in the book of Philippians. The disunity is seen in the form of envy, rivalry, grumbling, arguing which probably resulted out of self-ambition, and lack of humility, as mentioned clearly in 1:15 and 2:3 & 14. The differences among themselves are so obvious such as the case of the two women Euodia and Syntyche who are seemingly influential leaders in the church (4:2). This might have greatly affected the whole body of the church to the extent of affecting their faith and doctrinal standpoint. The idea of sending Timothy as soon as possible (2:19) was perhaps because Paul felt an urgent need of a strong leader, preferably a third person to tackle the situation of disunity and differences, before more damage is done by the oppositions in the absence of a strong leader. While preparing to send Timothy and for himself to come (2:24), he writes this letter with great concern “to be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and

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