Paul’s Triumphant Witness

GOLDEN TEXT: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” —Philippians 1:21

PHILIPPIANS 1:1; 2:12-21

AT THE time Paul wrote his letter to the brethren in Philippi he was a prisoner in Rome. But he was permitted to live in his own hired house; and although he was, in the constant custody of a Roan guard he was privileged to have visitors, and apparently he enjoyed a great deal of fellowship with the brethren. It appears from, the opening verse of the lesson that his beloved “son” in the Lord, Timothy, was with Paul at the time, for he includes him in the opening statement.

As with all Paul’s epistles, this one is addressed, not to the world, nor to unbelievers, but to “all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” Here the word “bishop” translates a Greek word meaning “superintendent,” or “overseer.” The “deacons” in the Early Church were chosen to care for the material needs of the congregation, such as serving tables.

Paul’s admonition to the Philippian brethren to work out their own salvation was seemingly related to his own imprisonment. In chapter 1, verses 20-25, while he reveals his hope of being released and visiting the church at Philippi again, he indicates that he is not certain. He expresses his complete resignation to the Lord’s will. “For me to live is [to live for] Christ,” he wrote, “and to die gain.” “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” Paul added.

Since Paul realized the possibility that he might not be able to render further service to the brethren in Philippi, he reminds them anew of their own responsibility. “Work out your own salvation,” he wrote. You have always been obedient, “not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence,” so continue in this. After all, it was not Paul who was working in the brethren at Philippi, but the Lord. And even if they did not again see Paul in the flesh, the Lord could continue to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure.

This viewpoint reflects Paul’s humility, and his complete submission to the Lord’s will. He knew that he had been chosen by the Lord to be a special apostle to the Gentiles. But he also knew that the Lord could accomplish his purposes without Paul’s services, and was humble enough to say so. He was confident, as expressed in chapter 1, verse 6, “that he which hath begun a good work in” the brethren at Philippi, would be able to “perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

In working out their own salvation the brethren at Philippi were admonished by Paul to “do all things without murmurings and disputings.” (ch. 2:14) Paul admonishes them to hold forth the Word of life; that is, to continue faithfully bearing witness to the truth. It is clear that Paul considered this essential in working out their own salvation.

In this connection, Paul makes a surprising statement, which reveals how important he considered witness work to be. In admonishing the brethren to hold forth the Word of life, he adds, “That I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.” (vs. 16) Paul realized how few there are of all who profess to be followers of Christ who catch the real vision of sacrificial service. So many either become weary in well doing, or else permit the cares of this world to hinder their service of God. Besides, many, it would seem, consecrate themselves simply to living a morally clean life in the name of Christ.

So Paul felt that if this little group of Christians at Philippi maintained the spirit of service, he would consider that his labor on their behalf had not been in vain, that these brethren had really been “obedient” to the heavenly vision,, as he was determined to be.

In our Golden Text, Paul did not mean that to die in the service of his Master would be “gain” in the sense that he would be immediately taken to heaven, for he did not expect to receive his heavenly reward until Christ returned in “that day.” (II Tim. 4:6-8) In verse 23 Paul states that he was in a, “strait” between two possibilities; that is, continuing to live and serve, or finishing his course in death to wait the resurrection. There was a third thing—although impossible—which he would prefer; namely, to be with Christ. In the Greek text the word “return” is used. Paul longed for the return of Christ.

QUESTIONS

Where was Paul when he wrote his epistle to the Philippians?

To whom is the epistle addressed?

In the Early Church, what service was rendered by bishops and deacons?

Explain what Paul meant by “working out your own salvation.”

In this lesson, how does Paul emphasize the importance of “holding forth the Word of life”?

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