Philippians: Paul's "Stairway to Heaven"?

As a Classic Rock connoisseur, I've noticed how great artists and bands reach the pinnacle of their success through long, hard work that culminates in creative breakthroughs like The Eagles' "Hotel California", Leonard Skynyrd's "Free Bird", and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven". When I look at these bands and artists in particular, I can pick out one piece that represents the climax of their work much like King David's Psalm 23 in the Old Testament.

I think the Apostle Paul's letter (epistle) to the Philippians is his masterpiece. Not to take away from any of the other epistles, which are all excellent and important contributions to the New Testament, the writing of Philippians is divine. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul channels his love and appreciation for this congregation in one of the most uplifting pieces of scripture in the entire Bible.

Philippians is one of Paul's "Prision Epistles" along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon that were composed around A.D. 62. The Philippian church was predominately Gentile, and they were very generous and supportive of Paul's mission and ministry of spreading the gospel. The affection and gratitude Paul has for the Philippian Christians comes through quite strongly in his love letter to them, and chapter 4 contains one of the greatest summaries of the gospel ever composed:

Philippians 4:4-8

New King James Version

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your [a]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

I felt the need to dive into Phillipians again and bask in the great writing from one of my favorite writers, the Apostle Paul. I'm looking forward to this study and taking in your insights as well in our ChristianChat Community.

Thanks be to God!

SF

Philippians 4:4

Philippians 4:6, 7, & 19

Philippians 4:8

Beautiful artwork as always, sister!

Thank you! I appreciate what you have said about Paul's letter to those in Philippi... .

And I agree with what you have said about our amazing teacher Paul! .

I can already see that even though Philippians is a short letter, it is dense in content, so this could take some time to get through folks, heads up. I'm only going to start with the very first verse today:

Philippians 1:1

New King James Version

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the [a]bishops and deacons:

This is the first time I've noticed Paul including his mentee, Timothy, in the opening greeting of his letter. Timothy is also included in the opening of II Corinthians, Colossians, I & II Thess. (Silvanus is also noted in I Thess.), and Philemon. Of course, Timothy is Paul's apprentice in the Word, and the two letters Paul wrote to Timothy are outstanding themselves and foundational material for leaders and pastors in our Christian Church (one Body) that is spreading the good news worldwide.

It's not uncommon also for authors to give others credit for contributions to their work. Perhaps Paul and Timothy had long conversations into the night on the depths and riches of life in Jesus Christ, and I remember one of my pastors who would call me occasionally the night before his sermon the next day to "talk."

Well, he did most of the talking, and he was basically working through the ideas and organization of his message with me as his "sounding board", and of course I had no problem fanning the flames and asking a lot of the questions. Often, he would say something to the effect of "Mr. SilverFox and I were talking about...", and I was quite honored to receive some credit for his great sermons (I was a college student in my early twenties at the time, and it felt strange being referred to as "Mr." by this senior pastor who I admired and loved deeply).

On a practical note, since Paul was in prison, Timothy was likely commissioned to deliver the letters to the congregations, and he may have even helped Paul with the composition of the letters.

Look at how Paul refers to himself and Timothy as "bondservants of Jesus Christ". Bondservant (i.e. slave) normally has negative connotations, but being a bondservant of Jesus Christ is actually the path to true and lasting freedom: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11: 29-30). Christ has freed us from our bondage to Satan and sin, so that we can be His servants and find that much needed "rest for [our] souls."

It seems to me Philippians really focuses on being an exhortation to discipleship calling believers to step forward telling us for instance the correct mind to have bout all this

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:4-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

which he continues a bit later

“But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:7-15‬ ‭

This particular epistle sort of varies from the design of Paul’s epistles such as Galatians and Ephesians having almost identical design and presentation this one seems focused upon exhorting believers to step into the right Frame of mind of Jesus disciples , becoming active followers of the lord

Our congregation is studying "Discipleship Explored" at the moment which is based on Phillipians.

I agree with you. It is my go to letter whenever I'm down, excited, need encouraging and any other reason to read such an uplifting letter. Oh gee, I don't need a reason, it's always been my favourite.

For me it's always been a letter that fills me with wonder and makes me want to "gird my loins" and give thanks for the grace given to us.

I agree and it does this by forcing you to "look up and see your salvation". Christ is pivotal to his focus.

I guess it differs around the globe. I see fellow Christians in the US seem more dedicated to Christianity than people in the UK.

I have a study on the book of James by Spiros Zodhiates where he states in the preface that he expected the study from the original Greek to take only a few months. He said it took him three years, and changed his life. I think most any part of Scripture has the ability to change our way of thinking, and therefore our lives.

That makes me sad because my heritage is the UK primarily. Why is that from your point of view? Is the Anglican church doing anything to change that trend?

No doubt about that. I've been an avid Bible student for over 35 years, and I haven't even scratched the surface on the treasures it contains. God reveals new things to me every time I take a fresh look at His Word.

Yeah what I’m saying is it’s teaching those who already are believers to follow Jesus and his teachings becoming his disciples otherwise known as Christian’s such as this example

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

he’s telling believers to think this way

Great point. Paul had his focus on Jesus Christ, and that's where he continually encourages us to keep our faith grounded in Christ, who is our Rock and strong foundation for sure.

Amen. I was traveling on business in Mexico a few years ago, and my colleague down there was raised as a strong Catholic, but he never really spent much time with the Bible.

During one of our flights, I gave him my Bible and asked him to read Philippians. His eyes were opened to the gospel, and it changed his life on what Christianity is all about!

I definitely agree with you. My main point is that Paul does that, not by simply stating good concepts, but by pointing to the person and work of a person ie. Jesus Christ.

One of the reasons we are Christians is because we know we need to be better people, (having been convicted of our sin). However, quite often what ends up happening in the endeavour to be Christlike, our focus slips to our failings and trying to improve ourselves and we lose sight of Jesus.

To me, the epistle to the Phillipians epitomises Jesus' saying "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men".

We don't become the disciples of Christ through "self help techniques", no matter how well-intentioned we may be, but by focusing on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who He is and what He has done. In this way, the Spirit is able to do the work needed to transform us by means of the word of God.

One cannot know the Lord Jesus unless one spends much time in the scriptures. He is the Word and that word of who He is and what He has done and will do is all recorded for us in written form. While God can express and reveal Himself through many means, it is the written word by which all things can be tested and through which the ultimate revelation of God is found.

It's always good to hear stories of how the word changes peoples lives.

We don't become the disciples of Christ through "self help techniques", no matter how well-intentioned we may be, but by focusing on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who He is and what He has done.

We have to listen to what he said actually and then sent into the world . I can look at Jesus and what he’s done forever …..if I never listen to what he said will save my soul I’m not ever going to learn those things

Did you notice that Paul was never teaching “ just look at Jesus and what he did “ ? But rather if you read Paul’s epistles you hear the same things Jesus taught in the gospel repentance , remission of sins , receiving the Holy Ghost , living upright lives towards other people ect

Paul is saying not to simply look at Jesus and what he did he’s saying take on this same mind Jesus had

listen to what Paul’s teaching them to do and think

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-8‬ ‭

Do you see how he’s not saying just look at Jesus and what he did on the cross

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul is teaching Christian’s the right way to think and believe and act we’re meant to be striving and pressing forward into the thing of God not sitting back and saying “ No one make any effort just look at Jesus your saved “ it’s quite the opposite

“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

we have to hear and believe the gospel Jesus Christ was sent into the world to preach for salvstion that’s going to teach us the understanding of the true God and salvstion

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

listening to God is always going to be the right answer and the gospel is what he’s said regarding salvation to all people

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I like how Paul uses the name of Jesus Christ in various ways to emphasize all the different aspects of our Lord and Savior.

Jesus = "God saves" or "Savior"

Christ = "Anointed One"

"Jesus" focuses on His humanity, and "Christ" focuses on His divinity. In the verses you quoted from Philippians, Paul uses the "Christ Jesus" as emphasis on the Godly life we should strive for as His disciples. Let's look again at the introduction to the epistle:

Philippians 1:1-2

New King James Version

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the [a]bishops and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

For me, Jesus Christ puts the emphasis on Jesus as our Savior and the Anointed One. Paul flips this around as "Christ Jesus" who is the Anointed One who has saved us.

In verse 9 of chapter 1, Paul only uses the title "Christ" as he does in several other verses throughout the letter (e.g. verse 13). Paul also refers to our Lord as simply "Jesus" in chapter 2: 10, and it's interesting that it's at the name of Jesus exclusively that Paul highlights every knee should bow in heaven and on earth.

Paul's technique is to highlight varying aspects of Jesus Christ and what His name signifies depending on the message and point he is trying to express in his writing. Jesus certainly has saved us, and He is the Anointed One - our Lord and soon coming King!

Thanks SilverFox7. The word Philippi means 'lover of horses'. Horses in the Bible have to do with Jerusalem and the greater area of Judah which it occupies. For example, we read: "for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle " Again, we read: "That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble? " Jerusalem (and the greater area of Judah in which Jerusalem sits) are pictures of believers. The Jerusalem which is above are the true believers. To say that someone is a lover of horses in Bible lingo is akin to saying that someone loves the believers, God's flock. When we read: "to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi " I see this as a way of expressing that the saints love their fellow believers. They are lovers of horses in that sense - Philippians.