THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S
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14), but he had escaped the scourging and imprisonment which Paul and Silas suffered there. He had also been at Philippi with Paul on other occasions (Acts 20:4-6), As he was now with Paul In his imprisonment at Rome, Paul associates his name with his own in the greeting to the friends in Philippi, though he does not appear again in the epistle. It is a small but significant illustration of Paul’s kindness and largeness of heart and thoughtfulness. Paul speaks of both himself and Tim othy as “bond-servants of Jesus Christ.” Paul delighted to speak of himself in this way (cf. Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:10; Tit. 1:1). He was not merely a servant, he was a “bond-servant” (R. Y. margin): the Greek word really means “slave.” A bond-servant or slave differs from an ordinary servant in that he is his mas ter’s property; his master owns him; his master’s rights in him are absolute. This is a wrong relation between man and man (ICor. 7:23, R. V.), but it is precisely the right relation between a man and Jesus Christ. This kind of bondage is perfect liberty (John 8:36). Man can only find liberty by giving himself up to be the bond-servant of Jesus Christ (cf. Rom. 6:16-22). The letter is addressed “to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi” : every believer in Jesus Christ is a “saint” (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:2). He may, however, still be very far from being perfect in character, but he is separated unto Gqd to be His peculiar property—and that is what “saint” means in Bible usage. The blood of Christ sanctifies him (Heb. 10:10), i. e., separates him from the guilt of sin unto God, to be His property (cf. 1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Pet. 2:9 R. V.) Sanctiflca- tlon in experience consists in living out in our daily walk that which is our position in God’s sight by virtue of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. They were “saints in Christ Jesus” i. e., because of their union with Christ Jesus. The Epistle is also addressed to “the bishops,” of whom there seem to have been several in the one small church at Philippi, and to the subordi nate officers of the church, the “dea cons.” The body of believers is put before the officers. WEDNESDAY, September 9. Philippians 1 :2. Paul begins with his customary wish or prayer (cf. Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:3 and other epistles), the best wish he
epistle in the same way. Certainly all the great truths that lie between the opening and the close of this wonderful letter ought to fill any believing heart with “peace.” It is to the “brethren,” those born of God, that he wishes “peace” :, no one else can find peace (Isa. 57:21). He also wishes them “love.” This love is undefined; there fore it means God’s love to them in all its fulness (2 Cor. 12:11; John 14:21, 23), and springing from that their love to others (1 John 4:19 R. V.). Together with their “love” he wishes them “faith,” unquestioning reliance upon God and His word. “Peace,” “love” and “faith” are all a gift “from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” The way in which the name of Jesus is here coupled with that of God the Father, clearly and unmistakably proves His Deity. If Jesus is not God, these words are blasphemy. Paul invokes “the grace” (i. e., the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, cf. 2 Cor.. 13:14) upon “all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness,” i. e., with a love that is sincere and eternal. This suggests the true basis of Christian fel lowship and unity. All who acknowl edge Jesus as Lord and Christ and Sav iour, and love Him “in uncorruptness” are one and should live and work in fellowship, however they may differ on other points. But to “love our Lord Jesus Christ in uncorruptness” involves far more than a mere sentimental pro fession of love to Jesus. TUESDAY, September 8. Philippians 1 : 1 . We begin today the study of an epistle very different from the wonderful one we have just finished, but abounding in most precious truth, indeed some of the most remarkable statements regard ing the person of Christ to be found in the whole Bible are found in this book. It is a very joyful letter: it is brimful of gladness, peace and hope. And yet it was written from a prison by a man who any day might be led forth to execution because of his loyalty to Him Whom the world hates. It is a song, a song of joy, peace and victory, a song of a prisoner whom chains could not bind. Every reader of these Notes should read the whole epistle through several times before reading these Notes. The opening salutation is from both Paul and Timothy. Timothy had seemingly been with Paul on his first visit to Phillippi (Acts 16:1-3 cf. 17:
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