Philippians chapter 1

2 Corinthians
John
1 Corinthians
Galatians
James
2 Timothy
1 Timothy
Philemon
Titus
3John
2John
1John
Jude
2 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians
2 Peter
1 Peter

Where else but Philippians?

vs 1

This letter, written by our mates Pozza and Tim, is written not only to all the people, but specifically also to their leadership. I don't recall this greeting being used anywhere else. But I'm too lazy to look.

vs 2

I don't think I've ever heard this greeting before either. Yes, this time I'm being sarcastic. Move along.

vs 3

Familiar sentiment.

vs 4-5

This church is obviously the opposite of Corinth, because they partner with Paul in his work. And this fact fills him with joy. And it has been something they have done from the first day. This obviously shows that the stumbling block of giving money to a preacher was not universal even in the greek-speaking world. The Philippians had no beef with it.

vs 6

Their attitude towards the gospel, and their eagerness to see it spread, gives Paul confidence that the work God has started in them is going to finish well too. It certainly doesn't sound like his heart is being wrenched out of his body by them.

vs 7

In their partnership, Paul feels that the Philippians are right there with him. Even when he's locked up, he knows they are supporting him. Which is vital, you know, because feeding prisoners is only a modern development. So part of their support may very well have included sending him stuff while he was in prison.

vs 8

And of course, since Paul is so closely linked with the Philippians, and because they are so tied up with his mission, he wants to see them. Probably hang out with them a while, see how they're going, report to them about what's going on in the world.

vs 9

Probably to encourage their love to increase even more too. Paul sees their giving as an expression of their love, for him and for God too. But not just in the area of giving - Paul wants to see their love also increase via knowledge and insight. I don't think we think of this as loving God enough, but when we seek to know him better, and to have more of an understanding of his will, we are doing that out of love. Or at least we need to understand that part of our expression of love for God is doing this.

vs 10

The final outcome Paul is going for is blamelessness on the day of Christ's return, but the outworking of it also means being able to discern what is best. I don't think Paul is saying this to the Philippians in a negative sense, simply pointing out to them that this is a worthy thing that he hopes they are striving for.