INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS
The account of the labors and sufferings of the apostle Paul and his companions, in Philippi, is given in the 16th chapter of the Acts. They went to Macedonia in response to the vision of the man of that country calling for help, which Paul had seen at Troas. But, when they reached the capital, there was apparently no such man feeling his need and awaiting them. Instead, they came first in touch with a few women who were accustomed to gather for prayer in a quiet place, by this riverside, outside the city. There the Lord opened Lydia's heart to attend to the things spoken by Paul. Others too were evidently reached; among them some brethren, as verse 40 makes clear. But it was when cast into prison that the greatest work was done. The jailer and his household were won for Christ ere the messengers of God's grace took their departure for Thessalonica.
The infant church was very dear to the heart of the apostle, and he was very dear to them. Their love and care were shown after he left them, at various times, and, one would judge, for a number of years. But at last they lost touch with him, apparently during his imprisonment at Caesarea. It was when he was in Rome that they again got into communication with him ; and fearing he might be in need, sent him an expression of their love and care by the hand of a trusted and beloved brother who was one of themselves, Epaphroditus. Having fulfilled his ministry, this faithful man fell sick, and his illness was of sufficient duration for word regarding it to reach Philippi, and the news of the anxiety of the saints there concerning him coming back to Rome about the time that he became convalescent. Deciding at once to return, he was entrusted with the letter we have before us, which was, one would judge, dictated to him by the apostle.
It would seem that Epaphroditus had communicated to Paul a certain concern that was weighing upon his heart regarding a misunderstanding or a positive quarrel between two women in the assembly-both much esteemed by the saints and by the apostle himself-which if not checked and healed, was likely to prove a source of sadness, and possibly even division-in days to come.
This appears to be much in the apostle's mind as he indites his epistle. He seeks to present Christ that the hearts of all may be ravished with Him, and thus all selfish aims disappear, and all that is of the flesh be judged in His presence.
This is ever what is needed when the flesh is at work among believers. Therefore the great importance of this portion of the word of God in the present hour of the Church's history.
The epistle falls very naturally into four divisions, and these are rightly indicated in our common version by the four chapters. The theme of the whole might be put in the three words, "Christ is all!" It is the epistle of Christ. It occupies us with Himself; and each separate division presents Him in some different way, and indicates the subjective result in the believer as he is occupied with Christ objectively in the manner presented.
Chapter one sets forth Christ as our Life, and the evangelistic spirit of the gospel mind.
In chapter two we have Christ as our Example, and the lowly mind, or the humble spirit of those who would follow Him.
Chapter three gives us Christ as our Object, and, subjectively, we have the steadfast spirit, the determined mind ; that is, the heart and thoughts centered on Himself.
In the last chapter Christ is set forth as our Strength and Supply, and naturally we have with this the confident mind, the spirit of trust that should characterize all who know the resources that are in Him.
It will be readily seen that the epistle is a very practical one. It has to do with our state rather than our standing; with responsibility rather than privilege; with communion rather than with union. In other words, it is an epistle suited to our wilderness journey. It was written to guide our feet while going through this world. It is a pastoral ministry of a very precious kind.
Others have written very fully and helpfully on this part of the Word of God, whose writings are readily obtainable. It is not the present writer's thought to attempt a labored exposition of the epistle, but simply to jot down some notes which embody the results of his own study, and which it is hoped may be used by the Holy Spirit for the edification and comfort of fellow-saints, particularly such as are becoming discouraged because of the way. Much has been gleaned from what others have set forth, and no pretension is made as to originality of treatment. If Christ Himself becomes a little more appreciated by a few of His own, the object in view will have been attained.
CHAPTER ONE. Christ the Believer's Life, and the Evangelistic Spirit.
SALUTATION, VERSES 1 and 2.
" Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons :Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
It is noticeable how, in many of his letters, the apostle links up younger and less experienced fellow-laborers with himself, as here in his salutations. He was an apostle by the Lord's call, occupying a unique place as His special messenger to the Gentiles. But he never stands aloof in complacent dignity apart from others who are engaged in the same ministry. He had taken Timothy with him when the latter had not long been in the knowledge and path of the truth, and he testifies later, in this same letter, of the truth that was in him. In his care for the development of the younger brethren, Paul becomes a model for older teachers and evangelists to the end of the dispensation. If others are to follow on in the ways that be in Christ, it is well that more experienced men take a personal interest in their less experienced brethren who manifest a measure of gift, and by associating them with themselves in ministry, lead and encourage them in the path of faith. It is often the other way, and the young are disheartened, and permitted to slip back into business pursuits, who, if wisely advised and helped, when help was needed, might have become able ministers of the new covenant.
Paul and Timothy take no official title here. They are simply servants of Jesus Christ. The word means bondmen. They were purchased servants, and as such, belonged entirely to Him whom they gladly owned as their Anointed Master. They were His by right, and they had renounced all title to do the will of the flesh. Nor is it only ministering brethren who are so designated in Scripture. This is the name that is used of all Christians. Though sons and heirs, we are also bondmen of love, whose delight it should be to yield ourselves unto Him as those that are alive from the dead.
The saints as a whole at Philippi are greeted, and the elders and deacons particularly mentioned. This is unusual. It evidently implies a particular sense of obligation to the elders and deacons on the part of the apostle, probably in connection with ministry of the assembly's gift of love. There may also be the thought of addressing the leaders, or guides, in a special way, in view of the "rift in the lute"-the unhappiness between Euodia and Syntyche, which he desired to rectify.
Elders may or not be official. It would be unwise, and going beyond Scripture, for saints in feebleness to-day to attempt to set up or ordain official elders, On the other hand, those measurably possessing the qualifications indicated in the epistles to Timothy and Titus, should be recognized by fellow-believers as God-appointed elders, whose counsel should be sought, and who are responsible to watch for souls and to take oversight in the house of God,
Deacons are those who minister in temporal things, and should be chosen by the saints for this purpose. The word means servant, but is different to that used above. It is not "bondman," but a servant acting voluntarily, and in response generally to the expressed desire of others.
Notice the little word "ALL." It is used very significantly in this epistle-in a way not found anywhere else in the writings of the apostle Paul. Observe its use in verses 4, 7, 8, 25 in this chapter, and verse 26 in chapter 2. Is it not plain that Paul desired to bind all together in one bundle of love in this way, refusing to even seem to recognize any incipient division among them. He greeted them all, he thought well of them all, he prayed for them all. He knew it would in the end be well with them all. And so he exhorted them all to stand fast in one spirit.
As customary, in all his letters, he wished them grace and peace. Grace was the general Grecian salutation. Peace was that of the Hebrew. So he links the two together. Grace in its highest sense, favor against desert, could only be known by the Christian. And true peace rests upon the work of the Cross, whether it be that peace with God, which is fundamental, or the peace of God, which the apostle here would have the saints enter into and enjoy from day to day. Both descend from God, now revealed as Father, the special truth of this dispensation of grace; and from our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have been brought into this place of favor. H. A. I.
(To be continued, D. V.)
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need, and of which I shall avail myself as a help from the Lord.
Accept my sincere and affectionate salutations in our Saviour Jesus Christ. _____
Dear Brothers:
I thank you much for all that you have sent me to the present. I have lately returned from St. Quentin, seeking to carry a little hope and cheer in that poor devastated city and surrounding country. With a dear comrade we have been able to distribute tracts and pamphlets, calling from house to house to announce the good news and pray with one and another. A woman from St. Quentin has written me saying she has been much helped by these tracts, in her great sorrow, and wished for a Gospel (Testament) as she desired to be a believer.
At Argenteuil we had part in the sufferings of Christ. While speaking of Him to a few people on the street, a half drunken ruffian attacked me with fists and feet, But I shouted, " Vive Jesus Christ!" which seemed to madden him the more. None attempted to interfere, yet God delivered me; for my comrade, who had been some distance away, coming up, the ruffian turned upon him saying, " Oh, it was you that said 'Vive Jesus Christ,'"and launched his fist upon his eye. I had retired a short distance, and again shouted "Vive Jesus Christ;" it delivered my comrade, as the man now came after me, cursing as he went, and we both escaped in different directions. My comrade was thankful it was he, not me, that was struck on the eye, as I wear glasses, and might have lost an eye. I was laid up a couple of days with a bruised leg, but am all right again. We are not discouraged by this experience, but ready for another journey, and to pass through like experience, if God permits it.
I was a Roman Catholic, but converted through the Salvation Army. Having received much light, I feel a great responsibility. I dwell at my mother's, and work in an office for my support and the expenses of my evangelistic journeys in which I have been helped by gifts of tracts and Testaments. I put my address on what I distribute with this offer, " Send for a free copy of the Gospels." I share these things with others, to give as occasion offers and with prayer that the reading may be blest. Tracts and pamphlets which set forth the grace of God to sinners lost will always be welcome.
Your brother in Christ, who greets you sincerely,
Emile Le Texier.
12 Place des Pottiers (English Mission) Tunis, Africa. Dear brother in Christ:
Thank you with all my heart for your good letter, and the four parcels of tracts safely received. Yes, I am young, only 24 years, and need the counsel of those much older and of more experience than myself. Only four years since I gave myself to the Lord. That was in Switzerland, and I was much strengthened in the faith by dear friends in the assembly of which I formed a part. I passed through trying days, for I was compelled to leave my family, as is always the case with Jews, but the Lord has smoothed out many difficulties, and I've had the joy to see one of my brothers giving himself also to the Lord ; and He shall yet do more, for He hears the prayers of His people.
For nearly a year I am here with the English mission to the Jews. I came here burning with love for souls; but after seeing the condition of things all around, I was stumbled, and would have left, but was persuaded to continue, having one more year of study in Arabic. My greatest joy and hope is to serve the Lord, and He teaches me to look to Him alone. He knows my heart's desire, and the day will come when that shall be realized. He has given me a converted Israelitess for companion who is preparing herself in Paris for the Lord's work ; and when we are ready, and united, we shall go where the Lord may guide, for what He may entrust us with. It is not lack of field and labor that is wanting, but rather God-given workmen, for there are many cities where there is not one missionary. The American mission in this city has prospered; for the French Evangelist there is filled with the Spirit of God ; he is doing much good, and a number of souls have been saved through his labors.
Accept, dear brother, the affectionate salutations of your brother in Christ. R. Bloch.
Tonneins, Quai de la Barre, France. Dear brother in Christ:
Many thanks for your thoughts of me, and the news as to the people of God, of whom I am always glad to hear.
I have met Mons. Duez of whom you speak ; be resides in Toulouse, and he came here from time to time, being in fellowship with us.
My heart is pained as to conditions and needs of the assemblies in France. Many are decreasing in number and some are even dying out. They lack, generally, in efforts for the spread of the gospel around them. Some individuals do strive for this, but I speak of the assemblies as such, who are content to have the Breaking of Bread Lord's days and a meeting in the afternoon for edification and exhortation, but no gospel meeting. Many too are so occupied with the affairs of this life, that there is little testimony to the saving power of grace in Christ, or even become a hindrance to it. May the Lord awaken all His own to the sense of our privileges and responsibilities-so great is the need, and so little is accomplished !
I have been a few days in Bordeaux, and visited other assemblies. Some difficulties at one place were relieved, with much exercise, and the Lord will bring it to a good ending, we trust. I was particularly encouraged in visiting people at their homes. With a brother of Niort we visited a woman, in a Roman Catholic center, converted a year ago. Being much cheered by our visit, she desired we should have a gospel meeting in her home. I then went out with gospel tracts, inviting persons to come, and we were cheered to find some 45 persons gathered to hear the glad tidings of God.
I had been over a month away from home, and returned here, cheered, and praying the Lord to bless what has been done in His precious name.
Our love to all our friends with you.
Louis J. Germain.
Since writing the above, our brother Germain received a letter from the Bible Society in London saying it was their great desire to place a New Testament in every French family that had none, if they would receive it, and asked if he would undertake to do this for the district in which he labors.-[Ed.
Dear brother Mr. L-
Box 136, Ponce, Porto Rico.
Thank you much for your letter, which enclosed also one from brother M. to whom I am writing.
My dear wife is much affected by the great heat in Porto Rico, but myself and daughter are not so. I am happy as a little bird, with the good opportunities that our gracious Lord grants us in serving Him-blessed be His name! I find I am always short of time, as we have plenty to do- preaching every night, besides visiting and giving of tracts. Another door has been opened to me in a cigar factory, where I am permitted to come and read aloud to the men while they are working. I am now reading to them "The Lord's Dealings with the Convict Daniel Mann" in Spanish. They said to me the other day, " Don't forget to come every day to read us these good things."
Dear brother, pray for these young men.
Brother Ruga is now in Fajardo, but he and his family are to come back the latter part of this month (Aug.), then he intends to go to the States. We enjoy the sweet fellowship of dear brother Hernandez.
Again, with our united thanks, Yours sincerely.
E. Inurrigarro.