Class 2 in our study of Colossians is here.

Paul's letter opens immediately with gratitude. Paul was a man of prayer, often opening his letters with similar thanks (Philippians 1:3). He calls God "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This belief will be mentioned again later when Paul addresses false teachings regarding the identity of Christ. Paul presents Jesus as equal with God the Father, yet distinguishes between Father and Son.

Paul focuses his prayer on all of the believers in Colosse. He rejoices at the knowledge of a vibrant group of believers thriving apart from his leadership. Though Paul had helped start several churches, there would have been many others, which began through the efforts of others. In this case, the church in Colosse started under the ministry of Epaphras (Colossians 1:7). The success of a church in Colosse would have encouraged Paul. This was a sign that the gospel spread among the Gentiles, beyond his direct influence, and into many other regions.

Paul begins with his name and title, "an apostle of Christ Jesus." This is the same title Paul uses for himself in the first verses of 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, and 2 Timothy. Paul was an apostle through the work and plan of God, not his schemes. The idea of God's will over his life is one of Paul's common themes in his letters. This not only gives Paul the authority to make his claims but also gives him reasons to endure persecution and suffering.

Paul wrote this letter along with Timothy, his longtime helper. Timothy is also listed as co-author with Paul in 2 Corinthians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon. This makes Timothy a collaborator on six of Paul's 13 New Testament letters. Paul makes special mention of two other "brothers" in his letters. These are Apollos (1 Corinthians 16:12) and Titus (2 Corinthians 8:16).

Class 24 in our study of Philippians is the last in this Book. We hope you have enjoyed this journey through Paul's glorious words. “Now I urge you, believers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient [in another city], and that my service for [our city] may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” ~Romans 15:30-33 NASB

Apprehensive that his execution was close at hand, yet hoping somehow to revisit the Philippians, Paul explains that he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel of Christ. Though he welcomes death for Jesus' sake, he is equally concerned about continuing his apostolate.

In his Epistle to the Philippians, Paul gave the Saints in Philippi encouragement and exhorted them to stand fast in unity and work together to defend the faith. Perhaps one of the most important principles Paul taught in Philippians is that praying to God and trusting in Him brings “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

We're almost done with our exploration of the Book of Philippians. Here is class 21! Please enjoy these beautiful scriptures.

Paul transitions to a focus on God's provision in verse 20. He begins with his recurring theme of rejoicing. Paul's initial reason for writing this letter was to thank the readers for a recent financial gift Epaphroditus had brought to Rome. The generosity of the Philippian Christians was consistent and much appreciated by Paul (Philippians 1:3–7).

He recognizes that the Philippians have an ongoing and sincere interest in his well-being. Paul knew about their support for him, regardless of whether they sent additional financial help. He stresses this further by recognizing that there had not been a recent opportunity to give financial support before this gift. More than likely, the Philippians had no one to take a gift to Paul until Epaphroditus left to visit him in Rome. Only then did these believers have a safe way to send support to Paul during his time under house arrest.

Paul seems to indicate he could have written at length about rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4) and God's peace (Philippians 4:7). He would have enjoyed these topics. Instead, he summarizes a list of areas of importance for believers. They include what is true, lovely, just, commendable, pure, excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy.

Believers were to "think about these things." While God guards our hearts (Philippians 4:7), we are also commanded to focus our lives on things that please God. There is an ongoing back and forth throughout Paul's writings, which indicates God's involvement in every aspect of the believer's life. At the same time, believers are commanded to live according to God's ways. He does the work yet gives us work to do. Believers are called to trust in the Lord and serve the Lord. Paul set an example for how to do both. He was faithful in prayer yet gave every bit of his life to serve the Lord.