THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS

This epistle does not deal with special points of doctrine or history, but is interesting chiefly as an episode in the pastoral intercourse between a religious leader and one of the churches which venerate him. The strange circumstances of Paul's first appearance at Philippi have appeared in the narrative of the Acts (above, page 279). From that beginning there have been close relations between the apostle and the Church at Philippi. In his imprisonment the Philippians have not only made a contribution for the relief of Paul's necessities, but have also sent this contribution by one of their number, Epaphroditus, who was to remain with Paul, and minister to him. This Epaphroditus has had an illness which threatened to be fatal; he has recovered, but Paul will not detain him longer from his anxious friends, and sends him home as bearer of this epistle. Its content breathes the spirit of tender affection and spiritual exhortation. It has the further interest of picturing Paul at the closing time of a long imprisonment, when he is expecting as a near event the trial which will either release him or deliver him to a shameful death. He is ready for either event. Meanwhile, he rejoices to think how his sufferings have proved a means of extending the gospel amid his Roman surroundings. So he can face life or death with the same joyous confidence.

PASSAGES

Now I would have you know, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the progress of the gospel; so that my bonds became manifest in Christ throughout the whole prætorian guard, and to all the rest; and that most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one do it of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel: but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds. What then? only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and therein I rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that in nothing shall I be

put to shame, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if to live in the flesh, if this is the fruit of my work, then what I shall choose I wot not. But I am in a strait betwixt the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ; for it is very far better: yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for your sake. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide, yea, and abide with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith; that your glorying may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

If there is any comfort in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

Rejoice in the Lord alway: again I will say, Rejoice. Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

LAST EPISTLES OF ST. PAUL

EPISTLES TO TIMOTHY AND TITUS

The two Epistles to Timothy and the Epistle to Titus are often grouped together as the "Pastoral Epistles," as they are chiefly occupied with the subject of the pastoral oversight of the churches. They resemble the 'charges' of a bishop, or other ecclesiastical senior, to his younger brethren. Timothy was Paul's delegate to the Church at Ephesus, and Titus to the island of Crete.

Thus the details of these three epistles belong in the main to church history. At the same time they contain passages of universal interest, emphasizing the simplicity of the gospel message in contrast with the controversies which have disturbed the churches in the closing years of Paul's ministry.

The exact date of these three epistles, that is, their place in the whole scheme of the New Testament, has been the subject of much difference of opinion. A reasonable view seems to be this: That the First Epistle to Timothy and the Epistle to Titus were written after Paul's imprisonment in Rome had terminated with his release for a time. That Paul was arrested again, and finally executed in Rome. That the Second Epistle to Timothy was written during this second imprisonment, on the eve of his condemnation and execution. Thus the three are the Last Epistles of Paul. We have in them our final glimpse of a Christian hero immediately before his martyrdom.

PASSAGES

If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world,

for neither can we carry anything out; but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. But they that desire to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. I charge thee in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession; that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in its own times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power eternal. Amen.

Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, shewing all meekness toward all men. For we also were aforetime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared, not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he poured out upon us richly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they which have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men: but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.