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Philippians Chapter One
Chapter One General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate why the Philippians were a source of great joy to Paul
2) To learn from Paul's attitude concerning persecution, death, and the
purpose of life
SUMMARY
Paul begins his epistle with his customary salutation followed by an
expression of thanksgiving and prayer. The church at Philippi had been
a source of great joy to Paul by virtue of their fellowship with him in
the proclamation of the gospel. Confident that God will complete the
work He began in them, Paul prays that their spiritual growth will
continue (1-11).
His circumstances at Rome have actually been for the furtherance of the
gospel, despite imprisonment and opposition by false brethren. He is
confident that everything will turn out alright, and that he will even
come to them again. It is not without mixed feelings, however, for he
is torn between a desire to be with Christ and a realization that to
remain in the flesh is more needful for them (12-26).
At the moment, his desire is that whether absent or present he may hear
they are conducting themselves worthy of the gospel, by standing fast
in one spirit and one mind for the gospel and not disturbed by any
adversaries. They should take comfort in knowing that, like Paul, they
have been granted the honor not only to believe in Christ, but also to
suffer for His sake (27-30).
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION (1-11)
A. SALUTATION (1-2)
1. From Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ (1a)
2. To the saints in Christ Jesus who in Philippi, with the
bishops and deacons (1b)
3. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2)
B. PAUL'S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (3-11)
1. His thanksgiving for them (3-8)
a. That every thought, every request in their behalf, is one
of joy (3-4)
b. For their fellowship in the gospel from the very first day
(5)
c. He is confident that God will complete the work begun in
them, for they have shared with him in his chains and the
proclamation of the gospel (6-7)
d. God is his witness to how much he longs for them with the
love of Jesus (8)
2. His prayer for them (9-11)
a. That their love abound in knowledge and all discernment (9)
b. That they approve the things that are excellent (10a)
c. That they be sincere and without offense till Christ
returns (10b)
d. That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness (11)
1) Made possible by Jesus Christ (11a)
2) To the glory and praise of God (11b)
II. THE SITUATION IN ROME (11-26)
A. PAUL'S IMPRISONMENT AND OPPOSITION (12-18)
1. Imprisonment has actually created opportunities to spread the
gospel (12-14)
a. Things have turned out to the furtherance of the gospel,
for even among the palace guard it is evident his chains
are in Christ (12-13)
b. His example has emboldened others to speak without fear
(14)
2. Even opposition has provided opportunity for Christ to be
preached (15-18)
a. While some preach Christ out of love and good will, others
do so with envy and strife, hoping to make things harder
for Paul (15-17)
b. Yet Paul rejoices that in every way Christ is preached (18)
B. PAUL'S EXPECTATION OF DELIVERANCE (19-26)
1. He knows all will turn out well for his salvation (19-20)
a. Through their prayers and the help of the Holy Spirit (19)
b. He is confident that no matter what happens, Christ will be
magnified (20)
2. Whether he lives or dies, it will be a blessing (21-23)
a. To live is Christ, to die is gain (21)
b. To live will mean fruitful labor, but to depart and be with
Christ will be far better for him personally (22-23)
3. Knowing their need of him at the present, he is confident of
coming to them once again (24-26)
III. EXHORTATION TO STAND FAST (27-30)
A. STRIVE TOGETHER FOR THE FAITH OF THE GOSPEL (27)
1. He pleads that their conduct be worthy of the gospel (27a)
2. So that whether present or absent, he may hear that they are
standing fast in one spirit, united in their efforts for the
faith of the gospel (27b)
B. DO NOT BE TERRIFIED BY YOUR ADVERSARIES (28-30)
1. For such confidence is not a sign of perdition, but of
salvation from God (28)
2. They have been granted not only to believe in Jesus, but also
to suffer for Him even as he does (29-30)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-11)
- The situation in Rome (12-26)
- Exhortation to stand fast (27-30)
2) Who joins Paul in addressing this epistle? To whom is it sent? (1)
- Timothy
- The saints in Christ Jesus in Philippi, with the bishops and
deacons
3) For what is Paul thankful concerning the Philippians? (5)
- For their fellowship in the gospel
4) What is Paul confident of concerning the Philippians? (6)
- That God will complete the work begun in them until the day of
Jesus Christ
5) Upon what basis did Paul have this confidence concerning the
Philippians? (7)
- Their participiation with Paul in both his chains and in the
proclamation of the gospel
6) What four things did Paul pray for in behalf of the Philippians?
(9-11)
- That their love might abound in knowledge and discernment
- That they might approve the things that are excellent
- That they might be sincere and without offense till the day of
Christ
- That they might be filled with the fruits of righteousness which
are by Jesus Christ
7) What was the effect of Paul's imprisonment? (12)
- It actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel
8) What was Paul's attitude about those preaching Christ out of envy
and strife, trying to do him harm? (15-18)
- Christ was still being preached, and in that Paul rejoiced
9) What was Paul's earnest desire and expectation that he could do with
all boldness? (20)
- To magnify Christ in his body, whether by life or by death
10) What was Paul's attitude toward life and death? (21)
- To live is Christ, and to die is gain
11) Between what two things was Paul hard pressed? (23-24)
- A desire to depart and be with Christ
- A realization that to remain in the flesh was more needful for
them
12) What sort of conduct did Paul consider worthy of the gospel of
Christ? (27)
- Standing fast in one spirit, with one mind stringing together for
the faith of the gospel
13) What had been granted to the Philippians on behalf of Christ? (29)
- Not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake
Salutation To The Philippians (1:1-2)
INTRODUCTION
1. In our previous lesson we introduced the book of Philippians as a book
that is very relevant to our times
2. As we actually begin our study of this epistle, we shall examine
Paul's salutation as found in the first two verses...
[First, we notice...]
I. THE "AUTHOR" OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS "PAUL"...
1. This is the apostle Paul, of course
2. Who was once the "persecutor" - Ac 8:1,3
3. But is now the "persecuted"
a. For he is writing this while in Roman custody - Ph 1:12-14
b. During the time period mention in Ac 28:30
B. HE IS JOINED IN THE SALUTATION BY "TIMOTHY"...
1. A travelling companion who joined Paul during his second
journey - Ac 16:1-3
2. He was a young man, devoted to serving Paul, whom Paul loved as
a son - Ph 2:19-22
3. He later was the recipient of two other epistles by Paul (1 & 2
Timothy)
C. TOGETHER, THEY ARE DESCRIBED AS "SERVANTS"...
1. A title of humility, it denotes dependence, obedience, and
acknowledgment of ownership
2. Used in connection with Jesus Christ...
a. It is a word with real dignity
b. Indicates intense devotion to the Lord
[Having considered those responsible for this epistle, we next take a
look at those to whom it is addressed...]
II. THE "RECIPIENTS" OF THIS EPISTLE
A. IDENTIFIED AS "SAINTS IN CHRIST JESUS"...
1. The term "saint" was a common term by which ALL Christians were
called in the New Testament
a. Literally, it means "holy one" - cf. 1 Pe 2:9
b. The basic idea behind the word is that of "separation", for
the purpose of consecration
2. But note that they were called saints "in Christ Jesus"
a. It is in Him that we are set apart
b. Only by virtue by being in Him and having our sins forgiven
by His blood can we be called saints - cf. Re 1:5-6; 5:9-10
3. It is interesting to notice the contrast between "servants"
and "saints"
a. By using such terms, Paul immediately humbles himself and
exalts those to whom he is writing
b. Thereby practicing what he later preaches in regards to
humility - cf. Ph 2:3
B. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE THE SAINTS "WHO ARE IN PHILIPPI"...
1. That is, the church in Philippi
2. The beginning of the church is found in Ac 16:9-15
a. Prompted by the "Macedonia Call"
b. Started with the conversion of Lydia
3. Its early growth is also found in Acts 16 (verses 16-40)
a. With the conversion of the Philippian jailor and his
family
b. With the church meeting in Lydia's home
c. And with Luke staying at Philippi after Paul's departure
4. Several things may be said about the characteristics of the
church
a. It appears to be predominantly Gentile (lack of a synagogue
in Philippi would suggest this)
b. It appears to be predominantly female (implied by meeting in
Lydia's home and the reference to women in Ph 4:2)
c. They were very supportive in the preaching of the gospel
- Ph 4:15-16
d. They provided for needy saints in other areas - 2 Co 8:1-5
e. They cared for Paul in his distress - Ph 4:10,14
C. ALSO ADDRESSED WERE THE "BISHOPS AND DEACONS"...
1. In this verse, we see the organization of a local church as
God intended
a. It is made up of "saints" (the members)
b. It is overseen by "bishops"
c. It is served with the assistance of "deacons"
2. Concerning the "bishops" (translated "overseers" in some
versions)...
a. These were men charged with guarding the flock and providing
spiritual food
b. They were also called "elders" (or "presbyters"), and
"pastors" (or "shepherds") - cf. Ac 20:17,28; 1 Pe 5:1-2
1) For they were older men
2) And they were to feed (or pastor) the flock under
their charge
c. According to the New Testament...
1) They had to meet certain qualifications before they were
appointed to serve as "elders-bishops-pastors" - 1 Ti 3:
1-7; Ti 1:5-9
2) There was always a plurality in the congregation, never
just one - cf. Ac 14:23; Ac 20:17; Ph 1:1
3. Concerning the "deacons"...
a. The term means "servants" or "ministers"
b. They also had to meet certain qualifications - 1 Ti 3:8-13
c. They served the needs of the congregation, under the
oversight of the bishops (elders-pastors)
[So the recipients of this epistle was a well-established congregation,
one that had demonstrated their love and support for the apostle Paul.
Finally, we briefly notice the greetings given to them...]
III. THE "GREETINGS"
A. "GRACE"...
1. This was the common greeting of the Greeks
2. It speaks of wishing unmerited favor and kindness upon them
B. "PEACE"...
1. This was common greeting of the Jews ("Shalom!") 2. It speaks of the result of receiving favor and kindness
C. "FROM GOD OUR FATHER AND THE LORD JESUS CHRIST"...
1. This is the source of grace and peace which Paul desires the
Philippians to receive
2. For when one has received unmerited favor and kindness from God
through His Son Jesus Christ, one truly receives peace:
a. Peace with God - Ro 5:1
b. Peace with men - Pro 16:7
c. Peace with one's self - Ph 4:6-7
CONCLUSION
1. At this point, we can see that this epistle is a personal letter
between...
a. A man in chains who is accompanied with a dear friend
b. And a congregation of holy people whose love for this man has
been demonstrated on several occasions
2. In the next lesson, we shall examine the "joyful thanksgiving" on the
part of Paul for the fellowship he has enjoyed with the church at
Philippi
In the meantime, are you experiencing the grace and peace that comes only
from "God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"...?
Paul's Thanksgiving For The Philippians (1:3-8)
INTRODUCTION
1. In the last study we examined the salutation of Paul and Timothy to
the brethren at Philippi (1:1-2)
2. As is quite common in Paul's epistles, an expression of thanksgiving
follows the salutation
3. In this epistle to the Philippians, we find Paul's thanksgiving in
verses 3-8, where we begin to look into "the window of Paul's own
bosom"
[As we examine this passage, three things stand out, the first being
that Paul is...]
I. THANKFUL FOR THEIR FELLOWSHIP (3-5)
A. THE MEMORIES OF THEIR FELLOWSHIP WAS A SOURCE OF GREAT JOY...
1. Every time he remembered them, it made him glad!
2. The memories were a source of frequent joy, because every
time he prayed, he included them
a. Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle
Paul
b. It evidently included frequent prayers for those with whom he
had labored in the past - cf. Co 1:3; 1 Th 1:2
3. The joyful memories were the result of sharing together in the
work of the gospel
a. "From the first day..."
1) From the day that Lydia opened her home to him
2) As recorded in Ac 16:15
b. "...until now."
1) This would include the "giving and receiving" when he
first left Macedonia, and also in Thessalonica - Ph 4:
15-16
2) And now that he is in Rome, with the gift sent to him by
Epaphroditus - Ph 4:18
B. THIS ILLUSTRATES THE BLESSING OF "PLEASANT MEMORIES", AND THE
"FELLOWSHIP" THAT CREATES THEM...
1. Pleasant memories are a blessing in difficult times...
a. Despite imprisonment, Paul could pray with joyful
thanksgiving as he remembered the Philippians
b. As one person put it: "God gave us memory so that we might
have roses in December."
2. But memory can be a curse instead of a blessing!
a. If we have spent our lives in sin and have troubled those
around us, memory can be a curse!
b. As someone said: "Most people live the first half of their
life making the second half of their life miserable!"
c. For memories to be a blessing to us, we must be a blessing to
others!
3. The sort of fellowship experienced between Paul and the
Philippians creates the most precious memories!
a. Fellowship in the gospel of Christ!
b. Sharing together in spreading the Word, either directly by
teaching or indirectly by supporting those who teach
[How comforting it must have been for Paul, though experiencing
imprisonment, to be able to look back upon his relationship with the
Philippians with such joyful memories!
What kind of memories are we creating today? It will affect the kind
of future we have!
As Paul continues his expression of thanksgiving, he writes that he
is...]
II. CONFIDENT GOD WILL COMPLETE HIS WORK IN THEM (6-7)
A. THE BASIS FOR SUCH CONFIDENCE...
1. Certainly it involves the faithfulness of God Himself, as
expressed throughout the Scriptures
a. E.g., in helping us to handle temptations - 1 Co 10:13
b. E.g., in providing forgiveness when we succumb to temptations
- 1 Jn 1:9
2. But Paul also took into consideration the faithfulness of the
Philippians
a. They were willing to share in his chains - cf. Ph 2:29-30
b. They were willing to share in the defense and confirmation of
the gospel (through their support of Paul)
c. As such, they were sharing together in the grace of God!
B. THIS PASSAGE SHOULD REMIND US THAT WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR GROWTH
AS CHRISTIANS...
1. That God "began a good work" in our conversion, a work that
involved:
a. His providence, in giving us an opportunity to hear the
gospel - Ti 2:11
b. His regeneration, when we responded to the commands of the
gospel - Ti 3:4-7
2. As we continue to "work out our own salvation", God is right
there with us:
a. Certainly we must cooperate with God - Ph 2:12
b. But God is truly at work within us! - Ph 2:13
c. And He provides whatever help we need - Ph 4:13
3. This Divine Help will be with us "until the day of Jesus Christ"
a. The "Day" when Christ comes to be glorified - 2 Th 1:10
b. The same "Day" we will be glorified with Him, by virtue of
God's goodness and work in conjunction with our faith - 2 Th
1:11-12
[With such help as the basis of our confidence, as long as we are
faithful and partakers of God's grace, He will complete His work in us!
(but note carefully He 3:12-14).
Finally, we notice in this thanksgiving of Paul...]
III. HIS DEEP LONGING FOR THEM (8)
A. IN EXPRESSING THE DEPTH OF HIS AFFECTION FOR THEM...
1. He calls upon God as a witness!
a. He Who knows the hearts of all men
b. And certainly Who knows the heart of Paul!
2. He describes it as the "affection of Jesus Christ"!
a. I.e., the same sort of love Jesus has toward us
b. Even as Jesus commanded His disciples, to love one another as
He loved us - Jn 13:34
B. THIS SORT OF LOVE SHOULD CHARACTERIZE ALL DISCIPLES...
1. This is how the world will know that we are truly the disciples
of Jesus - Jn 13:35
2. Such love comes only by being taught by God - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And how does He teach us? Through the example of His Own Son!
- 1 Jn 3:16
CONCLUSION
1. How close Paul must have felt toward the brethren at Philippi!
2. And this is understandable, because it was the pleasant memories of
their fellowship in the gospel of Christ that gave Paul such joy and
confidence in the well-being of the Philippians
3. Note how all these things relate together:
a. Joy and confidence comes from pleasant memories
b. Pleasant memories come from fellowship in the gospel of Christ
4. If we lack the joy and confidence we desire, the key is to create
pleasant memories by sharing with other workers in the spread of the
gospel!
5. Finally...
a. Has God begun a good work in you? (via your obedience to the
gospel?)
b. Will He complete it until the day of Jesus Christ? (via your
faithful service to the Lord?)
Paul's Prayer For The Philippians (1:9-11)
INTRODUCTION
1. True to the form found in several of his epistles, Paul follows his
salutation and thanksgiving with a prayer for his readers
2. Found in 1:9-11, we find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about
four things in the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at
Philippi
[The first of these is...]
I. THAT THEIR LOVE MAY ABOUND (9)
A. "STILL MORE AND MORE"...
1. We have seen where they had excelled in their love toward Paul
and others in the past
a. Towards Paul - Ph 4:15-16
b. Towards the needy saints in Jerusalem - 2 Co 8:1-5
2. But a cardinal principle of Christian growth is that it should
never stop!
a. In developing the graces of a Christ-like character, we
should always be increasing - cf. 2 Pe 1:5-8
b. Even if we are in no need for someone to teach us "how" to
love, we can always use the admonition to "increase" our
love! - e.g., 1 Th 4:9-10
3. And so, Paul prays that their love may abound "still more and
more"
B. "IN KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT"...
1. These are the "guidelines" in which their love was to abound
a. "in knowledge" - according to the right moral principles
(which comes from God's Word)
b. "all discernment" - using wisdom to apply these moral
principles most effectively (such wisdom comes from asking
for it in prayer - Ja 1:5; Pro 2:1-9)
2. Thus Paul's prayer is that their love may abound for the right
things and in the right way!
[If Paul felt such was necessary for the Philippians, how much more for
ourselves today! May we never be satisfied with the degree of love
that we may have, but strive to increase our knowledge and wisdom of
how to love others more abundantly.
As Paul continues, it is his prayer for the Philippians...]
II. THAT THEY MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT (10a)
A. THE "PURPOSE" OF ABOUNDING IN LOVE STILL MORE AND MORE?
1. It is possible that Paul is being progressive in his thoughts
here
2. I.e., rather than just listing four equal but unrelated thoughts
in this prayer, each of the four are related and the last three
are but building on the thoughts which precede them (a form of
"stairlike" progressive parallelism common in Hebrew writings)
3. If such is the case, then Paul is now explaining "why" our love
should abound...
B. "MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT"...
1. To "approve" is to "try, test, demonstrate"
2. This passage is reminiscent of Ro 12:2, where we learn that we
are to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will
of God"
3. Prove to whom?
a. To ourselves? Certainly...
b. But even more so, to prove to others that God's way is the
best way! - cf. 1 Pe 2:15
[Therefore, by abounding in love still more and more with all knowledge
and discernment, we are able to demonstrate by our "actions" that God's
way is the more excellent way!
But there is another reason, as we continue to see that Paul is
concerned for the Philippians...]
III. THAT THEY MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE (10b)
A. DEFINING "SINCERE" AND "WITHOUT OFFENSE"...
1. "sincere" involves:
a. Having perfect openness toward God and man
b. With a clear conscience (not hypocritical)
2. "without offense" means not to provide occasions for others to
stumble - Ro 14:13
B. SUCH VIRTUES WILL BE FOUND IN THOSE WHO ARE...
1. Abounding in love still more and more, in knowledge and all
discernment!
2. Approving the things that are excellent by their conduct!
-- See Paul's progression in thought?
C. PAUL'S CONCERN IS THAT THESE VIRTUES WILL LAST "TILL THE DAY OF
CHRIST"...
1. This is the second time in this epistle Paul has referred to
this "day" (cf. 1:6)
2. He is referring to the day when Christ comes again, a day of
"destruction" for some, but "glory" for others! - 2 Th
1:7-12
3. Perhaps Paul's concern that these virtues of being "sincere and
without offense" lasting till the day of Christ is based upon
what will happen to those in the kingdom who are guilty of such
things - cf. Mt 13:41-43
[Such a strong warning by Jesus Himself should encourage us to take the
thoughts of Paul very seriously!
Finally, we notice in Paul's prayer for the Philippians a concern for
their...]
IV. BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (11)
A. WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF...
1. Abounding in love still more and more in knowledge and all
discernment
2. Approving the things that are excellent
3. Being sincere and without offense
-- Notice again the "stairlike" progressive parallelism@!
B. SUCH FRUITS ARE POSSIBLE ONLY "BY JESUS CHRIST"...
1. For without Him, we would not know what true love really is!
- 1 Jn 3:16
2. For without Him, we would not have the ability to demonstrate
what is excellent - cf. Ph 4:13
C. SUCH FRUITS ARE TO BE OFFERED "TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD"...
1. Just as Jesus said in letting our light shine - Mt 5:16
2. Just as Peter wrote in speaking of our good works - 1 Pe 2:12
3. And rightfully so, for it is God who through the gift of His Son
has...
a. Shown us what love really is
b. Taught us what things are really excellent in His sight
c. Empowered us to be able to demonstrate the excellence of His
Will, that we may be sincere and without offense!
CONCLUSION
1. Such is Paul's prayer for the Philippians, for a church that had
demonstrated it's love and faithfulness to Paul again and again
2. Even as excellent as the church was, Paul could still pray for them to
abound still more and more!
3. How much more, then, should we! May we take the prayer of Paul, and
make it our own for ourselves and for brethren we know!
Making Good Out Of Ill (1:12-18)
INTRODUCTION
1. As we continue our study, we should really begin to appreciate the
statement that "this epistle is like a window into the apostle's own
bosom."
2. We have already seen Paul's FONDNESS for the saints at Philippi, as
expressed in his thanksgiving (1:3-8) and prayer (1:9-11)
3. In this lesson, we shall see Paul's JOY, despite circumstances which
would cause most people to be despondent
4. The title of this lesson is "Making Good Out Of Ill", for this is
what Paul did, as we find in our text (1:12-18)
[Notice first, that Paul was "Making Good Out Of Ill", even...]
I. IN IMPRISONMENT (12-14)
A. PAUL INFORMS THEM OF THE PROGRESS OF THE GOSPEL (12)
1. The Philippians were aware of Paul's circumstances - cf. Ph 4:14
2. Yet he does not want them to be overly concerned
a. For he had "good news" - not bad news!
b. The "gospel" was still being spread!
3. Now, Paul could have looked at the bad side of his situation...
a. His own imprisonment
b. His restriction in travel
4. But Paul looked at life from the viewpoint of the gospel...
a. If the gospel was spreading, it was "good news"!
b. And his imprisonment was actually INCREASING the progress of
the gospel!
[How? Let's read on...]
B. THERE WERE SERMONS IN HIS CHAINS (13)
1. Being under "house arrest" (cf. Ac 28:30-31) constantly made
reference to the cause of Jesus Christ
a. He was not there for normal reasons (e.g., crimes)
b. So his situation naturally sparked interest and discussion
2. In this way, the message of the gospel was being made known to
"the whole palace guard"
a. Most likely the emperor's own guards, who were put in charge
of special prisoners awaiting their appeal before Caesar
b. Though allowed some freedom, Paul was still under constant
guard - cf. Ac 28:16
c. But these guards were also under the constant influence of
Paul and the gospel!
1) They could not help overhearing what Paul taught others!
- again cf. Ac 28:30-31
2) It is almost certain Paul would have tried to teach his
"captive audience" (those soldiers chained to him)
d. So it is possible that some of them were converted (for they
would be included of those "who are Caesar's household"
- cf. Ph 4:22)
3. The message was also being spread "to all the rest"
a. Perhaps by word of mouth
b. And by visitation - again cf. Ac 28:30-31
4. And so, Paul could see "good out of ill"!
a. Being in protective custody gave him free rein to preach the
gospel to guards and his visitors!
b. But he saw even more "good out of ill"...
C. HIS EXAMPLE WAS PROMPTING OTHERS TO ACTION (14)
1. His imprisonment caused most brethren to be more confident and
bold themselves
a. They saw that HE was at liberty to teach, "with all
confidence, no one forbidding him" (Ac 28:31)
b. That prompted THEM to "speak the word without fear" (Ph 1:
14)
2. So the gospel was being spread, and to Paul, that's GOOD news!
[There is an application for us to make today, but before we do so,
let's notice another example of how Paul was "making good out of ill",
even...]
II. IN PERSECUTION (15-18)
A. SOME WERE PREACHING TO HURT PAUL (15a,16)
1. Such individuals were motivated by "envy","strife", and "selfish
ambition"
2. They thought they could add affliction to Paul's chains
3. These individuals could either be "Judaizers" or jealous church
leaders
B. BUT WE SEE PAUL'S CONQUERING JOY SHINING THROUGH THE GLOOM (15b,