Introduction
This congregation was undoubtedly very dear to Paul and the sentiments were reciprocated by them towards him too. The Philippian ecclesia represented unwavering, selfless love for one’s neighbour, which ultimately is the goal of the Torah. Without this kind of brotherly love for one another, may all attempts to uphold the laws of Elohim prove futile and redundant. That work which the Holy Spirit begins in us was beyond measure being completed in this assembly. They worried so much about Paul’s welfare, having been incarcerated in Rome, that he had to personally reassure them that his mind was at ease in the knowledge that his bonds in Messiah were actively furthering proclamation of the gospel, of which the very household of Caesar’s quarters had become devout converts.
He was neither perturbed by peddlers of a false gospel, as long as that precious message of Messiah was by default preached far and wide, inevitably captivating the attention of potential converts. Paul yearned to be with Messiah in heaven, but his love for evangelism of the gospel and the fruit born thereof, deemed it expedient for him to continue suffering persecution, if it would but win one extra soul for the kingdom of Elohim. Paul encouraged the Philippians to equally embrace trials for the sake of Yeshua’s name which would in the afterlife yield unimaginable rewards in heaven.
Paul intricately presents the mind of Messiah, of great humility for the deliverance and ultimate salvation of mankind. His dissection of the qualities of Yeshua, and the ineffable love He exhibited through His life, death and resurrection for sinful man, are a blueprint upon which our meekness and humility should be drawn upon. Paul encourages us to be like Him and a couple of saints whom he names, walking in the steps of Messiah, resisting evil, forsaking the trappings of fleeting worldly pursuits, pressing on wholeheartedly unto the high calling of Yehovah Almighty, that awaits all Christians who complete the race of life in righteousness. Paul closes off by thanking the Philippians for their generosity, but stresses the point that material gain is alien to his doctrine, but rather the bearing of fruit for the kingdom.