9/24/2023 0 Comments I do all things through christHe says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (4:13). ![]() After a brief note urging two prominent female leaders in the Philippian church, Euodia and Syntyche, to resolve the conflict between them and that the Philippian church should continue to pursue all the virtues of the Christian life that they had seen in Paul while he was with them (4:2-9), Paul reveals the ultimate advantage of the Christian in coping with all circumstances and being content in any situation. He also encouraged the Philippian believers to see themselves where they truly belong, as citizens in heaven (3:17-4:1). One of the major themes of the letter is Paul’s “secret for being content.” As Paul describes, he realized a major key to a brighter future is breaking with the past and pressing toward the true heavenly goal that believers have been called to (3:7-16). Thus, in the letter Paul expresses his gratitude for their gifts and for the help he was receiving from one of their own members, Epaphroditus, who had come to minister unto him for a period of time while he was in prison (2:25- 30). The letter to the Philippians is a letter of thanks and encouragement to the church in Philippi because the Philippian believers had given financial support and other aid to Paul while he was in prison when no other church did (4:15). ![]() Roman imprisonment was a tough ordeal and Paul had spent a significant amount of time in custody by the time he wrote this letter (at least 3 years). Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians in the latter years of his life while in prison, most likely in the capital of Rome in the late 50’s or early 60’s AD (1:7, 13-14, 17). I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. When properly interpreted, the passage is Paul’s testimony that speaks of the confidence and faith he had in Christ, who gave him strength to endure untold affliction and tribulation while in prison. It has been wrongly applied to various life situations for those who deem it consoling, encouraging, or affirming of triumph during whatever obstacle, trial, or difficulty they are encountering. This is a great example of how to apply the basic principles of Biblical research to a specific section of Biblical text.Ībstract - Philippians 4:13 is one of the most misinterpreted and misused verses in the NT. ![]() Editor’s Note: This article is available at the author’s website: We are thankful for his permission to print it here.
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