The Art of Joy Pt.1: Joy in a Philippian Jail.
Jamieson, R., et al. (1999) points out that, “the Object of the Epistle is general: not only to thank the Philippians for their contribution sent by Epaphroditus, who was now returning to take back the apostle’s letter, but to express his Christian love and sympathy.” The purpose for writing the letter goes deeper than mere pleasantries. Jamieson, R., et al. (1999) goes on to say, that it was also written, “to exhort them to a life consonant with that of Christ, and to warn them against existing dissensions and future possible assaults of Judaizers from without.” Yet the prevailing theme of the Book of Philippians is Joy / Rejoicing. Philippians itself is a small epistle but the numerous mentions of rejoicing or joy is noteworthy. It stands out as the major theme in this letter.
The account of the formation of the church in Philippi in recorded in Act 16:11-12, reveals that the church was birthed out of one of Paul’s great trials. He was put in prison. It is a testimony to how God can bring something beautiful out of some of our most difficult moments. Paul along with his companion Silas, began rejoicing and worshiping within the stocks. That rejoicing resulted in the freeing and conversion of every one in the Philippian jail. Including the jailer. This is believed to be the initial nucleus that birthed the Philippian church. The Philippians are thus very acquainted with the concept of rejoicing in difficult situations. Paul then revives the example of what led to their initial conversion and formation of their community to encourage the Philippian church to greater levels of faithfulness in trying times. At the time he writes this letter to them, he is once again under imprisonment. Paul opens up in Philippians 1:4 by letting the saints know that his every prayer for them is always made with joy. Urging them to find things to rejoice about when circumstances are less than ideal, Pauls even goes so far as to say that He rejoices even when some preach the gospel with ulterior motives because, “whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached” (Philippians 1:18). He constantly reinforces this idea that even when things don’t happen the way that he might have preferred, God’s agenda is still being fulfilled and that’s a reason to rejoice. Not to celebrate the folly of men but to celebrate that God’s work is being done. Even when it comes down to life and death Paul says that, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21). Setting the joy of living and even dying for Christ above the pressure of life. Paul reminds them to walk in the joy and hope of the promise of the day of Christ which will reveal the true value of the life we have live in Christ. (Philippians 2:16-18).
“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
Philippians 4:4 (KJV)
