Paul’s Purpose in Writing to the Philippians
Paul wrote to the Philippians to encourage them. The letter is positive and warm-hearted, emphasising motivation rather than rebuke. Paul is edifying with truth and informing with hope, as the recipients enjoy a strong bond with him. He loves them, and cares for them as a spiritual father; they love him, and are unwavering in their support and care. Of course, to say that he simply ‘encouraged’ them is too vague, and sounds rather un-purposeful. He encouraged them in three distinct ways: encouraging them with updates, encouraging them to remain steadfast, and most notably encouraging them to grow stronger in their faith.[1] The Cradle, the Cross and the Crown similarly says the main purpose is, “…partnership in the gospel and walking worthy of the gospel.”[2] Whatever the purpose is defined as, there is a significant emphasis on the impact of the gospel in the lives of the Philippians. Paul intends to lovingly ensure that both faith and practice are being strengthened and built up, so that God is glorified in His church. There are straightforward statements that Paul makes such as in Philippians 1:27, “Only live your lives in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”, which summarises his purpose well; to be encouraged, and here to be encouraged to live worthy lives because of the glory of the gospel! This encouragement is described more intrinsically in 3:1, “Finally my brothers, rejoice in the Lord”, and in 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Contrast this with Galatians 3:1, where Paul says “O foolish Galatians, who bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?” Clearly there is a unique purpose in writing to the Philippians that is not simply regurgitated by Paul. He deliberately writes in order to inspire and spur on the Philippian believers.
One practical way Paul encourages the Philippians is by informing them that Timothy, himself, and Epaphroditus are each going to come to them and fellowship among them, lifting the spirits of all. This is stated in 2:19, “But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be in good spirits when I learn of your circumstances”; 2:24, “and I am confident in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly”; and 2:25, 28 “But I regarded it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need…I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned.” These visits contribute towards the same purpose as the letter: to encourage the saints at Philippi.
Secondly, Paul encourages them to remain steadfast (see 1:27-30). This is something that the whole letter accomplishes, and includes exhortations such as in 3:2, “Beware of the dogs! Beware of the evil workers! Beware of the mutilation!”, and in 3;17, “Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Paul wants them to be built up and firmly planted, and encourages them to engage in this effort. He offers his own example to deepen the sense of encouragement, by making a humble and accessible statement as he writes in 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul wants them to become more and more sanctified, so that they are able to stand strong when trials and opposition arise, just as he has dealt with himself.
Finally, and most notably, Paul writes to the Philippians to encourage them to grow in their faith (see 4:8-9). This overlaps with the previous point, but it even more thoroughly saturates the letter, such as in 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus”, and 2:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul is enjoying his role as a fatherly figure, wanting to encourage the Philippians in the present, but always looking toward their ongoing growth and progress in faith, that they might fully follow his example in Christ.
The purpose of Philippians is to encourage those believers to embrace the blessings of their faith, to hold their faith steadfastly, and to grow in their faith continuously. This brings Paul great hope and joy, but ultimately brings great glory to God. “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you” … “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in full knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and without fault until the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (1:3, 9-11).
