The concern that Paul, indeed the whole apostolic church, had for the poor clearly indicates that poverty was a major problem among the believers. Recall what the Saviour said to the messengers of John the Baptist. The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them, Matthew 11:5. Undoubtedly, there were many poor people amongst the saints, Roman 15:26. There were few of this world’s great men among the saints, I Cor 1:26.
What is more, the class of people from which the believers came would have been easy prey to the rich in Jewish society from which came the main persecution of the apostolic church. A look at James 2:6 and 5:1-6 shows difficulties that many faced because of poverty.To this day, the people of Israel are greatly sustained by their communities abroad.
Let us consider the concluding verses.
I. PAUL’S TRAVEL PLANS.
1. There are a number of indications that Paul was not sure of what he was going to do.
Verse 4, 6, 7, all indicate that he is not sure what it is he will do.
2. He changed his plans in the end.
Compare II Cor 1:15-16 and the verse 5.
3. In such circumstances it is wise to be conscious of our need of the Lord’s guidance.
Verse 7. He was subject to the Lord’s leave. Do we take time to consider the Lord’s will is such a common thing as travel?
4. Providence and wit are our chief guides in this matter.
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries, verses 8-9. Common sense told him that in the absence of any direct leading he should make full use of the opportunity presented to him in Ephesus. He saw it as an open door.
Note that open doors are surrounded by difficulties.
The statement at the end of verse 5 is an indication of his plan to pass through Macedonia rather than as it appears, an indication of his being in Macedonia. It was because of this that the statement is made at the end of the epistle that it was written in Philippi rather than Ephesus as verse 8 clearly shows.
II. PAUL’S APPEAL REGARDING HIS COMPANIONS.
1. Paul was fearful that Timothy would be despised.
Verse 11, despise. There were those who despised Paul. II Cor 10:10. Luke 23:11, Acts 4:4, Christ despised.
2. Note that Apollos was not under Paul’s authority.
Verse 12, Paul had not that authority that is exercised by those who claim to be the successors of the apostles.
3. Paul repeats his general appeal to the church.
Verses 13-14. Watchfulness, steadfastness, manliness, strength (grow stronger), charity. The five graces needed.
3. The refreshment that a diligent believer is.
Verses 15-18. Stephanas and his home was addicted to the cause of God’ saints, 15. The word means appointed, dedicated. It was their pleasure to serve the saints, not necessarily in any official capacity but in whatever way they could. This can only be said of a small number. He, Fortunatus and Achaicus did what others could not do, 17. They must be acknowledged and their administrations submitted to, 16, 18.
Another household of the same spirit was that of Aquila and Priscilla 19. Their home was home to God’s family, Rom 16:5.
III. CLOSING GREETINGS
1. Believers should be on speaking terms.
Here are greetings from all the believers in Asia.
2. Believers should have affection one for another.
The kiss on the cheek was the conventional greeting of Christian affection.
3. Paul seals the epistle with his own signature.
Paul did not do the actual writing of the epistle but a scribe did it for him but he signed it with his greeting, Col 4:18, II Thess 3:17, Gal 6:11.
4. A most solemn truth.
Paul had, as it were, to press one last time two great truths of the gospel upon his hearers. The curse under which the unbeliever abides and the great hope of the Christian.
5. Paul’s desire for them all.
Verses 23-24. The church which had sinned most against Paul is the one to which he expresses his love repeatedly.