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We're starting to get into some rather smallish books, here near the end of the New Testament. However, the fun rarely stops alltogether. In this little book, Paul writes again to warn a set of believers against the dangers of false teachers, and the advantages of uniformity in thought.
Php 1:21-25 - For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I
am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do
not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire
is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to
remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. Since I am convinced
of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for
your progress and joy in faith...
Paul glorifies the idea of his death, and
apparently has no moral problem with the idea of voluntarily causing
his own death! The implications for this sort of thing is that many
people end up actually committing suicide after they feel assured
that they will go to heaven when they die. Instead of trying to
discourage this notion (and it happens, probably more often than any
church leader would like to admit), Paul talks as if it would be
understandable, and certainly not something to condemn!
Php 2:1,2 - If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any
consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and
sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same
love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Yes, folks, this is mind control. Paul has
written to others about the evils of disagreeing with him
specifically. Now, he wants the people in the church at Philippi to
make sure everyone agrees at all times. This might result in there
being no fights or disagreements, but it also keeps people from
having new, original ideas - which is a situation I think Paul would
consider to be desirable.
Php 2:19-21 - I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you
soon, so that I may be cheered by news of you. I have no one like him
who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. All of them are
seeking their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Paul goes back to bad-mouthing the people
around him, claiming that Timothy is the only one around who really
cares about helping God. I think there was more than a little of the
paranoid in Paul.
Php 4:11,12 - Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have
learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have
little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all
circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of
going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.
Paul is talking about physical aid from the
church. It looks here like he's trying to excite some feeling of
guilt among the church members. I expect it was not a completely
futile effort.
