Grace and Peace

DEVOTION

THE LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS

GRACE AND PEACE

Phil 1:1-6

1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

NIV

It is interesting this is a joint letter from Paul and Timothy. Why we have not given Timothy any authorship seems a little strange. Most of our scholars do not ascribe any of this letter to input from Timothy. The major thought among the scholars is that Paul simply attached Timothy’s name to this letter because Timothy was with him at the time. However, we cannot help but considering that Paul discussed the framework of this letter with Timothy, getting his views of the subject matter and what was going on in the church at Philippi. Nevertheless, we also note the letter included all the saints, the whole church, and Paul called out the bishops and deacons. In order words, Paul made sure the leadership of the church was included so they knew to also pay attention to his instructions, corrections, encouragements or rebukes. Again, our scholars cannot agree on any central theme of this letter as Paul seems to jump from point to point as well as informing them of his current situation. What we are going to attempt to do is to view this letter not so much in its entirety, as a central theme, but consider various statements or points that Paul makes. We will consider the historical or cultural references as well as look at it theologically, so to glean some truths for our lives today, as it has been placed in the canon, the Bible for generations after this letter was written to a specific church in a specific time and culture.  So then, we will accept the grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Again, as we have considered many times before this Greek word translated grace can be used to define an act of graciousness, which God the Father and Jesus most definitely did. The Father, by sending the Son, and the Son by dying on the Cross, taking our sin with him to the grave, leaving it there, when he was resurrected. Our sin has been buried and forgotten by the Father and the Son. In addition to that view of the grace, the Greek word is also used in the context of the church, as the divine influence upon our hearts and how that is reflected in our lives. So then as we are blessed with the grace of God the Father and of Jesus Christ, we have his divine influence upon us, directing us, watching over us, giving us the assurance of his love. We also have the blessing of his peace. Again, this could mean the absence of the havoc of war, but that is not the appropriate use in this context. There is a view of this Greek word that is distinct to Christianity which best fits the intent of this letter and to all generations of believers that follow. This meaning is the tranquil state of the soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is. Paul makes it clear in his letter to the Romans that the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace. This is the divine influence referred to in this peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. We live with and by their grace and peace.